Meet Miss Eckrich, our counselor

With the school year complete, did everyone get to know the new DWHS counselor Tara Eckrich?

In a recent interview, Eckrich answered some questions about her first year at D-West.

Q: Did you enjoy your first year?

A: “Yes, this is the first school I’ve taught at and all of the students, staff, families, and community members have been more than welcoming and it has been very enjoyable.”

Q: Do you enjoy being a counselor? What are some of your favorite parts about it?

A: “I enjoy the one-on-one interaction I get with students and families. Every student and family situation is different, so being able to assist in times of need or just being a listening ear, I love every part of it. I also really enjoy the college planning process and helping students work through their post-high school options.”

Q: What is the most challenging part about your job?

A: “The most challenging part of my job is the wide age range of the students I work with. I serve all students PreK-12. On any given day, I would go from working with a kindergarten class in guidance to a senior needing help with scholarship application. It forces me to be on my toes at all times! It has also been difficult not being able to reach every student that I know needs help. Since I split my time between the elementary school and the jr./sr. high school, that means I can’t be available all the time for all of my students, which has definitely been a personal challenge for me that I’ve had to accept.”

There are always some unique things about teachers that students don’t always know about teachers and some of the talents that they may have.

Q: What are some unique things about you?

A: “I use to run quite a few road races like 5ks, 10ks, and half-marathons. I have gotten out of the habit in recent years but really hope to get back on track as I settle into this new community and new career.”

Q: Where did you grow up? Tell me about your background.

A: “I grew up in a small town about 900 people called Neola, Iowa. It’s very close to Council Bluffs, Iowa. I graduated high school in 2011 with 48 students in my class which is a small farm community called Tri-Center.

I have two older siblings Aaron and Ashley, as well as six nieces and nephews. My parents Mike and Lori along with my siblings all live back in my hometown, which is about 2.5 hours away from Highland.

I went to college at Northwest Missouri State University and earned my bachelor’s degree in 2015 as well as my master’s degree. I previously worked as a college admission counselor and advisor for about three years while completing my master’s degree in School Counseling, which is why I’m so passionate about the college planning process.

My fiance Nick, and I were both Bearcats and he was born and raised in Highland. Her farms in the area and, alas, here I am, a part of the community.”

Q: There are many exciting and new adventures that you get to start when you get married. Are you excited to get married and how do you feel about starting something new?

A: “I am excited to get married! As well with all new things in life, I, of course, am a bit nervous about the change, but am also very eager to see what the future holds. My philosophy on change and wedding planning is to go with the flow because it’s too hard to control every detail of life. If you try to control too much, you might miss out on something great!”