President’s Letter: Rising to the Challenge of Change

Here we are, school counselors embarking in a world completely upside down, in an unfamiliar and new time for us all. As we acclimate to the world of educating and supporting our students in a pandemic, it can be scary and exhausting. Our instinctual reaction may be to grasp onto the things we are used to doing and hold fast to what we know. And in some cases, this automatic response may serve us well. But I can’t help but ask… What if we decided to fight this instinct and run in a new direction? What if we chose this new era to adapt, grow and advocate for our role as a school counselor within our school, our district or even statewide?

For me, the thought is both daunting and exhilarating. It brings me back to a quote that resonated with me long ago when I found myself at my own professional crossroads. “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Socrates’ words resonated with me as I struggled with a large weight of what to do and did not have a very good attitude about it. I would be lying if I told you I haven’t had similar moments of cynicism when reflecting on the havoc that COVID-19 has played out in my world. But just as I am sure many of you have done in your counseling, I reminded myself of a simple truth: We may not have control over what is happening around us, but we do have control in how we respond. In this moment of hardship, I think I’ll choose to pour my energy into looking at how to best grow our school counseling program in a way that is innovative and meets kids where they are. Perhaps, as a school counselor, I have something important to bring to the decision-making table about our educational future and the impact these closures have had on our students. Kids need us now more than ever to reach them in ways we may not yet know how best to do. This might just be our moment to advocate louder than ever before.

As I wondered where to start, I realized that this journey would be better traveled with a few key components and vital players. First, I plan to get a united vision with my team. In our wonderful state, this may look different depending on the size of the school. You may have multiple counselors or be a one-person show. Find the people around you with the same attitude, passion and student-centered vision. Second, plan to use data to drive the decisions and find out what it is that your kids and your school need in this moment. And finally, partner with leadership and foster those relationships as best you can. Help them see that we can bring insight and support in the adversity our kids, staff and community are facing. I feel blessed that these three things exist in my counseling world. They give me the extra push to do the work that is difficult but so very important work. I am sending positive vibes as you all conquer and greatly impact the 2020-21 school year!

Contact Kara Miller, WySCA president-elect, at kpmiller@pcsd1.org.