Thank you, Brad. I retired in 2020 after 25 years as an elementary school counselor in Michigan. Your words touched me even now. I miss my work and the chance to be there for kids. It gets harder every year for school counselors to do the work they know is needed. Thank you for noticing and letting others see what you noticed.
Rita, grateful for these kind words. So happy this found you. I’m certain there are many whose lives are lighter and brighter because you were in their path. Thank you for your heart!
Perfect timing. I’ve never felt so appreciated and seen. This job can be so heavy and often takes place behind the scenes. What you said about not being flashy—that’s exactly it. Every single word resonated. “For the quiet work.
My mom forwarded this article to me. I've been an elementary school counselor for 6 years and I absolutely love my job. This is the first year, however, that I've really felt conflicted on whether or not this is the right season for me to do this since I have young children at home. Things are tough right now, but any encouragement is so good for my soul. Thank you for writing and sharing.
Molly, thank you *so* much for this note. (And thanks to your mom for passing it along) It's a wonder and an honor to know this piece found you, especially right now. You clearly care deeply, and it shows. You're holding a lot. As a parent, I know a bit of the tension found in serving other children while also carrying the deep love I have for my own. Just want to share: it's okay to feel conflicted and you're not alone. Whatever decisions you make going forward (whether you stay, pause, or completely pivot), I hope you know you've already given students something they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives, whether they realize it now or not. That kind of presence doesn't disappear. It echoes. Grateful for hearts like yours and the steady care you've provided. Wishing you rest, clarity, and SO much encouragement! With a universe of gratitude, Brad
Thank you so much for your kind words about school counselors. I’m in my 6th year as a high school counselor. There are hard days, but it’s also so rewarding. Thankful for your words.
Thank you, Brad. I retired in 2020 after 25 years as an elementary school counselor in Michigan. Your words touched me even now. I miss my work and the chance to be there for kids. It gets harder every year for school counselors to do the work they know is needed. Thank you for noticing and letting others see what you noticed.
Rita, grateful for these kind words. So happy this found you. I’m certain there are many whose lives are lighter and brighter because you were in their path. Thank you for your heart!
Thank you for this, Brad. I'm a first-year school counselor and trying to stay hopeful. I feel seen.
Thank *you* for this note and for your presence in the lives of young people. It means so much to me to know this found you. Cheering for you always.
My friend once told me we are merchants of hope 🩷
Perfect timing. I’ve never felt so appreciated and seen. This job can be so heavy and often takes place behind the scenes. What you said about not being flashy—that’s exactly it. Every single word resonated. “For the quiet work.
Invisible work. Vital work.” Thank you so much.
Thank you! It’s nice to be noticed.
Honored you’d read and comment. Thank you for all you do and are, Gretchen!
And bless you, Brad <3
My mom forwarded this article to me. I've been an elementary school counselor for 6 years and I absolutely love my job. This is the first year, however, that I've really felt conflicted on whether or not this is the right season for me to do this since I have young children at home. Things are tough right now, but any encouragement is so good for my soul. Thank you for writing and sharing.
Molly, thank you *so* much for this note. (And thanks to your mom for passing it along) It's a wonder and an honor to know this piece found you, especially right now. You clearly care deeply, and it shows. You're holding a lot. As a parent, I know a bit of the tension found in serving other children while also carrying the deep love I have for my own. Just want to share: it's okay to feel conflicted and you're not alone. Whatever decisions you make going forward (whether you stay, pause, or completely pivot), I hope you know you've already given students something they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives, whether they realize it now or not. That kind of presence doesn't disappear. It echoes. Grateful for hearts like yours and the steady care you've provided. Wishing you rest, clarity, and SO much encouragement! With a universe of gratitude, Brad
💛
Deb. You are the best. ❤️
Can't wait to hear more about your time in Hawaii! I envy the folks who get to hear you speak there 🙌
Maryn! Thank you! I’m excited and nervous (nerv-cited) to also be doing a workshop! Gonna be fun!
Thank you so much for writing this.
Brad - what a gift to be seen. I sent your writing to ALL of my School District’s School Counselors.
It may sound a bit to ‘precious’ to say - but the sly observations shared in this piece felt as if our role was being ‘cherished’
Our profession and the vanguard effort we are upholding for childhood wellbeing is under attack by the current administration.
So your writing is extra poignant - and I want to thank you. I look forward to introducing students to your work and the way you model vulnerability.
Regina
WA 🌲
Sometimes elements of the things you write hit me like a bolt of lightning
“belonging is built in small, repeated gestures” ⚡️
Safe Travels to Hawaii!
Thank you so much for your kind words about school counselors. I’m in my 6th year as a high school counselor. There are hard days, but it’s also so rewarding. Thankful for your words.
Brad, this is great. Hoping this happens to all who need it on both sides. Thank you as always!
Thanks so much, friend. Appreciate you!