Blog 3: Personal Issues

After reading the chapter on six qualities of comprehensive school counseling programs, there was an important concept that I felt that all school counselors should be aware of.  Our role is to help guide the students through academics; however, if a student is experiencing outside issues than they need to be addressed first.  I was impressed with Mr. Paulson and his initiative to help out Ty.  Even though his supervisor did not seem to be interested in this case, Mr. Paulson took it upon himself to see what he could do to assist Ty.  I understand that all the cases that may be brought to us may not be an issue that we can deal with on our own.  We may need to recommend family counseling but at the very least, something should be recommended and there could still be a time for Ty to meet with the counselor.  As an educator now, I notice the impact of what happens outside the classroom has an effect on their performance within the classroom.  It is a shame that some students are up all night with their siblings, have not eaten, or may have been abused, but unfortunately it is a reality.    Counselors have the responsibility of so many students and it is vital that we balance our primary activities, which according to Dollarhide and Saginak (2012), is to counsel, educate, consult and collaborate, leadership, coordination and advocacy.  We need to be there for the students and help in every way that we can to insure their academic success. 

Another area of the chapter that stood out to be was career development.  I do not believe that there is anything wrong with discussions relating to the career development.  At Hamilton, the counselor has a lesson for grades K-5 regarding careers.  At the age of five you may not know what you want to be when you grow up but that does not mean that you can’t be introduced to various careers.  The decision process is what happens later in life and it may not even happen until you are in college exploring the different opportunities.  I feel as though at any age it is acceptable to have a discussion on careers because it could only help.  It allows you to become familiar of what is out there and as you continue through your education you learn more about a specific career that may spike your interest.  We want to empower our students in every way that we can and encourage them to be successful in this world.  In conclusion, it is important to remember the effects of outside issues that your students may bring with them to school and that it is never too early to educate the students on careers. 

Dollarhide, C. & Saginak, K. (2012). Comprehensive school counseling programs: K-12 delivery systems in action (2^nd ed.).  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.