BY JAIDA GOINS
High school guidance counselors have very busy school days with a variety of meetings and duties to fill their schedules. Additionally, they are responsible for processing their students’ schedules as well. Six counselors comprise the school’s department, two for freshmen and four for upperclassmen, all of whom are ready to assist young people with personal issues they may have, career concerns, and college plans.
Mr. Tom Lauer is a well-known counselor for ninth graders in the second half of the alphabet. He is popular among students, especially since he appears on the WHRL morning show each Friday. His favorite saying to students is “Time is passing. Are you?” On an average school day, Lauer meets with anywhere between ten and fifteen students. He enjoys “working directly with kids” and facilitating parent and student conferences. Responsibilities include mediation, student intervention, course discussions, academic support, and staff consultation. Unfortunately, he does not enjoy all of the paperwork and staff meetings that are also required in his job
Another counselor, Mrs. Suzanne Weaver, works with sophomores, juniors, and seniors whose last names begin with the letters “F” through K.” As a guidance counselor, Weaver enjoys both the serious and the humorous conversations she holds with at least twenty young people a day. What disappoints Weaver about her work is dealing with “those kids who have the ability to succeed but choose not to do so.” Throughout her day, she conducts parent conferences, answers emails or phone calls, meets with teachers, and creates learning opportunities for students. Weaver’s passion for teaching and working with young people is what inspired her to become a counselor, a career which she has enjoyed for over 29 years.
Ms. Jasmine Pearson, another school counselor for grades 10-12 with last names beginning with “A” through “E,” joined the Whirlie community this particular school year. In fact, she arrived just after finishing graduate school. On a typical day, Pearson runs transcripts, speaks with students, visits classrooms, attends meetings, and holds conferences. She enjoys becoming acquainted with the students who visit in her office, which is way too many to count. Sadly, not all of the conversations are pleasant ones; sometimes she must have serious, difficult conversations, which is the most challenging part of her job because she does not like seeing her students disappointed.
Yet another counselor, Mr. Michael Harrington, sees one to five or 20-30 students per day depending upon the month and the even that is occurring He sees depending on the month and any events occurring at that time. He enjoys “walking alongside students who are experiencing the hard issues of life.” Tasks Harrington completes on a daily
basis are meeting with students, answering emails, and coordinating conferences. Harrington is a successful counselor because he recognizes the “small but important role” he plays and of which he reminds himself daily. He recognizes that he must be a good listener and only comment on what is necessary and helpful.
While all of these counselors have different personalities, they all assume very important roles in the
students’ lives. They often advise teachers as well about how to improve relationships with some of their more challenging students.