I must say that I was shocked at my results. I had a lot of strengths, but I also had a lot of things that I need to work on. What surprised me the most was the amount of standards that counselors must abide by. I was shocking to see such a long list of standards and competencies. These standards and competencies help ensure new and experienced school counselors are equipped to establish, maintain and enhance a school counseling program addressing academic achievement, career planning and social/emotional development (ASCA, 2019). It is very imperative that I abide by each and every standard.

Direct and Indirect Student Services is where I had the most strength. For years, I have been in and out of the classroom working directly and indirectly with students. Providing advisement in large-group, classroom, small-groups, making referrals to appropriate resources, and consulting to support student achievement and success are all standards that I have experience in from my undergraduate years. A few of my strengths: B-SS 2. Provide appraisal and advisement in large-group, classroom, small-group and individual settings. B-SS 4. Make referrals to appropriate school and community resources. B-SS 5. Consult to support student achievement and success all stood out to me. I work well with others, but I tend to thrive in individuals settings. Making referrals for resources and consulting come natural to me. 

Behaviors: Professional Foundation is where I struggled the most. Especially with demonstrating understanding of the impact of cultural, social, and environmental influences on student success and opportunities, I struggle mainly with the dynamics of cross-cultural communications and demonstrate the ability to communicate with persons of other cultures effectively. Here are some examples of my some I struggled with: B-PF 6. Demonstrate understanding of the impact of cultural, social and environmental influences on student success and opportunities and B-PF 9. Create systemic change through the implantation of a comprehensive school counseling program are two standards that I will have to work on profusely. Sometimes, it is difficult for me to understand the impact of "influences". Additionally, it can be difficult for me to accept change. However, I know that with time, I would be able to begin to grasp the dynamics and I can communicate efficiently with persons of other cultures.

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