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Guam Counselors Still Understaffed

Counselors are essential in schools for building a supportive and caring environment, which is considered the key factor in student success and well-being. On Guam, where suicide is the leading cause of non-natural deaths with rates significantly higher per capita than the United States, the role of counselors becomes even more crucial. School counselors have a multidimensional role by being the academic, emotional and social needs' addressers for students. Their role is important in creating an educational experience that prepares the students for their future.

Academic Guidance and Support

Counselors play an important role in the academic area and provide essential guidance by helping the students to follow their educational path. They work on course selection, thus making sure that students are enrolled in classes which are the best fit for their skills and goals. By setting academic goals and outlining study plans, counselors push students to develop effective time management and study skills. This kind of personalized support is the main reason of a student's increased academic performance and motivation.

Moreover, counselors initiate academic support for the struggling students by finding the reasons for issues in their learning process and providing targeted help. Counselors share resources for tutoring, study tips, and organizational strategies to help students overcome obstacles and achieve their academic potential.

Emotional Support and Mental Health

Counselors also play a key role in crisis intervention, providing immediate assistance to students experiencing traumatic events or personal crises. They work alongside school administrators, teachers, and external mental health professionals to ensure that students receive the necessary support and resources. By promoting mental health awareness and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help, counselors contribute to a healthier school environment.

Development of Social Skills

The major building up of social skills is making each student strong enough to build healthy relationships and cope successfully with social interactions. Counselors are guides who train students to develop the abilities of communicating, managing conflicts, and showing empathy. They conduct social skills groups and workshops which address the subject matter of bullying prevention, peer pressure, and violence in dating relationships.This inclusiveness creates the sense of belonging that makes students interested in joining team activities or extracurricular activities.

Career and College Readiness

One of the main responsibilities for the school counselors is to prepare students for careers and higher education plans. They provide career counseling and guidance to help students recognize their interests and strengths and help them develop career aspirations. Through the sessions of career assessments, students also learn more about the careers they could pursue and discover what aims they should set in the long term.

For the students, who are going to seek higher education, the counselors have strong assistance in the college application process. They tell students information about the different colleges, their admission requirements, and the amount of financial aid available. In addition, they help students with their standardized, tests, write personal statements, and get recommendations. This holistic approach makes sure that students are properly informed, trained, and as they go to college or join the work force, they do so with proper preparation.

Advocacy and Support for At-Risk Students

The counselors turn out to be the best allies for the at-risk students, as they are the first to spot students facing challenges as a result of poverty, family issues, or behavioral problems. They work side by side with students, families, community organizations and etc. to ensure the support and resources are provided. Through addressing learning barriers, and promoting being resilient, they not only help students at-risk stay in the game but also to do well in their studies.

Along with that, the counselors are constantly involved in the process of enforcing and supporting school-wide initiatives that dare to bring about a change in the school environment to be more positive and inclusive. They play a part in anti-bullying programs, substance abuse prevention, and other initiatives that create a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the school counselors are the necessary body for students' health and success. Their diverse work includes academic advisor, emotional and mental health support, social skills development, career and college readiness, and advocacy for at-risk students. By dealing with the varied student issues, counselors help students to have a comprehensive educational experience and prepare them for the future. Schools that give priority and fund counseling services are the ones that can support properly the academic, emotional and social development of their students. This will lead to the creation of an even more positive and productive school environment.

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