🎙️ Episode Title: Guiding the Future: The Unsung Heroes of High School
💭 Episode Description:
Join us for an enlightening episode of the Epic Voices podcast as we delve into the world of high school guidance counseling. Featuring the experienced team from Franklin Academy, including Rosalyn Poirier, Dustin Stover, and Tim McCarthy, this episode explores the motivations and challenges faced by school counselors. Discover the misconceptions about their roles, the impact of community involvement, and the essential skills students need for success beyond high school. Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this episode offers valuable insights into the pivotal role of guidance counselors in shaping the future of young adults.
👤 Guest Information:
Name: Rosalyn Poirier
Title: School Counselor, Franklin Academy
Background:
Name: Dustin Stover
Title: School Counselor, Franklin Academy
Background:
Name: Tim McCarthy
Title: School Counselor
Background:
⏱️ Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Introduction & Background
The episode opens with an introduction to the school counseling team, setting the stage for a conversation about their roles, experience, and commitment to supporting students both academically and personally.
[06:04] Misunderstandings About School Counselors
The counselors address common misconceptions about their profession, clarifying that while they are not therapists, they play a critical role in guidance, advocacy, and connecting students and families with the right resources.
[07:15] Challenges Facing Today’s Students
A discussion on the unique challenges students face, including limited career exposure within the community and shifting attitudes toward school.
[07:57] Post-COVID Student Mentality & Attendance
The counselors reflect on how COVID-19 continues to impact student motivation, mental health, and school attendance, and what schools are doing to respond.
[08:36] Preparing for Life After High School
An exploration of how counselors help students navigate post-graduation options, including college, trade schools, and entering the workforce, with an emphasis on starting these conversations early.
[09:31] Family Involvement & Early Planning
The importance of engaging families in the planning process and helping students make informed decisions well before their senior year.
[17:10] Financial Planning for College
The counselors highlight the need for open financial conversations, understanding scholarships, and planning ahead to manage college costs.
[19:07] The Value of Local Scholarships
A closer look at how local scholarships play a key role in easing financial burdens and making higher education more accessible for students.
[26:21] Skills That Matter Beyond Academics
A conversation about the life skills students need after high school, including resilience, communication, and adaptability.
[26:51] Building Good Habits for Long-Term Success
The counselors emphasize the importance of developing strong habits and work ethic that extend beyond the classroom.
[28:03] Preparing Students for the Real World
How counselors support students in becoming well-rounded, confident individuals ready to face life’s challenges.
[32:12] Community Partnerships & Career Exposure
Examples of successful community collaborations, including career panels that give students exposure to real-world opportunities.
[33:44] The Impact of Lost Programs
A reflection on the loss of valuable programs like Upward Bound due to funding cuts and the gap they leave for students.
[Final Segment] Advice for Students & Parents
The counselors close by encouraging students to work hard and be kind, and reminding parents to support their children while still allowing them the independence to grow.
💬 EPIC Quotes:
"I mean I feel like being resilient as you get into the real world of life, things always, they don't go as how you plan. So sometimes it means getting knocked down and then having the ability to sit back up and follow through things when they're hard. I feel like that's something that in life you need that because things don't always go to plans." -Dustin
"I always tell my kids, it's just my motto of life is just work hard and be kind. If you work hard and you're kind, you're going to go far in life. Try not to put so much pressure on what am I going to do for the rest of my life because you're going to change that 10 times that happens." -Rosalyn
📣 Call to Action:
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