I liked the elementary part of my practicum counseling a lot better than the high school part. In the elementary I was able to work with the kids themselves. I prefer older kids, but the work with them was mostly scheduling and college counseling. There was one thing I didn't understand though. The counselor at the high school told a student that he would have no problem getting in the Navy, even though he had several discipline issues, truancy, on drugs for mood altering disorders among other things. There is no way he qualified for the Navy, but I supposed it made her life easier to just tell him what he wanted to hear. I am opposed to lying it kids about stuff like this and think they should be told the facts-if they want something out of life, they have to put something in. Counselors bend over backwards to assist students but they need to do their part too.
One of my strengths is to not take myself too seriously. I know who I am and can take a joke without taking it personally. I honestly love talking to people and trying to help them solve their own issues. I think ongoing learning, both inside and outside a classroom is essential to being a good counselor. Life skills certainly go a long way.
My thinking hasn't really changed all that much since I began the counseling program. I still feel people need to take responsibility for their lives and I will be there to help them if they want it. No counselor can insist some one take responsibility, only offer guidance and assistance.
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