Everyone at our school is a bit restless after spring break.
I’m a college and career counselor at a school. My job is all about helping students talk about, prepare for and carry out steps toward their futures. It’s also about helping them deal with the present, which can be heavy at times and other times full of humor and excitement. I love talking to students, particularly when they are discussing things that light them up – debating issues around social justice, composing meaningful songs, writing plays, playing jazz.
I also know that there is value in just listening and occasionally being able to steer someone in the right direction. Most often once they have talked things out they find that direction for themselves.
This year we are redesigning our counseling department from one that has been transactional to one that is transformational. We intend to design processes to help students grow into the people they want to be. What makes them feel joyful, excited, accomplished and even purposeful? What are the adjectives that they would choose? Of course, students (and parents) get overwhelmed by the college application and career exploration process. Instead of getting caught up in the stress, what if we saw our futures as exciting, infinite and potentially fun?
The aspect of my job that I like the least is looking at a screen, sending documents, answering emails, printing out transcripts, looking up information, communicating with parents, students, teachers, other counselors, admissions directors, and scholarship coordinators.
On a good day, I can balance these different aspects of my job and come out in one piece. The days where I’ve spent too much time on the screen drain me. I’ve sat too long, my wrists hurt from clicking and typing and my shoulders and neck are tense.
As my son says, “We’re monkeys.” Meaning monkeys aren’t meant to sit at desks all day. I wonder how other people stay creative and interested while doing tasks that involve typing and staring at a screen? How do we keep our creative vision, our curiosity, our passion?
I’ve got spring fever and I’m ready to monkey around, just like my students.
Wendy Lea Writing 