Erin Henderson
タイトル Counselor
仕事場： コハラ高等学校
HIDOEでの年数： 20
ポジションでの年数 10
Q：あなたのキャリアパスについて簡単に説明してください。
A: My college journey started at Windward Community College and meandered through the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hawai‘i Community College and finallyUH Hilo. I majored in environmental studies with an emphasis in resource management and conservation in Hawaiian ecosystems. I could not get a job, so I decided to go back to school for elementary education. I taught elementary school for seven years, transitioned to a student services coordinator for four years, and was an elementary school counselor for four years. In 2020, I transferred to Kohala High School to be a counselor at the secondary level and I absolutely love working with teens planning for their futures.
Q: How did you get into this field?
A: I started as a Primary School Adjustment Program counselor, then became a full-time elementary counselor focused on mental health. When the position opened up at Kohala High School, I applied and was offered the job. At a small school like Kohala High, I support both college and career counseling and mental health. The former is something I had to learn through on-the-job training. Attending national and local conferences, as well as completing numerous professional development courses at the HIDOE and college level, has given me a solid foundation necessary to support my students. I have also had amazing support from our district college and career specialist, Alana Haitsuka-Fernandez, as well as critical support from my principal and vice principal.
Q：主な職務は何ですか？
あ: I help many different areas including, but not limited to:
- Individual and group mental health counseling
- Supporting teachers with tier 1 and 2 classroom interventions
- 504 care coordinator for my caseload of students
- Organizing school-wide opportunities for college and career exposure
- Organizing and scheduling college representative presentations in our senior college and career readiness classes
- Member of the KHS Attendance Alliance team
- CTE academy lead team member
- Behavior learning team member
- Gear Up grant coordinator
Q: How does your job support students?
A: My job supports students in many aspects of their high school journey as well as in post-secondary planning. I provide a safe space for them to discuss life’s challenges as well as their college and career aspirations. I have a lot of inspirational conversations, and sometimes really hard conversations. I maintain a FREE school thrift store in my office so I am a reliable source of snacks, personal hygiene products and clothing for students in need. During their senior year, I support students with college and career exploration, financial aid and scholarship support, and ensuring that their post-secondary plans are solid.
Q：あなたのポジションで最もやりがいのあることは？
A: The most challenging part of my job is that it is a BIG job with many moving parts. Sometimes, I am very scattered and feel overwhelmed that I can’t do it all. This usually means taking work home (in my head) and being less present for my family.
Q：この仕事で好きなところは？
A: My favorite part of my job is when I can help students with challenging situations, whether it is with their mental health, college applications, scholarships and financial aid, or providing them with something from the thrift store. Students put a lot of trust in me, and I am really honored by that. I want to be my best for them.
Q：このポジションを考えている人へのアドバイスは？
A: Counseling is a very rewarding job. Being the person who puts a smile on students’ faces is priceless. The ability to be flexible and adaptable has helped me tremendously. Having a systems approach to counseling makes my life easier. Finally, a good organizational structure is key!
Q: Fun fact about yourself?
A: As someone who has lived in Hawai‘i since birth, you would never guess that my favorite hobby is SKIING!
