National School Counseling Week took place from Feb. 3 to Feb. 7, highlighting the great impact school counselors have on students’ overall success. Counseling week informed students on how counselors provide support beyond just scheduling classes, they help with other topics such as college preparation and emotional well-being.
The Role of School Counselors
School counselors help students get through challenges, whether they are academic, social, or emotional.
“Although most students have some form of support at home, I believe it is important to have that point of person at school as well,” Trip Manley, Tracy High School Counselor, explained. “Some students do not have support at home, and having a counselor ensures every student has someone to turn to.”
Each day is different for the counselors, from assisting students in problems, reviewing academic progress, and collaborating with teachers and parents.
“All in all, we approach each day with the intent of making a positive impact in the lives of students,” Tracy High School Counselor Ashley Hallen said.
Counselors provide emotional and academic support, and they also provide insight and resources to students.
“Counselors help students realize their potential and build connections within the school community,” THS Counselor Kamara Clark said.
Meet the Counselors
Kamara Clark
According to Clark, she loved school, and found lots of joy in mentoring others and volunteering her time for others.
“In college, I used to help my friends build their schedules, and someone suggested I apply for jobs in education,” Clark said.
Clark believes counselors provide more than just academic guidance, she believes they help students feel seen and valued.
“We provide support in academic, college/career, and social-emotional aspects,” Clark said. “We give students individual attention that allows them to share their thoughts, concerns, aspirations, and accomplishments.”
Each day is different for Clark, from monitoring student progress, to setting up mental health check-ins. She collaborates with school psychologists, administrators, and teachers to ensure her students are on the right path.
“We work behind the scenes to advocate for students and make necessary changes to support their success,” Clark said.
Trip Manley
Manley didn’t receive much support in high school. This left him feeling lost when planning for the future.
“I didn’t know the requirements for college or how to apply,” Manley said.
His experiences motivated him to become a counselor, so he could make sure students had that guidance he lacked.
“I love helping students meet their goals throughout high school and achieve their postsecondary dreams,” Manley expressed.
Manley believes counselors are crucial because not every student has a support system at home.
“Having a school counselor ensures that no matter what their circumstances are, students always have someone to help them,” Manley said. “That’s what makes this job so rewarding.”
Johnathan Sanny
“I knew I wanted to work in education, but I didn’t want to teach,” Johnathan Sanny said.
Counseling gave him the opportunity to support students in a way that felt right for him. He specifically enjoys working with high schoolers because of their energy and personalities.
“You guys are fun, easy to talk to, way better than fifth or sixth graders,” Sanny joked.
Sanny sees himself as a middleman, helping students navigate challenges and connect with the right resources.
“If there is something I can do to help, I’m in,” Sanny said. “It’s not about appreciating us, it’s about recognizing how counseling helps students.”
Ashley Hallen
Hallen was inspired to become a school counselor because of her cousin Dominick. He faces severe health challenges that made school hard for him.
“His counselor made such a positive impact on his life and did everything she could to make him feel included,” Hallen added.
After Dominick passed, she knew she wanted to help other students who might be struggling, just as Dominick’s counselor had done for him.
“Counselors see and support students for who they are, no matter what,” Hallen expressed. “We assist them academically, socially, emotionally, and with college career readiness. A student can talk to us about anything! If we do not know the answer, we will figure it out.”
Iris Abraham
Iris Abraham discovered her passion for counseling while working towards her master’s degree.
“I took a few courses and realized counseling best suited my desire to help students,” Abraham said.
Originally, she considered being a teacher, but she decided she wanted to provide more direct support to students in a more personal way. Abraham believes school counselors are essential as students need guidance from someone who genuinely cares about their well-being.
“Many times, counselors are the first contacted when students are experiencing social or emotional distress,” Abraham explained. “Make sure you know who your counselor is and reach out when you need help.”
