What I Discovered
What I thought I knew and assumed does not match up with what my research revealed. I assumed students could get all the help they needed with no difficulty or harassment. I assumed school counselors played a role in most students lives. I assumed simply talking to a student was all it took. After conducting my research, I found that not only do students need to be conversed with, but they need have a positive influence on all major aspects of their life. This can prove challenging unless the counselor and the parent are working together. The school counselor must address academics and the social well being of the student.
They need to be approachable and form no predetermined bias against the student, while parent addresses the child at home, focusing on relationships and a suitable homelife. When the counselor and parent work together, the counselor is less likely to overstep their boundaries. I thought that the only technique in help the student was to talk with and understand what they feel. Due to my research I have found that a much better approach is to mentor the student academically, converse with the student on social issues and emotional insecurities, and help them to manage good, healthy relationships.
As I would intern at Davis Middle School, I saw the counselors there struggle to help every student due to the small number of them compared to the entire students body. School systems do not make a necessity, such as counselors, as available to students because they are understaffed and unrecognized. I believe I can make a difference in counseling. My mentorship and research has shown me what my passion is. I intend to care for students and watch the grow, learn, and become strong with not only the assistance of myself, but their parents as well. Conducting this research, and gaining knowledge on this topic, has revealed to me that I can truly make a difference in a student’s life. I plan to apply the information I sought in my future career and hope it helps to inform both parents and counselors on an aggressive method to be a positive influence.
