By: Dania Chaudhry
A schedule mistake. Advice for the future. A stressful class you thought you could handle. These are all examples of situations that commonly occur in the everyday lives of students at Syosset High School. When students are faced with these challenges, their first stop is often the Guidance Office. The crucial role a guidance counselor plays in students’ lives is a job worth exploring.
The most noticeable part of these counselors’ work, which differentiates it from other jobs, is the spontaneity of their schedule. Guidance counselor Jason Miller said, “There really is no such ‘typical’ day for a school counselor, and it is what I like most. So much of it varies on the time of year and the needs of the students. Most days start with checking emails and reviewing the schedules for student meetings, teacher consultations, and urgent concerns that arise.” There is much behind-the-scenes work, check-ins, and even celebrations happening for students without them even knowing. Counselor Joanna Scordo said, “We meet about students even when students aren’t there. School counselors regularly collaborate with teachers, psychologists, and administrators to make sure students are getting the help they need. We cheer students on more than they realize.” This sends a positive message that even when students don’t know it, their guidance counselors act as some of their biggest supporters.
A major aspect that contributes to such an uncertain day is how many different hats counselors wear. Guidance counselors don’t only solve scheduling puzzles and enroll students in classes, but also help meet emotional and social needs. Describing the unique parts of her job, Ms. Beth Waschitz said, “I think students would be surprised to know how many different things we are involved in throughout the course of a day. So much planning and organization behind the scenes goes into…mental health training. We need to be prepared for everyone and every situation that walks through our door. With our developmental school counseling model, we support students academically, socially, and emotionally.”
After numerous meetings with a student throughout the highs and lows of a four-year period filled with change and emotion, counselors often develop a strong bond with many of their students. Ms. Jessica Krefetz said, “It is truly rewarding to watch them grow throughout their high school experience and transition from freshmen into seniors preparing for their next chapter, whatever that may be. Being a small part of their journey and supporting them along the way is incredibly meaningful. Over the years, I’ve seen so many persevere through incredibly challenging circumstances, and their strength and resilience continue to inspire me.” Students change immensely during their academic journey from freshman to senior year, which highlights how much growth naturally occurs during adolescence. This change is most visible to school counselors, who remain with students throughout their entire high school experience.
Guidance counselors play one of the most important roles in a student’s high school experience because they support students from the beginning freshman stage to the ending, college-bound young adult stage. Although students may only visit their school counselors when something goes wrong, guidance counselors quietly support some of the most important decisions a young adult makes in preparation for the rest of their lives. “School counselors celebrate when students improve grades, get into a program, solve a problem, or simply have a better week than the last one,” said Ms. Scordo.
