From the Chair: Supporting Students' Self-Discovery

A significant part of our role as a school counselor is assisting students as they prepare for life outside of school. Each day, we are focused on helping students understand the myriad options that await them when they finish their K–12 education.

My own journey through higher education as a first-generation college student was a winding road, filled with doubts, obstacles and uncertainty. My family had limited knowledge of scholarship opportunities, program differences and the college application process in general. I often felt like I was stumbling through the dark, unsure of the steps I should be taking.

Now, as both a parent and a counselor, I'm inspired to help students like my teenage daughter, who is beginning to think about college. The questions about where to live, how many classes to take in a day (she was astonished to learn that college doesn’t have seven periods every day!), and what to major in can be overwhelming. But with a comprehensive school counseling plan, we can set our students up for success through the uncertainties.

When I became an elementary school counselor, I completed a program to earn a career counseling certification. In this program I learned that effective college and career planning starts in kindergarten.  Despite some colleagues thinking elementary was too young, I started a Career Café where our youngest learners could explore their interests, learning styles and potential careers. Early exposure helped my students to understand why school is important and envision college as an achievable goal. 

As students progress in school, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, and as counselors, we help them learn about their passions, strengths and the range of career paths available by connecting the dots between their current studies and future aspirations. Scholarships, grants and financial aid opportunities abound, but they often go unnoticed because students and their families aren't aware of them. Just like my family when I was in high school, many parents may not know where to look or how to access these resources. Counselors work tirelessly to bridge that knowledge gap. We also provide insights into the different types of college programs available, from dual enrollment, military (ROTC), certificated programs and two-year colleges to four-year universities. There's no one-size-fits-all approach and we encourage students to consider what aligns best with their goals and aspirations.

As I circle back around to my own daughter, I'm proud to say that she's embarking on this exciting path with confidence. Most importantly, she knows there's a support system in place to guide her every step of the way. While the options and possibilities for our students can seem overwhelming, we as school counselors are there to guide our students and families in finding the right fit for them. Whether that is a first-generation student or someone from a family legacy of higher education, we get the privilege of helping them navigate this transformative experience and securing a pathway that turns their postsecondary plans into possibilities!

Contact Veronica Kirby, FSCA Board chair, at kirby@fla-schoolcounselor.org.