Mrs. Anderson was a fantastic school counselor. She had been a counselor at Central High for about 20 years. Throughout that time, she had guided countless students through the classes they would need to take, and what they would do after they graduated from high school. She also helped guide many students through challenging life situations. She also knew that all students did not want to go to a four-year college, or university, but she believed that all students needed some type of post-secondary education, if they wanted to have a successful career. She also had a good feel on what each of her students would need to be successful.
Take Riley. Riley had a difficult time in school. He passed his classes, barely. He hated going to class, and would much rather hang out in the halls with his friends. Mrs. Anderson, though, was able to keep him focused enough where he passed his classes with a C average. For him, this was good. She also knew that there was no way that he was going to a four-year college.
Riley had said many times, that once he graduated, he was just going to get a job in his uncle’s garage. He liked working on cars, so that’s what he was going to do. She told him that he had a great plan, but in this fast paced world of technology, maybe he should think about going to a two-year school for auto mechanics. At the time he said that he would think about it.
Later on she gave him information to consider about aviation mechanics. He got really excited about the thought of working on aircraft engines, and decided to enroll in a school where he could train for a career in aviation mechanics. It was a two-year school, and he would be out and working by the time he was twenty. For him, this was great.
Then, there was Mary. Mary wanted to be a teacher. She was coming from a difficult home situation, so it was hard for her, dealing with her home situation, and school too, but she was able to manage.
One thing though, is that she had no money for college. Mrs. Anderson was able to guide her through the process of finding, and being accepted at a college, and being able to finance it through scholarships, and grants. Plus she would be able to work on campus to provide money for personal expenses. There were countless stories like this.
Now a number of former students were planning a class reunion, and they wanted to show their appreciation for all that Mrs. Anderson had done for them when they were in school. Sure, they knew it was her job, but not every counselor showed such dedication to their students. They wanted to give flowers to her now, while she could appreciate it.
At the reunion, they presented her with a beautiful plaque, and a bouquet of roses. Mrs. Anderson had tears in her eyes, as she accepted the gifts from her former students. It was nice to be appreciated, and it gave her continued motivation to continue to do the best she could for her students.