Guidance: Behind the Scenes
November 24, 2009
When students at Neuqua Valley are up to their elbows in tests, family dilemmas, and friend drama, life may seem far too chaotic. They find themselves caught up in the tension, and searching for a way out of the mess. What the Guidance Office wants you to know is, that they “are always here to help.”
Social workers and counselors may be the most helpful, yet unnoticed part of Neuqua Valley. Although they stand outside of the class house every day, they are easily ignored when packs of students are shoving their way to class. The men and women of the Guidance Office have committed themselves to helping students out in every aspect of their life, no matter how big or small the problem may be. They make it their duty to be available to every student who comes knocking at their door.
On top of the typical responsibilities of counselors and social workers, they participate in many other activities students may be unaware of.
Beth Packer, social worker for the class of 2011, facilitates groups for students who have been in rehab and mental hospitals, and also teaches a Social Skills Class to help kids better manage their emotions. She is a large contributor to the Special Education program, taking care of students who have mental, social, or emotional disabilities. Anyone who walks into her office can tell that she is a wonderful asset to the school, not only from her inviting personality, but her walls, which are adorned with memos, scrapbook pages, and pictures from students and faculty members who love her.
In addition to all of the assistance they provide to the students of Neuqua Valley, counselor for the class of 2012, Tom Daugherty, said that the Guidance Office must also treat teachers and faculty members’ problems. “Behind the scenes, we help teachers deal with the death of students,” said Daugherty “What some students don’t realize is that teachers are just as affected by the death of their students as classmates of that student are.”
Packer and Daugherty agree that the most difficult part of their job is not having enough time. Both admit that they cannot help feeling saddened by students’ problems.
“I’m a caring person,” said Daugherty “I can listen, but I can’t change what happened to the students.”
Clearly, work can get stressful for counselors and social workers, but Daugherty insists “I love my job. I love working with students and I love the variety of work. I’m never not busy, and every day brings something different.”
The best thing students can do to improve their relationship with their guidance counselor and social worker is to simply walk into their office. “I encourage kids to be proactive and ask questions” said Daugherty. “If I know a student better, I’m better able to help them.”
Anna Miller, Staff Writer
