Emerging trends in education have caused counselors roles to constantly change. In the past, counselors had more of a “guidance” role and mostly worked on assisting students with class schedules and college applications. According to the ASCA, “they help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development and career development, ensuring today’s students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow” (2017). Counselors also promote equity to ensure that all students have equal opportunity to a challenging curriculum. They must fight against policies that are barriers for student success. By taking away obstacles, counselors can open the playing field, so every student has access to all services. Counselors can then provide preventative as well as intervention services, closing the gap of various subgroups of students, such as low income or certain ethnicity. As the Palencia School Counselor, I can provide this support by individual counseling, group counseling, Guidance Lessons, as well as other services.

It is imperative that school counselors are leaders in their profession. Counselors should have strong leadership skills and be able to effectively communicate a vision for change. Part of being a leader is also being an advocate for all students. As a counselor, I believe I play an integral role in maintaining a welcoming school culture that leads the way in continual school improvement. Counselors are constantly collaborating with others and by having these relationships, it can support them to influence positive change.