The counselors are some of the largest behind the scenes workers here at Badin. They work hard with students, especially juniors and seniors, who need help with personal or college and school things. Many students go to the counselors seeking emotional support or to vent about a stressful day or event. This is one of the counselors main jobs, to support students. The other major task of the counselors is getting seniors all set to head off to college as prepared as they can be. Angela Bucheit is one of the counselors here at Badin who mainly works to help students get ready for college.

“We often sit with students and help them fill out the applications, help them register for ACT's, help apply for scholarships, etc. Students come in for all parts of the applications and scholarship process,” Bucheit said.

Mrs. Bucheit works to get information to colleges as best as she can. College prep can be difficult and it's one of the harder parts of the jobs the counselors perform.

“For every student there is paperwork that needs to be sent to each college. Getting individual transcripts prepared and ready to be sent, setting up college visits to Badin, preparing students and parent presentations. Meeting with colleges to stay up to date on changes with the universities. Meeting with parents and answering parent questions. Recommendation letters take a tremendous amount of time because we want them to be individualized and make each student stand out,” Bucheit said.

Aside from talking to colleges specifically, the counselors also work to help students get applications for scholarships, and inform students about opportunities for scholarships. They work hard to make sure students are aware of what scholarships they can apply for.

“Merit scholarships are usually where students receive the most money so that is why we start talking to students freshman year about the importance of their grades, schedule and getting involved. You really start your college application freshman year,” Bucheit said.

The counselors post any general scholarships on naviance and send them out in emails. This is the main way students can get involved in scholarships and become aware of what they should be doing in order to get money for college.

Many jobs are frustrating and the counselors aren't without those frustrations as well. Students tend to ignore most emails and announcements causing communication to be difficult. This is just one of the issues that make the counselors' jobs a struggle. People also assume they have all the answers.

“There are thousands of colleges, people often assume that we know the answer to all of the questions for each individual college- that would be impossible,” Bucheit said.

Juniors rising to Seniors should keep in mind that overwhelming the counselors with questions they cannot answer. The process goes smoother for everyone involved when you let them do their job. The counselors also have some advice to help students along the journey.

“Do not procrastinate. Be detailed on your brag sheet. Do not be boring in your essay,’ Bucheit said.