The school counselors at the high school level rarely do classroom guidance or facilitate groups. Ms. Humphrey did state that when students have issues arise, she "drops everything" and helps the student. She said that this helps her reacquaint herself with the reasons she became a school counselor in the first place. The high school has three school counselors, a school social worker, and an in school therapist that comes to the school once a week. The therapist is the person that the counselors refer their students to when deemed necessary. Such referrals are made when issues with suicide, weapons, and drugs arise. This helps the counselors focus on their administrative responsibilities. Due to the large workload, Ms. Humphrey said that she is never at a loss for something to do. The insight I have gained through this interview leave me wanting to talk to more high school counselors in order to decide if this is the direction I want to follow. The information I have learned about school counseling at the high school level leaves me wanting to focus my studies elsewhere.
Mrs. Elizabeth Rall is the school counselor at Hazelwood Elementary School. She has only been at Hazelwood since the beginning of this year and is working on setting her program up. The morning that I spoke to Mrs. Rall was quite unusual because the entire hour that we spoke not one person called or interrupted our conversation. She told me not to expect my mornings to ever be this quiet. Mrs. Rall gave me an abundance of information on counseling at the elementary level. Her office was full of professional books, children's books, toys, games, art therapy materials, posters, plants, lamp lighting, and comfortable seating. She said that the previous counselor left most of the materials there and that she had bought some gear at garage sales. The office was very inviting and warm. Mrs. Rall said that the materials in her office helped the students to open up and feel more comfortable.
As the oldest of three sisters, I carry a huge responsibility. I always have to be careful about what I say, and my behavior around the house. I love being an older sister because it is like being a parent without having to deal with the whining and reprimanding. Because my sisters Tara and Divya l...