From Navy Boots to Counselor Shoes – My First Year as a Middle School Counselor
Hello and welcome! I’m so excited to begin this blog and share my journey, reflections, and resources as a school counselor.
My path into counseling has been anything but traditional. I’m a proud retired Navy veteran, and after years of service, I found myself drawn to education. I began my second career as an elementary teacher, where I quickly discovered that while I loved teaching, I felt an even deeper pull toward supporting the mental and emotional needs of students.
That passion led me to pursue my degree in School Counseling through Lamar University, and in July 2023, I officially began my journey as a middle school counselor, working primarily with 8th-grade students.
And what a year it was.
Walking into this role, I knew I had a lot to learn—but I didn’t realize just how much! I spent the year learning on the go, often wondering if I was doing things the “right” way, and constantly trying to balance my desire to be helpful with the overwhelming volume of needs. There were days filled with confidence and connection, and others where I quietly questioned if I was making the impact I had hoped for.
But through it all, I learned.
I learned that middle schoolers are complex, emotional, resilient, hilarious, and deeply in need of caring adults who will listen without judgment. I learned that no two days as a counselor are the same. I learned how powerful it can be just to sit beside a student in silence, or to offer a few encouraging words when they feel invisible.
This blog will serve as a place for me to document my journey, share ideas and insights, and connect with others who are passionate about student mental health. Whether you’re a fellow school counselor, an educator, a parent, or someone just curious about the profession—I hope my experiences can offer you something valuable.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Here's to learning, growing, and showing up for kids—one conversation at a time.
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