President’s Letter: Growth During Uncertainty

Aloha, school counselors.

Summer came and went in a hurry. We are starting a new school year with a lot of uncertainties, but that does not mean we have to fill our brains with skepticism. This can be a very exciting time for school counselors! I know that may sound crazy, but let me explain.

With so many services going online, we can really expand our outreach to students, parents and our communities. Now more than ever, students and parents need to go online to check on assignments, get resources and stay connected with school staff. This is a time when school counselors are able to provide resources to the school community virtually. We can work closely with parents and equip them with the right tools to support their child academically and behaviorally. We can have individual or group conversations with students, parents and teachers no matter their location.

Although difficulty will always exist in changing the counseling format from what it was, let’s focus on what it could be. School counselors now can cast a wider net and serve numerous individuals and groups. I have already witnessed many great things school counselors are doing. Some of you have links to hotlines, social/emotional learning lessons and videos that teach on your websites.

This year, let’s try our very best to keep a positive mindset and expand our school counseling programs. It does not all have to happen tomorrow, but something new you try today is already better than what your program was yesterday. Take the opportunity to expand your program this year and you will find that everyone around you will grow as well – including yourself. Take advantage of the excellent resources to expand your program on the American School Counselor Association website (https://schoolcounselor.org/).

Contact Ian Tanita, HSCA president, at hawaiisca@yahoo.com.