How I feel! Final Exit Ticket!

There are probably numerous "Aha" moments for me over the course of the past 8 weeks that I could speak to, however, with that, there is one specific "Aha" series of events that has certainly concerned me while contributing, listening and visualizing what has taken place in this particular class on Affective Education.

I'm not sure that this speaks directly to any new information that I've received, however and unfortunately, it only has confirmed what frightens me as we continue to persue our endeavors as high school educators, role models and specifically counselors. With that being said, I'll get to my point.

I find an overwhelming emptiness in my heart to realize that we have certain people in our educational system that have their own personal agendas and degrees of entitlement that are guiding our youth in our educational settings. It is appauling to think that our schools employ people who have a "tunnel vision" approach while lacking a desire for the passion of what it takes to be a good school counselor. Counseling has no place for big egos and self-centered individuals who put themselves first before that of their students, parents and community. I truly believe Nucci had an underlying, hidden agenda of sorts when writing his book Nice is Not Enough. It was quite evident to me that he is angered with teachers, educators and in our case counselors that are in their profession to engage in self-fullfilling prophecies that meet their own needs. I am tired of hearing the negative wrap on school counselors, and it needs to stop.

I truly believe that each and every individual that is taking the leap in to the school counseling field, take a true self-evaluation and ask themselves, why is it that I want to be in this profession? To me, it's not just a job, but moreover a commitment to being a role model, creating a moral and valued school system, and guiding the students and parents towards life long positive outcomes so our society is a better place. I'm not too proud to learn from others that I admire and respect. I feel as though I have leaarned so much from watching and observing great counselors and how they relate to their students. On that note, I think there is a huge difference between confidence and an inflatated ego. Confidence will show preperation and skills while exhibiting a passion for what I do, but an egocentric persona will give off the intention of entitlement in which is exactly what gives counselors a bad name.

With that being said, I have no problem saying that I am concerned for several of my peers in the counseling profession. From what I have observed, in witnessing self absorbed views and an overall lack of sensitivity for those around us, I am concerned . Having my own children in a place where, if, the counselor is only worried about their own personal agenda tends to scare me....It scares me ALOT. I can't help to think that there are a limited few that are puruing a degree in counseling that just want the title of holding a Type 73 for what this certificate represents, not what's behind it.

In conclussion, I did learn a lot about Affective Education and who I am as a person and professional in the field of counseling. I vouche to be that counselor that will listen and not judge, put others first before myself, and most importantly instill morals and values to my students in hopes that someday each and every one of them reciprocates those values and morals to help make our society a better place.