Celebrating Counselors and College Advisors!

February 7-11 is National School Counseling Week! At DCAN, we are celebrating the immense contributions counselors and counseling staff make on behalf of each student they serve. Over the past few years, school staff and faculty have struggled through tremendous odds. We want to highlight the people who make our work and our mission possible through all of the challenges.

Through nominations by you and our staff, we have selected 10 counselors that participate heavily in DCAN initiatives to provide students with the utmost support in all things college and career!

Gwendolyn Mia, Counselor, East English Village

What is a valuable learning lesson you've taken away from supporting students through this pandemic?

The most valuable learning lesson I’ve learned from supporting my students is to be authentic. Many students have struggled throughout this process and although we want to help everyone, we are not always capable. I found honesty has always gone a long way with everyone I encounter. For example, for my students who were failing classes. I had to let them know that they may possibly fail the course but assist them with a plan of action that will help them get back on track. I always share with my students that failure is part of growth. It’s what you choose to do after you fail that will determine your altitude.

How would you describe the value of your role?

I have always served as a counselor no matter what my job title I had at the

time. I am a helper by nature, and I’ve been trying to save the world as early

as my middle school years. I believe building relationships is crucial to the

work we do daily and that is the foundation to build trust. Now more than ever

before, my role as a counselor is extremely important in assisting our

students in becoming the best version of themselves. I also believe as a

counselor our role is to work with the entire community to work together and

problem solve to establish as many opportunities to further support our

students and their potential.

How do you fill yourself up to continue to support students? 

I have found self-care is extremely important in finding a balance in my

personal and professional well-being. I share with my students how walking

and meditation has helped me continue to work and support my elderly

parents. I check-in with my family and friends, but I try to make time for

myself and do something special or fun just for me.

DCAN Participation: Pathway Connections, Skilled Trade Workshop Series, College Fit Project

Jackee' Smith, Student Advisor, WAY Michigan

What is a valuable learning lesson you've taken away from supporting students through this pandemic?Students need to feel safe, respected, and supported just like adults. We have to understand that students are learning how to become adults; the more kind, honest, and forgiving we are as educators, the better results we will have with our students. The most important lesson I have learned is that students respect honesty and transparency. When students see you as not just an educator, but as a person, it makes it easier to build a relationship with them.

How would you describe the value of your role?

I believe my role is valuable to the students because I provide dependability and encourage self motivation. I allow myself to be adaptable to the students' needs, and encourage the students to practice using their life skills, by promoting integrity, humility, and having a positive attitude.

How do you fill yourself up to continue to support students? I do meditation, yoga, and spend time playing with my dogs to help fill me back up. I also paint and take dance classes. Supporting students is so rewarding, and I need to make sure my mental health is in top shape in order to help them achieve their goals.

DCAN Participation: Welcome Meetings, Pathway Connections, College Bound Michigan

Nechole Drake-McClendon, College Transition Advisor, Southeastern High School

What is a valuable learning lesson you've taken away from supporting students through this pandemic? It is essential as an educator, to communicate with my students how I am empathetic to their concerns. During the third academic year of this pandemic, I share how it is difficult for me to adjust at times, as well. Worrying about staying safe and healthy is constant; but we are in this together. Most importantly, in addition to assisting seniors with their post-secondary plans as the College Transition Advisor; holistically, their well-being and overall success (in the capacity they choose) is my upmost priority.

How would you describe the value of your role?

Education Leadership

How do you fill yourself up to continue to support students?

Southeastern High School, and our team of educators are gems! Students are our foundation! Under the leadership of Principal El-Amin, and his Administration; excellence, with compassion is how he leads. Working alongside the best and the brightest on every level, makes it delightful to support students each day. It's not easy, but worth the efforts.

DCAN Participation: Welcome Meetings, Pathway Connections, Skilled Trade Workshop Series, College Bound Michigan

Bushra Hussain, Counselor, Frontier International

What is a valuable learning lesson you've taken away from supporting students through this pandemic?

The biggest factor I learned from the pandemic is the importance of mental health. Mental wellness intertwines with everything else. It impacts students’ academic performance, motivation levels and personal goals. The support you provide does not have to be evidence based interventions; simply being available as a listening ear and showing empathy goes long ways.

How would you describe the value of your role?

I love that my role focuses on the holistic development of students. Based on their needs, whether it is academic, personal or social/ emotional, I can provide the appropriate level of support. As a school counselor, I can help students increase their self awareness, find effective solutions to their problems and improve their abilities and skills to become the best versions of themselves.

How do you fill yourself up to continue to support students?

“Student success is my number one priority.”

This saying has been my motivation to support the students and do my best since the day I entered this career. Despite the challenges, seeing their smiling faces when they receive a college acceptance letter or when they overcome a hardship, make everything worthwhile. I have been blessed to work with an amazing group of students who are very polite and respectful, and I am truly fortunate that the universe connected my path to this rewarding profession.

DCAN Participation: Lunch & Learn, Detroit STRIVES, Welcome Meetings, Skilled Trade Workshop Series, College Bound Michigan

Jonathan Miller, College & Career Access Counselor, Detroit Leadership Academy

What is a valuable learning lesson you've taken away from supporting students through this pandemic?

Keeping an open mind and having an understanding of grace are valuable lessons I continuously reflect on. Everyone has been pushing through this pandemic and being mindful that not only I myself but also my students are all juggling the regular duties of life but also that which comes along with the pandemic. Giving grace to my students regarding the college related task is one of the biggest mindset shifts that has been the most beneficial for me during this time.