Nicole Blomberg
School Counselor
Pohakea Elementary School
Ewa Beach, Hawaii

 

 

 

I Am ASCA 

What’s your favorite thing about being a school counselor? 
At our school, we stay with the same group of students from kindergarten to 6th grade. I get to be that constant adult on campus for them. It amazes me how much they grow as their own person. 

What words do you live by? 
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore, “Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban” 

What inspires you about being a school counselor?  
I am inspired by the families who have entrusted us with taking care of their children. I am inspired by my fellow educators who come to school every day and give it their all. And I am inspired by our students who remind us we can be joyous.  

When and why did you know you wanted to pursue a career in school counseling?  
My one interaction with a school counselor as a student was disappointing. I later realized how critical our role in school plays for all types of students, and I wanted to make sure they feel heard, valued and important. 

What would you be doing if you weren’t a school counselor? 
I would probably be working with and caring for animals. 

Where do you go when you need to solve a problem in your work? 
I have a strong support system at school. Colleagues have become friends who not only care about the job but truly care about how I am doing. I know I can depend on them for advice, good ideas and moral support.

What do you do to decompress/eliminate stress/refuel for the next day? 
I like watching my favorite shows, “The Office” or “The West Wing,” and taking walks while listening to podcasts. 

What’s something important you learned from your students? 
Behaviors do not make you who you are. Look a little deeper, and you might find fear, sadness, confusion or anger. Having patience and extending grace can be what they need at the time to reconnect. I’ve learned that taking the time to really understand someone else can be the difference they need.  

What is your favorite tool you use in your work as a school counselor?
Board games help to break the ice with reserved students and help our energetic ones practice social skills such as taking turns, fair play and sportsmanship.