Loud commotions in hallways, cafeteria, and the bell ringing once every hour. But just beyond the classroom and lockers, there’s a quieter type of high school life, and it’s the school counselor’s. 

Counselors are trusted to help alleviate academic stress, guide students toward their college dreams, and bring them back up when they hit their lowest point. In an era of mental health concerns and academic pressure, school counselors are the safety net for students at Foran High School. 

“I would say that the most rewarding thing is getting to be part of young people’s journey in life,” remarks Ms. Aubry Dove. 

In the Foran counseling office, many students walk in and out of the front door throughout the day, seeking their counselor to discuss various issues the counselors handle. 

“I find the help from my counselor very useful; she keeps me on track of things in my college application process,” comments Senior Rafay Siddiqi. 

While counselors are very attentive and focused on the senior class due to it being time for college applications, they also overlook course selection for all grades. This creates a very busy schedule and makes time one of the most valuable things as a counselor.

But that’s certainly not all, as that’s just the portion of their job where they help manage a student’s high school career. There is also the aspect of supporting the student, where they become a mental anchor for students. Listening to the students helps them navigate throughout their day, as everyone’s struggles are different. 

Counselors are not just helping the students throughout their high school life, but also the point past that. “I want to teach students how to get through life by themselves,”  says Dove.

 Dove also believes that when school returned after the pandemic, students were much more open to asking for help and used the resources that their counselor had to offer much more than before. 

This may be because those times were particularly tough for many, and as a result, many students needed additional support upon returning to school. They took the opportunity to visit their counselor in search of help. 

But counselors aren’t overwhelmed by this; in fact, this is what many enjoy doing the most, helping students. “I just love the opportunity to help students with what resonates with them,” says Dove. School counselors provide interventions to support students’ growth.