Wouldn’t it be great if we could have a clear picture of what we wanted to be and do in the world at age 16 or 17? School Counselors do not operate in a silo and magically help students prepare for life after high school on their own.  Earlier on, I nudge students to ask family members about their career paths. You would be surprised how many do not know what profession their parents are in or where (or if) they went to college. The reality is that everyone in a young person’s life outside of school and those of us in a school environment helps them to discover pieces and parts of this puzzle. Administrators, the administrative team, teachers/counselors, coaches, and club moderators along with parents help students navigate their way through this process. As students are exposed to the rigors of curriculum, form relationships with students and teachers, explore careers, learn how to overcome challenges and advocate for themselves (in the classroom, field, and stage, etc.), meet colleges and career professionals, learn how to write a resume and interview…they acquire valuable skills and knowledge to begin to meet the real world.

 Personally, I tend to reframe the proverbial career question, “What do you want to be ” wherever possible because students often think they need to know and it is a fixed, one-time question that can not be changed or modified over time. In my experience, encouraging students to engage in some self-exploration into their gifts/talents, abilities, interests, and passions in tandem with family and school conversations is vital. This conversation includes the deep discussions that take place along the way in theology class as students wrestle with the questions of how their faith informs their decisions now and in the future.    

What is my process each year? I meet with each student individually each year and take notes!  The first semester is dedicated to 9th and 12th-grade students.  During the first couple weeks of school, I meet with 9th-grade students for an introduction and “check-in”. Then I dive in with seniors before school afterschool, during lunchtime, and in P.E. classes to assist them with a variety of inquiries such as;  finding a military recruiter, ASVAB testing location, trade school/union hall, writing a recommendation letter or sending transcripts for both 2 and 4-year college applications. Semester two is devoted to the 10th and 11th grades. Thanks to our English Department, I am able to meet with 11th-grade students in the springtime during class about the college search process, letters of recommendation, and personal statements before they head off for summer break. Throughout the school year, we expose all students to college/university visits outside the cafeteria during lunch periods. In the springtime, students engage in an interest inventory before participating in a College & Career Fair. We’ll be hosting a Post High School Planning Workshop on September 13th for students and parents. Stop by!