Welcome Back!

Another year is upon us, and we are now in the full swing of things. Educators often talk about developing an outcomes-based curriculum. This means that, as they develop their course for the year, they start with the learning objectives and work backwards to the first day of class to ensure that each of those learning objectives is met. Why is that important for the College and Career Counseling Office? Because unlike in your high school classroom, you get to set the objectives, and I get to help you achieve them.

How awesome is that! You are in charge of your own destiny! But with great power comes great responsibility. I cannot help you achieve your goals if you do not know them yourself and if I am not aware of them. Want to be a doctor? Cool, let's go! Nuclear Physicist? Awesome—let's chat with the Navy. Tradesman? Let's get in touch with local union halls. None of this can happen, however, without your active involvement in the process.

Seniors — I have met with many of you and will be meeting with each one of you individually during the fall semester. Keep an eye out for an email from me with a link to schedule some time for us to speak.

Juniors — I hope to meet with each of you individually in the spring. Stay tuned for more information as the year progresses. You should be actively building your dream school list.

Sophomores — You should be developing your goals for what's next after high school by building a list of careers and settings in which you want to work.

Freshmen — You should begin to explore your strengths and weaknesses. If you have a goal and want to reach it, let's talk now! Dream of going to an Ivy or a T20 college or university? Every step you take from here on out is about building your resume and academic achievements toward that goal.

Parents — Stay engaged! Be active participants in helping your sons and daughters develop their skills. Guide them and encourage them. Do not limit their dreams, because I believe that an STVM education can take your child anywhere. It's why I made the choice for my own son and daughter. Over the next four years, it's imperative that you expose your kids to all the amazing colleges and universities available to them. Going to Canton to go shopping? Drive through Malone and Walsh—it's a 15-minute detour. How about that trip up to Trader Joe's? Stop out and see John Carroll. Going camping at Hocking Hills? Have you seen Ohio University? Every student should visit or see a large state institution in a city setting, a large state institution in a rural setting, and a private college in a city, suburb, and rural setting before they graduate. It doesn't have to be an official college tour—just drive through and see what feels right!

As we enter this year, I leave you with a quote from the Patron Saint of Students and Academics:  "Creator of all things … Grant to me keenness of mind, capacity to remember, skill in learning, subtlety to interpret, and eloquence in speech." — St. Thomas Aquinas.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, free and confidential support is available 24/7 through the following resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. You can also use the online chat service.

• Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

• Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans can press 1 when calling 988 or text 838255. 

Please visit the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) - for more resources and information.