Counselor Connection
"The Climb" ~ June 2020
A Message from Dr. B.
An intentional program makeover takes time, so I appreciate your grace and flexibility as I've redesigned content and sessions. Eighty percent of what you've received over the last few months was new, and 100% of what is offered for June and July is new. I hope you'll consider joining me by reviewing your own program and determine what will stay, what should be purged, and what will be added.
I have affectionately called this next stage in our journey, "The Climb." Imagine a roller coaster that is slowly accelerating upwards towards its peak, we are positioned at that sweet point where we can look behind us and see how far we've come and also look forward and see that there's still more to go. We all know what happens once we cross the peak, though, as we rush at full velocity downhill until we reach the bottom. My hope is that with all of the new tools, training, and intentional support that you've been given these last few months, you will embrace the rush and raise both hands, feel the fresh air on your face, and smile because YOU will be READY!
Thank you for allowing me to serve you!
Cosmic Counselor in Action ~ Mike Hays
Mike's Interview
Middle School Counselor
1. What influenced you to become a school counselor, college advisor, social worker, or counselor leader?
I wanted to find myself in a role where I was able to transition from one facet of whole-child wellness to another, based on a particular need in a student's life. As a teacher, I found myself tending well to certain dimensions, but I wanted to coordinate from a wider vantage point where I could take all needs into account and be a facilitator for my students. Plus, I wanted to be able to have meaningful, non-time-delineated conversations that had the potential of changing lives.
2. Name an initiative or change that you were a part of that promoted advocacy for fellow counselors or students. Describe how that change has impacted your role or the lives of students?
The Big Event at Northwest High School was a chance for students to become involved in helping their community -- service is a talent that all students have and one of which they can be proud. From the beginning, I sought a way to hit each of the 40 assets that the SEARCH Institute promoted for student wellness, and I found that in our month-long organizational, one-day community care event.
3. What are you proudest of in your current position?
I'm proudest of individual kids whose lives I have touched. That is the most lasting legacy.
4.When the work gets hard, how do you find a balance between your work and personal life?
I rely on the people around me and seek their laughter and the perspective that they bring. I also talk to my wife and my kids as a reminder of unconditional acceptance. I spend a lot of time in the outdoors and with music. The people in my life center me, and I need them to bring me out of the fog of work and achievement.
5. What advice would you give to future counselors, college advisors, or social workers?
Seek team and community. Work comes and goes, but the people are what lasts. Finding a good team allows you to develop your creativity alongside others, and there is no greater thrill than achieving alongside people you have grown to love.
Cosmic Counselor Nominations
If you are a social worker or LPC, please consider applying.
Mental Health First Aid & Youth Mental Health First Aid are going Virtual!
ESC Region 11 Summer Webinars
Online Courses Are Ready!
Foreign Transcript Training & Domestic (Texas) Transcript Training Have Gone Virtual!
- Private Virtual Foreign Transcript Training may be scheduled with a minimum purchase of 15 manuals ($60 per manual, shipping included).
- Private Virtual Domestic (Texas) Transcript Training may be scheduled with a minimum purchase of 20 manuals ($30 per manual, shipping included).
- Manuals and all materials will be shipped individually to participants' homes. I only have a few available dates for these special sessions, so email with any additional questions.
Supporting Parents through the Summer
Update from the Texas School Safety Center - Released 5/20/20
TEA Tidbits
Dr. Sandy Benavidez
Email: sbenavidez@esc11.net
Website: https://www.esc11.net/Page/8208
Location: 1451 South Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX, USA
Phone: 817-740-3647
Twitter: @escr11counselor