Sonya Gilb
High School Counselor
Emmett J. Conrad Global Studies H-TECH
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Disliked school until I moved to Colorado and began high school. Joined volleyball and yearbook. Realized I was the happiest I had ever been and never wanted to leave. Decided to become a teacher.
Started college at Colorado State University. Had an amazing two years and made great friends. Met a boyfriend and transferred to Texas Tech (which is where I thought he'd move, but he didn't).
Left Texas Tech after one year- again, to follow boyfriend. Ended up at University of North Texas.
Spent the next three years or so at UNT, working as a waitress and going to school. Relationship with boy I moved all around the country for took a very bad turn. Managed to graduate in December.
Moved in with my mother after college graduation and sold cars for my stepfather at his used car business. I knew it was temporary, but I needed to get my head together.
Moved back to Dallas after 5 months of selling cars. Called every high school in the phone book about open teaching positions. One finally said yes! Taught Spanish and ESL. Stayed for 6 years.
Took promotion to work as an instructional specialist. Realized I missed kids after 2 years on the job. Heard about a new high school opening in a diverse Dallas neighborhood. Applied and taught ESL.
Taught ESL for 6 years. Decided I wanted to become a counselor. Worked as a test coordinator while earning my Master's. Unbelievably blessed to be hired at the same school as a counselor 4 years ago!
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Heritage High School Littleton, Colorado
Heritage High School Littleton, Colorado
Career
High School Counselor
I guide amazing students every day in discovering, setting, and achieving goals for college, career, and life decisions.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People
Day to Day
As a school counselor, every day (and hour) is different. I might conference with a student who is failing courses, then assist seniors in selecting dual credit classes. I might discuss higher education with a group of juniors, then leave to attend a Collegeboard training. I might talk with a student who is having relationship difficulties or visit the nurse about a student who needs medical accommodations. At night I will be updating our website, writing recommendations, or possibly sleeping!
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
If you think you would like to be a teacher or a counselor, I'd suggest you shadow one first to see what his or her day is really like. The glimpse you get as a student is only a small part of what your teacher or counselor does every day. I would also suggest staying in touch with at least one teacher / counselor from your high school as you head to college. They may be able to mentor you or suggest someone better suited- and also help you network!
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"I didn't HEAR discouragement- but as the first in my family to attend college, I didn't receive encouragement either. College wasn't something we talked about at home or planned for. I was lucky; I applied because all of my friends were. "
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
