Believing that my greatest strength is the ability to develop a rapport with my students. I pride myself on creating a safe environment for my students to express challenges and successes. Also, encouraging students to advocate for themselves. The connection and impact I have made is reflected in retention. 90% of the students that I serve return each semester, and multiple times per semester to receive support. I am very intentional about requesting students to return and see me. Encouraging them to schedule a meeting at various times for education planning, preparing for class registration, priority registration, accommodations, etc…

 

My time management and tasks prioritization has improved from previous years.  

I have advocated for breaks, for file review, and encouraged students to become more independent. Depending on the needs of students (intake, accommodations, transcript eval, ed plan, petition, SAP assistance, class registration assistance), I began separating the meetings into multiple sessions which the students appreciated, as they do not feel rushed or overwhelmed with too much information. 

​

In addition, students were advised to either register for classes in advance or bring their computers into the meeting. Allowing them to register for classes during our meeting, which expedites the accommodation process. 

 

As a counselor, I am always seeking ways to improve. Over the past year, I have sought guidance on how to “Regulate the space.” According to one of my mentors, regulating the space is important for the counselors to master. Because, students rely on us to create a safe and collaborative environment for their success. I have recognized the importance of asking the student if they want to allow their parents or extended family members into the meeting or to speak on their behalf. It is always important to prioritize the requests of the student. 

 

As a tenure track counselor in DSPS I’ve learned to facilitate a multifaceted role, learning to manage:

1.     Advising and counseling hundreds of students 

2.     Completing hundreds of DSPS intakes 

3.     Authorizing  accommodations

4.     Responding to many emails 

5.     Collaborating with various departments 

6.     Facilitating meetings with professors 

7.     Meet with concerned parents 

8.     Attend mandatory counseling meetings 

9.     Attend mandatory DSPS department meetings

10.  Attend campus events 

11.  Fulfill committee obligations

12.  Orient Personal Attendants (PA) to DSPS policies and procedures 

13.  Maintain adjunct status (just to name a few)