Final Exit Ticket- Matt

What was my "ah ha" moment? Hmmm. I found myself being particularly moved by the movie we watched in class, Thirteen. As someone who is at the very beginning of his school counseling program here at Concordia, and as someone who has never worked in a school before, I needed to make sure I was heading down the right career path. The movie made me realize, "Oh yes, this is why I need to be there for the younger generations."

In the film, there is the highlighting of individual environments. Tracy and Evie didn't choose their families. It wasn't their fault that they grew up surrounded by dysfunction. Everyone is different and some people are going to be negatively influenced in various ways by tough home situations. When I was watching Tracy spiral downward, my heart was breaking. I couldn't jump into the T.V. and save her. The cold attitudes exhibited throughout the film were disturbing but very real. I'll never forget being in junior high and having people say to me, "You're so nice and polite!" I remember thinking to myself, "Why is that so shocking?" How naive I was to think that everyone is born and raised to treat others they way they want to be treated. Now, having gained important knowledge growing up in this life, it is my belief that all school counselors need to show warmth and kindness to all of their students. There should be no selectiveness in who school counselors go out of their way to help. There are many students, like Tracy, who find themselves in a terribly cruel, sad world and desperately need guidance and support. Keep in mind though, that students will possibly put up a front and not appear to need any help. I would think that displaying an attentive, kind attitude as well as keenly observing each student's behavior is a great place to start.

I agree very strongly with Smitty with regard to the self-absorption of many school counselors and how important it is for this to change. I have seen this first-hand with my school counselor in high school as well as my advisor in college. I noticed the giant egos and the bizarre behavior of quietly putting the students second. Quite frankly, it was disgusting. I have to mention the way I felt coming into each of their offices. There wasn't warmth. There was cold indifference. I felt myself walking on eggshells, feeling like I couldn't even bother them with simple questions. Strangely, they both made me stronger and more competent because I knew I couldn't rely on them for anything. But it was still aggravating. I definitely want to enter this profession so I can try to do it the right way.

I have been very pleased with my first semester here at Concordia and with this Affective Education class in particular. Over the past eight weeks, the chapter readings, the in-class dicussion and activities, the blogging and the Power Point presentation were all terrific for me in recognizing the importance of moral education as well as actively promoting the potential in each and every student. How rewarding it will be to help students achieve academic success and also help them through any personal difficulties! I am eager to enter through the doors of a high school and be a positive influence, to lead by example and be someone the students can truly respect and rely upon. Thank you, Professor Evans, for coming in bright and early each Saturday morning to teach us in a fun, thought-provoking way. And to everyone in this class, it was a great time learning with you all. Best of luck to all of you!