The past few weeks have been filled with meetings, planned and unplanned counseling sessions, programs, lessons, crisis response, and paperwork. I could REALLY relate to the "Extreme School Counseling" post at School Counseling by Heart. Oh, and I'm in another play, a previous play was invited to a regional community theatre competition (cue extra rehearsals), and I have been helping out with Camp Quality Ohio's recruitment efforts. Literally every minute of my life has been scheduled, leaving very little time and energy for blogging.

While my body and mind may be screaming, "What are you doing?!", my heart is certainly appreciating and cherishing all of the positive experiences I've been given.

I think it's important to create a life outside of school counseling. I know if I let myself, I would submit to every irrational thought and urge. I would spend too many hours working and critiquing and "perfecting," since I can't officially "close the book" on my day - there's always more to do. While my extracurricular activities may seem exhausting, they have truly saved me from myself. I have new friends and new ways to challenge my mind. When I'm having a horrible work day, I can recover through other creative outlets. I feel like I'm expanding my impact on the world, leaving me feeling hopeful and rejuvenated - I have more opportunities to feel like I'm a meaningful part of history, however small that impact may be. I cannot stress that enough. It's important to feel like we have a purpose. Otherwise, we fall into a dark pit, which is certainly not where I'd like to be.

Anyway, just wanted to give you an update on my life. I hope to post more about my current show, Impossible Marriage, soon. Oh, and I guess I could post school counseling resources too! ;)

In addition to the great content, author Gretchen Panicucci (licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor, and licensed school counselor) included follow-up discussion questions, a parent letter, and a student worksheet.

This is a must-have book for school counselors and elementary school teachers. I HIGHLY recommend it!

My fellow school counselors may be wondering why I have dedicated so much of my personal time to theatre and perhaps, how I can manage to fit it in at all. Well, my best answer is that theatre helps me be a better person. I can release the stress of my day through my characters, connect with my local community, and immerse myself in a variety of situations, allowing me to better empathize with others.

I love school counseling and most definitely feel fulfilled by my career. However, I truly believe that we must have an additional outlet for our creativity; otherwise, we may be sucked into a black hole of self-doubt, stress, and worry. We need a break from any passion so we can come back to it with a fresh perspective and rejuvenated spirit.

So, when it came time for me to live out this dream, I felt nervous, but prepared. However, I didn't realize how emotionally challenging and intellectually demanding it would be to perform in not just one, but two Laramie shows in the same packed weekend. My nine characters were so different: some blamed Matthew, some used their anger to advocate for others, some didn't know what to think. Looking back, I'm so proud that I was able to remember my lines, my props, and all of the little details that kept the story afloat. Our company of 13 actors worked together to create a production we could be proud of.

Here are some production photos from The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later, courtesy of Todd Michaels. Enjoy!

For more information, visit my Mix it Up at Lunch Day page.

I've received a LOT of emails about how to prepare for a school counseling interview. This process is definitely nerve-racking, especially when open positions may be few and far between. This linky party will connect you with tips to get you through that interview - hopefully with a new job!

When I interviewed, I brought sample lesson plans in a binder, organized by grade level. This showed my interviewing committee that I have experience with all grade levels and have resources at my disposal. Since you are typically on your own as a school counselor, your committee will be searching for individuals who are independent, creative, and intrinsically motivated. Show that side of yourself! However, you must also demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively. I know that sounds like conflicting advice, but school counselors wear many hats.

I also brought data (refer to my annual report). My future principal was impressed by this and frankly, I think it may be the big reason I was hired. Administrators want their employees to show their effectiveness and be thoughtful about how they spend their time. Through my annual report (I created this using my internship data), I demonstrated my scope as a school counselor. Whatever information you have about the effectiveness of your services will help you stand out from the crowd. Seriously! 

1. Unique ideas that have proven to be effective, either from your internship or previous school(s).
2. Your passion for school counseling. However, you don't want to come off as a starry-eyed newbie. This is not an easy job, so your committee needs to know that you love school counseling even on the most exhausting and trying of days. You need to be ready to walk the halls with a smile on your face, even when you feel like things are falling apart. Students, staff, and parents come to school counselors for help and, unfortunately, sometimes that can leave you feeling drained. Show the interviewing committee that you know school counseling is tough, but you're prepared.
3. Your personality. Smile, be warm and inviting. As a school counselor, you are expected to be approachable, so control your nerves and try your best to relax. Also, be yourself. If you're faking it, it will show.

Every school counseling position is different and every district is different. It would help to do some research prior to your interview to get a better idea of what they are looking for. That being said, you will probably have questions about:

1. Academic support structures. For my position, I need to know about RtI, 504 Plans, IEPs, DIBELS, progress monitoring, interventions, etc. This is what comes up in meetings and as a facilitator, I need to understand my school's process. Also, these are services that my students receive, so how can I support them if I have little to no understanding of their academic environment? Parents sometimes call me for information, as well, so I have to know the protocol.
2. Handling conflict. They want to know that you can manage the stress and pressure of the job, while still maintaining positive working relationships with students, staff, and parents. What makes you great to work with?
3. Managing negative student behaviors. Have you ever worked with students with violent behaviors? Do you know how to address significant behavior concerns? Your committee is looking for someone who can jump right in and help if a child is in crisis.
4. Experience. What skills do you have? Hopefully, you know how to run individual, small group,  and classroom-based counseling sessions. Talk about that. Also, did you run a particularly effective school-wide program? The school may be looking to shake things up and your experience may be the key to doing so.

It's the first snow day I've had in 2 years, so I'm excited for the unexpected opportunity to relax...and my definition of relaxing is movies, theatre, and blogging.

I discuss this with my students, because not only do I not want students to feel bullied, I also don't want students to live with regret. I don't want anyone to be the villain in someone else's memory. I, like most of us, will never know the extent to which my kindness and my cruelty (intentional or not) have impacted others. My hope is that we all take a step back and reflect on our actions, good or bad. Then, and only then, can we become better people.

Right now, I'm preparing for The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later, my 4th and 5th shows of the season. These plays discuss the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's murder in Laramie, Wyoming. We have a company of 13 actors who are dividing up over 100 roles, which are, in actuality, real people who were interviewed in Laramie.