Here for Our Students

It seems serendipitous that the topic for this issue is self-care and summer growth. I know I could list several methods of self-care, but so many of you have those resources and are sharing them with students and families. What I will say is, I want to remind you to put into practice what you are telling others. It is so easy for us to get caught up in checking emails, completing one more task, checking in with one more student, etc., that we lose sight of what is best for ourselves. When all of this is over, and we are back in the school building, we will be needed more than ever. So many of our students felt alone before having to be at home alone. They are struggling now and will be struggling when they return to us and we will be there to support them just like we are now. It is critical that we take care of ourselves so that we can be our best selves for them in person when we see them again.

I reflect on these things not to be negative, but to have a realistic view of the state of students when they return to us. We have a huge impact on the lives of students, families and school staff. Our empathy goes beyond the walls of our buildings. Our compassion transcends years. Our leadership will be recognized by staff, administration and some families.

Do not lose heart during difficult times – know that our work makes a huge difference. During adversity, we rise to meet it with positivity. Out of stay-at-home orders, the CSCA C.A.L.M. (Counselors Aware, Learning More) series emerged to meet needs of school counselors who are working from home. School counselors are the best at making lemonade out of lemons; we are the champions of reframing.

Contact Matthew McClain, Colorado School Counselor Association executive director, at mmcclain@coloradoschoolcounselor.org.