We’re Thankful for Great VHS Guidance Counselors – But What Are They Thankful For?

Mikaela Karolzak is ValpoLife.com's #1StudentNWI representative at Valparaiso High School. Since November is the month to give thanks, Mikaela wanted to know what all the great guidance counselors at VHS are thankful for. She talked to them all and received their responses. 

This month is all about appreciation. Whether it’s something as small as having your morning coffee to something as big as being able to be with your family during the holiday, we all have something to be thankful for.

Yet sometimes we forget about certain things – or certain people – who work behind the scenes and make a huge impact in our life. In a school environment, we almost always just think about the teachers, but truly there are others who do so much for us as well; one such group is the guidance counselors. These are the people who devote their lives helping less-knowledgeable youngsters (such as myself) find their way. So, it got me thinking: as students we’re thankful for good guidance counselors, but what are our guidance counselors thankful for? I decided to set out and hear it for myself by asking each and every guidance counselor at VHS the same question:

What about your job at VHS are you most thankful for? Here are their answers:

“I am thankful that my job allows me to help students in multiple facets of life, be it academics, career planning, personal concerns, etc.”

-Jessica Beemsterboer

“I am thankful to have so much community and parent support. It is helpful that we can reach parents and express any concerns and know they will follow up with their child. The parents seem excited and want to be involved with their child’s education, even setting up meetings early on to discuss post-secondary options. So whether the student is going to college or straight to work or military, the parents are looking at all options. We are fortunate to have the Porter County Career and Technical Center where the students can explore their careers before committing to four years or more of education and college expenses. Overall, there are so many options for our students and we are really fortunate.”

-Roberta Garcia

“I am thankful to the administration for adding a 5th guidance counselor to our staff this year, allowing us to work even more closely with each of the 2100 VHS students as they prepare for the future!”

-Gloria Zimmerman

“I am thankful to work with so many motivated students. In addition, I am also thankful for the great staff that we have in the guidance office. They give 100% each and every day.”

-Gordana Sormaz

“I’m thankful to be given an opportunity to be a positive influence in the life of my students at Valparaiso High School and to be able to work with a great group of gals in Guidance.”

-Ryan McSparin

These interviews brought attention to a group of men and women who guide us into our futures, but rarely get recognition. I am thankful for this opportunity to bring them into the spotlight. As I close, remember to make sure to say thanks for all you are grateful for this month, whether it’s a small as your morning coffee or the opportunity to be with your family. And especially remember to thank every single person in your life who has made an impact, including your guidance counselors.