the need for school counselors

So day one of grad school and I already love it. Its so different when the prof is talking about things you have a passion for. I feel like I was smiling ear to ear, with everything he was talking about. Im even excited about writing papers..which never happens. lol. There is a ton of reading too (3 classes= 3 textbooks) and unlike undergraduate im actually am reading them. One of the textbooks that really spoke to me was from my Intro to S.C. class.

 The chapter was all about how school counselor became what it is know and the struggles it had to overcome as a profession. I am very proud in becoming a school counselor and help becoming an agent of change of the education system.

S.C. has come so far but sadly it has so much to go. I looked at the State School Counseling Mandates and Legislation and I see some great improvements and some other things that made me shocked.  (http://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/careers-roles/state-school-counseling-mandates-and-legislation). Now, it looking at the information, it shows that school counselors are very valued at the high school level. (yes- 32 to only no-18) This doesn't surprise me because whenever I asked someone what does a school counselor do majority of people think college and career prep. Another great success is there is more mandated school counselor states then not mandated :-) The issue that really bothers me (I am going looking at either middle or elementary schools ) is the lack of importance for school counselors in elementary and middle school grades. This honestly is astonishing to be since these years are the where we learn about our identity, deal with peer pressure and bullying and well as so many other issues. Kids are having to deal with more grownup issues (abuse, divorce, death) at such young ages now a days. It seems parents(no offense) just see school counselors as the one to help get their kid into college, but they do and are needed in some many other areas. In order for kids to do well in the academic part of school, they cant be distracted by the many issues that kids deal with like peer pressure, how to be a friend, bullying, self image. These are things that School Counselors can focus on (teachers have enough to worry about let school counselors help lessen the load).


Maybe by the time I become a school counselor it will be mandated in my state :)

Today is finally the day... I start grad school

So I am still in shock that I  actually got in..because if you read in my past blogs, at first I didn't get in. I got the "regret to inform you" (you're not getting in letter). I was devastated but my dad pushed me to call and now Im actually in the class. I paid for my semester so I know its real but I still in shock that I actually got in.
Besides the shock, I haven't been in school for 2 years and I know grad school should be very different. I cant be around like minded minds, and be able to learn more about my passion.
So since I dont know what to expect..I wanted to write down some goals that I want to make sure I achieve.
Goals:
1) meet new people
2) really get to know my profs
3)have a study group
4) Have a good balance (work/play)
5) stay organized
6) do things that future Lauren will thank you for
7) write in the blog once a week (it could be about subbing, struggles, things learn/discussed)

I also thought before I start this Journey I want to just thank everyone who helped me reach my dreams

God- Thank you so much. I love being able to look back and seeing how everything happens for a reason. You have always been there and always will. Thank you

Parents- You guys are amazing parents. You always told me I could do anything that I set my heart to and you never put pressure on me to be someone I was not. I still to this day have an inner dialogue in my head about what you would always say to me "did you try your best" and then I would always say yes and you would say well thats all that matters. You guys never let me give up on my goal and I feel so blessed to have parents like you.

Boyfriend- When I was waiting to hear back and didnt get in you were so accepting. I was so upset and you stayed close and just let me be sad. I know you dont feel to comfortable with emotions but you stayed close and helped me see all the things I had going for me. You also are so excited for me to be in Grad school. I know there will be some days where im strugggling to keep going but you will give me that push that will help me reach my goals

Friends/Fam- Thank you for all the prayers and being there through everything :)

Ok,
well I classes start at 4:30 and tonight go till 9:00.. Wish me luck