Let the student have their own epiphany!
As a counselor~ in my very own opinion~ the worst thing that a counselor can say to a child is, “you’ll never be able to do that”; “that‘s not for you”; or “you could never become that” etc. What a way to “bruise a precious spirit”…what a horrible way to deflate a self image. Any way, who are we to say what a person can or can not become, or be able to do? Even if we know for sure (based on current evidence i.e. grade point average; transcript information; test scores etc.) that it doesn’t appear likely that the student could accomplish or realize that goal, THIS IS NOT FOR US TO SAY!
A wise counselor (again, my opinion) would: (1) ask the question, (2) wait for the response and (3) “wow” or applaud the response. Next he or she would ask other questions that would evoke thought, and perhaps raise a need for the student to ask the counselor some questions. Then it would be wise to discuss the current 1.4 grade point average with the “future brain surgeon”, and ask further if he/she likes science and math. In most cases, at least the ones that I have encountered, the answer is always a resounding “NO”. The next course of conversation leads to the epiphany. “Do you think that you would still like to go after this wonderful aspiration seeing how this profession requires such courses?” the counselor asks. “Naw”, says the student. “I think I’d better think about something else”. “Okay then”, says the counselor, and so goes the saga.
What has happened here is a reality check has brought clarity to a potentially frustrating situation and, it happened in such a tender way, that every one has won. The student has done some much needed career reconsideration, and the counselor has helped him/her realize it all without tearing the student down. The student has had his or her own “revelation”.
Tell me what you think!
