Week 1 Goals and Philosophy

The material of this semester, to me, represents a new threshold of embedment in this program. The earlier courses were influential in their own right; however this semester’s level of practicality and knowledge is more tangible. As we gain professional abilities through these courses; we also gain assurance and impetus to direct our roles as counselors. This forms our root system. In the description of a counselor, Dollarhide & Saginak (2012) describe inner and outward -reaching strengths counselors need to succeed in this role.  These strengths are common throughout the human service fields.  Through my years of work I have found that people in helping professions tend to be unique, creative and courageous. I believe, these attributes form the basis of our passion. Our will to understand, to protect and provide, serves as a guide for our principles. These strengths will continue to act as a reminder of my reason for counseling.

Dollarhide and Saginak (2012) call for the reader to consider a personal philosophy of education. Mine most closely resembles the social reconstructivist theory. I believe in the power of our schools to educate and respect the whole child and every child. I also believe in the power of educators to lay the foundation for our children to navigate a new indeterminate age.  One in which change is rapid and constant. As the greater world becomes less distanced from our classrooms, our children need to be equipped to ebb and flow, think creatively and on their toes. Our schools can be a guide or model toward a more responsive society. Diversity is an issue where I have witnessed this philosophy in action. I look to my parent’s generation and I see intolerance and misunderstanding between cultures. The generations below mine blur the lines more and more respectively, respecting differences, and accepting diversity. These social changes, I believe, were enhanced through the education system’s efforts.

 My current academic goal is to learn more about the specific issues kids are facing in schools today. I read articles in trade magazines and find them intriguing and informative.  I am inspired by the authors’ courage to tell these stories. The sowing of these seeds of knowledge can be the ticket to widespread attention to different issues. A professional goal I have is to further develop my network of working and learning counselors, educators, and administrators. These connections not only enhance my opportunities and growth in the counseling field, but also build a stronger front in the counseling community.  My final goal represents my perception of the threshold we have reached in our current course work.  My personal goal is to build my presence and voice as a professional counselor. I look forward to the results of uniting my strengths and interests and professional skills into a more cohesive entity. As well, I look forward to the results of my colleagues’ endeavors; each one of us a creative, courageous and unique product.

Dollarhide, C. T., & Saginak, K. A. (2012). Comprehensive school counseling: K-12 delivery systems in action (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson/A and B.