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By: The American School Counselor Association

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By: Laura Lynn Gallo, Gerta Bardhoshi & Meredith Raush.

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“That Is When My Life Changed for the Better”: Students’ Perceptions of Exemplary School Counselors

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“That Is When My Life Changed for the Better”: Students’ Perceptions of Exemplary School Counselors

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My students are prepared to graduate high school and seek out equitable opportunities post grade school with the ability to demonstrate skills in emotional regulation, maintaining positive relationships and success strategies. While also showing compassion, confidence, unification and their ability to stand as leaders and change-makers in our community.

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I have the core belief that any and everyone can succeed and that more than one or two factors plays part into that success. I also have the core belief that each and every student deserve equity and the chance to have the same opportunities despite socio-economic status, race, religion and other circumstances. I now also have the core belief that kids do well when they can. The practice taught is collaborative problem solving and it’s an approach at finding out why a specific challenging behavior is occurring and working collaboratively with the child to fix the behavior, it’s rooted in lacking skills not the will to behave. But the saying kids do well if they can goes far beyond just behaviors in school, in is also in life skills and comprehension and many other important aspects needed to prosper can (Think:Kids, 2023). I was exposed to this way of thinking during my time in a therapeutic classroom and it really did aid me in adjusting my beliefs on what they can achieve, if we can pinpoint skills that are lacking, teach those skills, then the sky really is the limit, especially for those who are special needs.

References:
Massachusetts General Hospital. (2023, May 17). Collaborative Problem Solving. Think:Kids. https://thinkkids.org/cps-overview/

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Hello! I'm Tiffany Thomas, a dynamic soon to be 37 year old, with a passion for life and a thirst for knowledge. I believe in embracing the unique experiences that shape us and constantly seeking opportunities for growth and self-discovery. I currently attend Walden University for my master's degree in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Background:
I was born and raised in a close-knit Maryland community that instilled in me the values of compassion, resilience, and the importance of building meaningful connections. As I've grown, I've come to appreciate the diversity of life's experiences and the beauty of learning from each one.

Academic and Professional Journey:
My academic journey has been a pursuit of excellence and a quest to make a positive impact. I've always been drawn to counseling, where I have honed my skills and gained valuable insights. I believe in the power of education as a tool for personal and societal transformation.

Interests:
When I'm not buried in books or engaged in my professional life, you can find me pursuing a wide range of interests. I have an insatiable love for video gaming, reading, dabbling in painting or sketching, photography and anything to do with animals, and I'm always eager to explore new horizons. Whether it's playing a game on my custom built gaming PC, swimming, or simply losing myself in the pages of a good book, I find joy in every experience.

Philosophy:
I live by the principle that life is a beautiful journey, and we should savor every moment, no matter how big or small. My experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, gratitude, and the power of a positive mindset. I'm a firm believer in the idea that every person and every situation has something valuable to teach us.

Purpose:
My ultimate purpose is to make a difference, whether it's through my work, my interactions with others, or my personal growth. I am dedicated to fostering a world where kindness and understanding prevail.

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The photo in the background was taken by me, in an early winter morning in Marshall County, Iowa. The deer were grazing in the field and the sunrise was absolutely stunning. Taking time to appreciate the small things in life is important, so that you can better appreciate the larger things.

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If compelled feel free to leave a comment to share the experience.

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Think back to being in grade school, overall how was your experience with school counselors?

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Lesson Plan (Counselor In Training) by Tiffany Thomas

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"🏫 High School Social Skills & Emotions 🧠

🌟 Why do they matter? 🌟

1. 📚 Academic Success: Helps in-class participation and group work.

2. 🌆 Life-long Skills: Foundations for adulthood and personal development.

3. 🧘‍♂️ Mental Health: Coping with stress and maintaining emotional well-being.

4. ⚖️ Conflict Resolution: Learning to manage and resolve conflicts.

5. 🛑 Bullying Prevention: Equipped to address and prevent bullying.

6. 🎓 College & Career: Vital for success in higher education and the workplace.

7. 🤝 Positive Relationships: Fostering healthy connections with peers and mentors.

8. 💙 Empathy & Understanding: Promotes inclusivity and empathy.

9. 🎯 Leadership: Effective leadership and positive peer influence.

10. 💪 Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining a positive outlook.

High school is more than academics; it's about preparing for life. Developing these skills is crucial for success and well-being. 🚀 #HighSchoolSkills #SocialSkills #EmotionalIntelligence"

*Done for fun