THE DAILY TROT

by Payton Cleary 

When students enter high school, sometimes the first person they encounter is a high school guidance counselor. What, exactly, is a counselor? What do they do? How do they assist students?  Counselors help students stay on track, support your mental health, resolve conflicts, help plan for your future/college. 

To get more of an insight on the counselor's life, The Daily Trot reached out to find out more from the lead counselor at Southeast, Ms. Joy Toms.

What is it like to be a school counselor?

“I love being a high school counselor. I get to walk alongside students in some very important years and navigate what comes next.”

What is the hardest part of being a school counselor? 

“Being a teenager today can be very hard, so helping students who are struggling with real world issues can be hard. A lot of people don't understand the things they see, hear and live through outside of school and that school is sometimes their safe space."

How is it to keep up with so many students? Is it overwhelming? 

"It can be overwhelming at times. The beginning of school, change of semester and the end of the school year are traditionally extra busy times. Right now, it's college application season for our seniors, so I spend a lot of time focused on that specific group."

How do you balance work life from home life?

“That is something I have not always been great at balancing. I have learned to set boundaries better and that has helped.  

What are aspects of your job that people don't think of? 

"A lot of people think my job is all fun, and I do try to make it that way [fun]. But, there are a lot of heavy days. Of course, dealing with student or staff deaths have been the most difficult thing. There is just no way to prepare for these kinds of days that are so filled with grief and sadness. This is my 16th year as a counselor, and I have not had a year where I have not had at least one student lose a parent. There are also a number of students dealing with family dysfunction and even abuse. Walking through healing with people is just a special privilege and heartbreaking all at once."

What's your busiest time of the year?

"The beginning of the year!"

How is every new year of students changing your way of doing things? 

"Each group of students brings their own joys and concerns. In recent years, we've had to take into account what age students were during the COVID years. We have seen this [situation] have a huge impact on education, motivation and attendance. I look at each student as a unique individual, so I treat them as such."

What have you learned over time in this position?

"I've learned that students know quickly if adults are real and genuine. They want to be seen, heard and valued."

Any advice for students who are in high school or coming to high school?

"Don't be afraid to try new things and go your own way. Get involved with something. Students who find something at the school to connect with are shown to be more successful overall. You truly do get out of it what you put into it."

With the assistance of counselors like Ms. Joy Toms, students can succeed in all levels of high school and beyond.