|
Julie Gibson is a Kentlake school counselor whose daily contributions positively influences students in all aspects of their education and beyond. In recognition of last week being National School Counseling Week, we're thrilled to highlight her this month!
National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February. The 2024 theme is "School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused."
The Educational Programs & Operations Levy supports our amazing counselors by contributing to salaries above the state level, ensuring we retain top talent in our district and for our students.
Tell me a little about yourself in a personal as well as a professional capacity.
I have been married to my husband Drew for 29 years and we are looking forward to celebrating our 30th with a fun “to be determined” trip. We have three adult daughters and two adorable grandsons. When I am not at work, I really enjoy hiking, being in the mountains, reading, cooking and time with family and friends.
How long have you worked for the Kent School District and what's the journey that brought you here?
I have been working as a School Counselor for the Kent School District for 9 years. I earned my bachelor’s degree in social work from Minnesota State University Moorhead and worked with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for many years before returning to school to get my Masters in School Counseling. Both of my parents were teachers, and I have many great memories of the school environment being a big part of my family’s community. I am not surprised that my own career path brought me into the field of education.
Where does your passion for supporting students through counseling come from?
As I mentioned, having parents who were teachers influenced my love for the field of education. I believe my passion for supporting students in a counseling role originated from my family raising foster children. I saw the impact our family was making on children, and I was very drawn to that. School Counseling allows me to be in the educational environment while supporting students social, academic, and career goals.
In your experience, how have you witnessed students benefitting from the support of school counselors?
School counselors can assist students in so many ways, whether they are providing an important guidance lesson to an entire grade level, facilitating a small group, helping a student during a challenging family situation, providing advice on career pathways, or writing a letter of recommendation for college. We have lots of data with the numbers of students that are supported by school counselors, but I wanted to share just a few of the thank you’s I’ve received from students who have benefited from a school counselors’ support:
“Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to keep going.”
“Thank you for being there when I needed it.”
“Thank you for helping me get on the right path.”
“Thank you for caring about my education but also caring for me as a person.”
“I want to thank you for supporting me when no one else was.”
What has been the biggest reward for you in being a school counselor?
The rewards are many, but I think the biggest reward is graduation day. When I see my students on the graduation stage receiving their diplomas, I realize how privileged I am to know their story. I have seen their challenges, their hardships, their strengths, and their successes and to now witness their graduation day, likely their biggest accomplishment at this point of their life is remarkable.
Starting fresh in 2024, what are you most looking forward to this year?
Growing! Every year I want to grow as a School Counselor and make the biggest impact I can on my students and the amazing staff I work with.
| 
