Counseling Tech Conference

Three years ago I attended my first, of what would turn out to be many, educational technology conferences.  Learning 2.010, will take place again this coming September.  While I was listening to one of the conference planners share what was in store for this year’s conference, the idea hit me.  They are creating all sorts of learning cohorts for this conference, and yet NOT ONE is targeted for school counselors.  Why is this?  I have learned a great deal in my past three years of conference attendance (and one year of presenting).  School counselors are key players in technology and learning.  Not only do we need to know what apps and tools are being used, how to use them, and how we can creatively make our jobs better with them but, we are in the forefront of social networking, cyber bullying issues, and effective communicators.

So it is my hope that YES, we do see more ed tech conferences welcoming counselors into the conversation.  What a team we would make!  Learning 2.010, please add a cohort for school counselors.

R.A.F.T.

Being the last week of school for summer, there are many goodbyes being said.  Students moving, students staying, summer holidays, etc.  Today we had our end of the year assembly, and it was a nice way to celebrate those leaving and celebrate those staying.  I was pleased to see that all students were recognized and celebrated.

David Pollack, author of the book Third Culture Kids, writes that a good method for leaving is to build a RAFT.  R=reconciliation, A=affirmation, F=farewells, and T=Think Destination.  I have seen so many students and families use this as a guideline and it has made their transition go more smoothly.  Reconcile anything unfinished, affirm all those who have made a difference in your life, enjoy your farewells and make sure you say goodbye, and finally, Think about the expectations you have for where you are going and how that may impact you.

For me, affirmation is today’s theme.  And as I was walking to my office, I had tears in my eyes as one of my 7th grade boys told me, “Wow, I can’t believe you are leaving.  You are a part of this school.  I don’t want you to go.”  Never underestimate the power of affirming those around you for all they do in your life.  I will carry this student’s comment with me forever!

A notebook?

It’s hard to believe four years have passed since I moved to China and started the adventure of creating a Middle School Guidance Program.  Feeling like I did in University, I wanted something concrete to show for all the work that’s been done.  So I have compiled and created a notebook.  A “Counseling Handbook” if you will.  And like I did in University, I am carting it around like a proud parent.

I know there are many resources available for counselors and ASCA has many, however, to put together one from the work we (our counseling team) has done makes me smile.  There is so much talk about accountability and “showing” your work.  Well, this notebook has made Administration look and say “Wow, and we didn’t even think a school counselor in the middle school was important when we hired you.  We just took a chance.”  I hope that that chance has now paid off and students, teachers, parents and yes…even admin, will benefit from the four years of work that has been done.

Connections

We are two weeks away from the end of the year, and for our students that means change.  With one third of our population transitioning in and out every year, many friendships change.  This week we have started asking the question…”Where?”  and I have been amazed that although many of our students are connected through Skype, g-mail, yahoo, and facebook, they cannot answer the simple question of “where?” even among their “best friends”.

So this is our focus for the week.  Whether you are staying in Shanghai or moving to a new country or just going on holiday for the summer, ask “Where?”.  Get connected.  I have been pleased to hear many conversations start with “where?” and continue with “Wow, I’m going there!  We should get together.”

Enjoying the moment

In this ever changing high mobility community of expats, it is always nice to remember to stop and enjoy the moments.  I often work with students who don’t want to make friends because one of them will move, or friends who are fighting because their friendship is shifting.  It can be tough to make lasting relationships when you know you will soon be on a new adventure.

This weekend was one such moment for me.  As I look ahead to the next adventure of going home, it was nice to stop in the middle of detail chaos, and visit with friends.  We spent a lovely day in Puxi enjoying where each of us is currently on this journey and celebrated our friendship.  Some are staying and some are moving to other countries, but we know that with facebook, skype and an abundance of frequent flyer miles, we will reconnect.

Stealing moments with friends is what makes these journeys so special.  I encourage you, no matter where you are in the journey, to stop for a moment and treasure those who make it so special.