Milestones

My road in life took a while to figure out.
I had an interest in learning more about people and their behavior...how we become who we are.
Majored in Psychology because it sounded fun.
Realized I needed more direction, so I concentrated my studies in Child and Adolescent Psychology.
Pursued Psychology with Teacher Certification so that I would have teaching as an option.
Did my student teaching with a School Counselor who was also the high school Psychology teacher.
Started the Master's program at Eastern so that I could be certified as a School Counselor.
I was awarded an assistantship, which allowed me to work in two elementary schools as counselor.
Worked 8 years as a foster care therapist, then found a counseling position. Fell in love with it!

Career

School Counselor

I talk with students about personal, academic, and behavioral goals and topics.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People

Day to Day

I see students in a variety of settings: classroom, individually in my office, and in small groups. I am part of the overall climate of the school in that I am a part of many different activities. I talk with students about their plans for the future and how school will help them reach their goals. I help students who are struggling find ways to improve their school day and life in general. Some days I have to attend meetings, but I really just enjoy being with students!

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for middle school students

If you are in middle school and you are interested in becoming a school counselor, see if you can meet with your school counselor to talk to him / her about what it is like. Ask yourself if you like listening to people talk about problems they are having, and if you want to help others. Keep your grades up, work on organization strategies, and learn to manage your time.

Recommended Education

My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Society in General:

"I heard a lot of, "What are you going to do with a degree in Psychology? Pick people's brains all day?" I also heard, "I hope you don't think you are going to get a job right away," and "You won't make any money working in a school.""

Challenges I Overcame

Financial