I believe that students can achieve and thrive; especially in environments where they feel protected, respected, and heard. More often that not, students want to be successful, and honestly need and want an adult to show them how to do so. One core belief I have is that counseling should be student centered. We, as counselors, cannot help students if we do not hear them first. We must be attentive, and intentional when assisting them with their next steps for success, especially secondary students that are preparing for post-graduate life.

 

 

As a school counselor, one of the most important roles is showing up as an advocate for all students. School counselors are uniquely positioned to act as social justice leaders in their school environment by advocating for students regarding issues of access and equality (Singh & Harper, 2013). The professional code of ethics lets us know that school counselors are required to encourage students to strive for “exemplary cultural competence” on an individual, group, institutional, and societal levels. In advocating for students, school counselors are needed to break down barriers that would keep students from growing and becoming the best versions of themselves. (ASCA, 2010).

 

 

Standard E.2 requires school counselors to gain awareness and engage in training designed to advocate and promote the well-being of marginalized students (ASCA, 2010). This standard clearly outlines the counselor’s role as an advocate, and a guide for students. It is our job to do provide students with the resources that will allow them to become the best versions of themselves. The ethical standards of the American Counseling Association ([ACA], 2014) ethical standards, that encourage counselors to advocate on behalf of students through school/community collaboration and systems advocacy to resolve social justice issues rooted in environmental and journal of creativity in mental health 329 systemic factors.

 

My personal philosophy as a school counselor is to simply be the person, I wish I had. Though I may not have the same specific experiences as the students I will serve, I will make it my mission to show up for each student in the midst of crisis and in celebration. I see myself serving in underfunded and Title I schools. My vision is to break the negativity of receiving help and services from school personnel within the black community. My office will be a safe space for students and parents as we partner to prepare a future for the student that all parties involved can be proud of. 

 

            This week we were tasked with conducting a self-assessment on the school counseling profession. In conducting this assessment, I was refreshed on some information, and introduced to practices that I was unaware of. I honestly hot discouraged at one point as I began to ask myself “Why am I not aware of all that school counselors are responsible for?” In that moment I was reminded of the reason why I am enrolled in this program, and that is to learn what I need to before I am released to begin practicing in a school setting. Overall, I was pleased with my results, seeing that my passion and desire to provide solutions and help students is truly a priority for me.

            During the assessment, I discovered two areas in which I felt were great strengths for me. Standards in B-PF.6 focuses on a counselor’s ability to demonstrate an understanding of the impact of cultural, social, and environmental influences on student success and opportunities (ASCA, 2019). Over the years, I have learned the importance of embracing diverse individuals, and being optimistic in the potential outcome of those that have different backgrounds that I do. It is imperative that we, as counselors integrate our personal experiences into the profession. Not as a crutch, but to utilize them as a means of connecting with the client and strengthening the relationship through a level of understanding. Being a mentor of teenage girls, I have learned that they are more prone to open-up to adults when they feel that their stories and experiences will be met with understanding.

            In completing the assessment, I found the one area that I felt incompetent in was my knowledgeability of the ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors for student success. I admit that though I am studying to become a school counselor, I have not taken the time to intentionally familiarize myself with the standards and full responsibilities that are attached to this role. When I reached this area, and areas like it such as B-PF 3 which focuses on applying legal and ethical principles of the School Counseling profession, I got a little discouraged.

            To combat those feelings, I have vowed to print out the standards and competencies that have been provided in our learning resources this week and take the time to read and learn about these practices. I also have set up a call with two school counselors that I am acquaintances within order to learn about their experiences and gain greater insight from their perspective. “Teachers ranked teaming and collaboration as the most important of the five domains of the Education Trust’s Transforming School Counseling Initiative (Perkins, Oescher, & Ballard, 2010).” Building knowledge through building community will help me gain confidence as I navigate this profession to become the best school counselor I can be.

American School Counselor Association (2019). The ASCA national model: A framework for school counseling programs (4th ed.). Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association

 

Cholewa, B., PhD., Goodman-Scott, E., Thomas, A., PhD., & Cook, J., PhD. (2017). TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES CONSULTING WITH SCHOOL COUNSELORS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY. Professional School Counselin

My personal philosophy as a school counselor is to simply be the person, I wish I had. Though I may not have the same specific experiences as the students I will serve, I will make it my mission to show up for each student in the midst of crisis and in celebration. I see myself serving in underfunded and Title I schools. My vision is to break the negativity of receiving help and services from school personnel within the black community. My office will be a safe space for students and parents as we partner to prepare a future for the student that all parties involved can be proud of.