Lifelong learning is a concept
that I have become accustomed to over the past twenty years since graduating
high school. It is an aspect that has been further emphasized throughout this
graduate program. I have always loved to learn more, especially when it is done
by my own will. I enjoy collaborating with others, attending conferences and
workshops, as well as leading whenever necessary. Ethics; however, has always
put me a bit on the edge. I do become a little anxious with the thought of
being faced with an ethical dilemma and not having the support network to turn
to. I am thrilled that the cohort I am in the program with is making such a
concerted effort in creating a support system and resource avenue. I admit that
although I look forward to reading ASCA's Ethical & Legal Issues in School
Counseling, it is also overwhelming at 500 plus pages. To add to that,
Dollarhide and Saginak (2012) suggest reading the ethical standards from the
Association for Specialists in Group Work, the National Career Development
Association, and the American Counseling Association. That is a lot of reading.
In addition, I am more anxious about keeping up with the laws that are
pertinent to our professional services. I can foresee ensuring a seat for a
local attorney in the advisory council.
Letting go is another aspect
that I know that I must deal with. I have been experiencing this personally as
my 16 year-old over the past four months has been pursuing persistently and
haphazardly complete freedom. There comes a time, especially with older
adolescents, when you have to set particular boundaries, give valuable
information, and then let them choose whether to make the healthy or unhealthy
choice. It is painful to watch them make the unhealthy choices, but as long as
the boundaries were set to ensure their safety, then all you can hope is that
they will eventually chalk it up to learning what not to do in the future.
I appreciated much of Dollarhide
and Saginak's (2012) various discussions on the idea I have always referred to
as 'self care.' I recognize self-care as an area that I have been lacking in
for several years, even before starting the graduate program. This semester I
have been making more of a concerted effort to reincorporate activities and
strategies that offer my mind, body, and spirit a chance to renew. For
instance, I have made the conscious decision to be sleeping by midnight each
night. With one or two exceptions, I have accomplished this. I have also made
the decision to exercise again and have successfully run my first 5K in October
despite being sick for the majority of the semester. I know that when I am centered, I am healthy
in my personal life and in turn will have a greater chance of making healthy
professional choices.
Dollarhide, C. T. & Saginak, K. A. (2012). Comprehensive school counseling programs:
K-12 delivery systems in action (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River,
NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
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