Your school counselor is an amazing resource for you (and your family) throughout your time in high school. They are there to help you succeed and plan for your future far beyond your academics. We encourage you to visit your school counselor early and often. To motivate you to make an appointment, here are a few things your school counselor can help you with.
Selecting courses and fulfilling graduation requirements
Your school counselor is a wonderful resource when you have questions about different classes or your graduation status. They can help you balance your schedule with challenging courses and electives based on your interests and goals.
Helping you through the tough stuff
Your school counselor is there for you academically, but they can also help you through anything that comes up outside of the classroom. Don’t be afraid to talk to your school counselor about any trouble at home or mental health struggles. School counselors are there to provide you with tons of resources to ensure you are well taken care of.
Striking a balance
In high school, you probably have a lot going on. It can be hard to keep a balance between your school work, club meetings, sports games, part-time work, volunteer work, and social commitments. Your school counselor is there to guide you! They likely have tips for time management that will help you live a more balanced life.
Planning for your future
Your school counselor wants to see you succeed in high school, but they also want to set you up for future success. Let your school counselor in on your plans and goals after graduation. You may hope to go straight to a career, attend college, join the military, or take a gap year. No matter your path, your school counselor may have opportunities for you to explore your options. At the very least, they can ensure that you are progressing towards graduation!
Being your reference
No matter what your plan is after graduation, chances are you are going to need someone to vouch for you. This could be a through a recommendation letter for college or serving as a reference for a job. It’s important to have a trusted adult who can speak to your character, work ethic, and grit.
Making big decisions
You will have tons of decisions to make in high school, some small and some big. At the end of the day, your decisions are always in your hands, but your school counselor can walk you through some decision making tips, so you can feel confident you made an informed decision.
Encouraging you
Most importantly, always remember your school counselor is your biggest fan. It takes a big heart, a caring soul, and tons of patience to be a school counselor. They will empathize with you during tough times and be there with you to celebrate your successes.
Like most things in life, the more effort you put into something, the more you will get out. Your school counselor has so much to give you, all you need to do is communicate what you need. As you build your relationship with your school counselor, don’t forget to thank them for all their help and hard work!