Counseling Corner

Welcome to the Counseling Corner!

New for 2026, the Farmington School Counseling office is thrilled to launch our official School Counseling Office Blog, “The Counseling Corner”—a dedicated space for students, parents, and educators to find support, resources, and insights related to all things School Counseling!

Our mission as school counselors is to support the whole student, acting as a bridge between a student's personal well-being and their academic success. While much of our work happens behind office doors or in classroom workshops, we intend to bring helpful conversations directly to your screen. Whether you are navigating the stress of the college search, college applications, looking for ways to support your child’s emotional growth, or simply seeking a little motivation, this blog is for you.

What to Expect in Future Entries

In the coming months, we will dive deep into the topics that matter most to our school community. Here is a sneak peek at some of what we have planned:

• Academic Success & Study Skills: We’ll share strategies for time management, overcoming procrastination, and finding a study routine that works for you.

• College and Career Readiness: From demystifying the college application process to exploring "best-fit" career paths, we’ll provide information to guide your journey after graduation.

• Mental Health & Wellness: High School can be stressful, so look for tips on managing anxiety, building resilience, and practicing mindfulness. We believe that mental health is just as important as physical health.

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): We will explore how to build healthy relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and develop strong communication skills.

• Parenting Partners: Dedicated posts for parents on how to support their teens through the unique challenges of the high school years.

Your journey through school isn't just about grades; it’s about discovering who you are and who you want to become. Our passion is to help you explore this.

We are so glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to get started! We invite you to check back often, share these posts with friends, and reach out if there is a specific topic you’d love to see us cover.

Always in Your Corner,

FHS School Counselors

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New Post Alert!

Making the Most of Your College Visits

Spring is officially here (FINALLY!), and for many of you, that means you are likely preparing to visit a few college campuses. This is a crucial step in your college search, but it can also be overwhelming. To help you make the most of your visits, I’ve put together a quick list of tips to consider before you head out to see some schools.

First, let’s remember the purpose of a campus visit. It’s not just about seeing the physical space; it’s about getting a feel for the school’s culture, academics, and overall environment. You want to walk away with a sense of whether or not you can see yourself thriving there.

So, how can you do that? Here are some key strategies:

1. Go beyond the information session and official tour. While information sessions and tours are a good starting point, they only offer a curated view of the school. To truly understand the campus experience, you need to go beyond the basics. Attend a class, visit a student union, check out the library, and maybe even have a meal in the dining hall. Notice what’s posted on bulletin boards or campus fliers. This will give you a better understanding of what day-to-day life is really like. It’s also a great idea to grab a copy of the campus Newspaper!

2. Talk to current students. Students are your best source of information. I know this can feel a little scary, but don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with them! Ask them about their experiences, what they like and dislike about the school, and what their average day looks like. They can give you an honest and unbiased perspective that you won't get from anyone else. You might also think about asking them if there is anything they don’t like about their campus.

3. Explore the surrounding area. While the campus itself is important, so is the community it’s a part of. Take some time to explore the surrounding town or city. Check out the local shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Consider if you would enjoy living in that area for four years.

4. Take notes and photos. It can be easy to forget all the details after visiting multiple schools (I wouldn’t recommend seeing more than two per day). Take plenty of notes during your visits, and snap some photos to help jog your memory later. This will be especially helpful when you’re writing your "Why This College" essays.

5. Reflect on your experience. After each visit, take some time to reflect on what you liked and didn't like about the school. Creating a “College Journal” is a great way to keep all your thoughts organized. Consider how you felt on campus. Did you feel comfortable and welcomed? Could you imagine yourself being happy and successful there? These reflections will help you narrow down your list of potential colleges.

Finally, a few tips for parents:

• Let your child take the lead. This is their search, so encourage them to ask questions and explore the things that interest them. The more they own the process, the better their results will be!

• Be supportive, not controlling. Your job is to offer guidance and support, not to make all the decisions. Let your child have the freedom to form their own opinions. Ask your child for their thoughts and opinions before sharing your own.

• Ask your own questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your own, especially when it comes to financial aid and other logistics.

Remember, if you have questions before your visit, stop by and see your School Counselor! 

Happy Visiting,

Mrs. Gorman