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How does it feel to win Diversity and Inclusion Champion at the first ever Global Counsellor Awards?

It is really humbling and an honour that my peers would nominate me for this. I have met so many great colleagues around the world throughout my career so far and have been able to support students from so many different countries, backgrounds and life experiences.

Now more than ever diversity and inclusion is so important. It is something that I value in all the conversations I have with students and colleagues and strive to get others to value and incorporate in all of the schools I have worked in.

Tell us a little bit about your career background and how you became a school counsellor

I began working as a teacher in the US and then an academic dean and adviser. During my time on a Fulbright Scholarship in Portugal I got to work one-to-one with students applying for various scholarships and study abroad programmes such as Fulbright, Erasmus, SUSI and so on.

A lot of what I was doing during my Fulbright, aside from teaching, was advising students on their post-graduation plans and graduate school applications. It was then that I knew I wanted to continue in this type of counselling role. I didn’t have a college counsellor when I was at school. Who knows where I would have ended up had I known what I know now about all the opportunities that exist?

The world is a vast place, and it is hard for a teenager to navigate it all on their own. Sure, they can get somewhere on their own. But will it be the best fit? Would they do it differently if they knew what options existed? I know I would have – but also it led me to where I am now, which is giving back to the community in the form of support I did not have, so I am thankful for that. It is a really rewarding experience and career, and I have immense passion and pride for what I do every day.

Why is it so important for counsellors to cater their counselling to different student groups and communities? 

Each student has different backgrounds, identities, religions, cultures, lived experiences and so on. As counsellors, we have to be mindful of providing information and insight, but not steering the ship; what we think might be a good fit for someone may not actually be good for them.

So we have to keep all contexts in mind as we support students to find what will be the best for their future within their individual circumstances. Sometimes students want one thing and parents desire another, so we are the ones having to navigate the difficult conversations and help guide everyone towards a positive outcome.

It is important for a counsellor to let their community know that their office has an open door, that they are an accepting and safe space, and that they are someone who can be approached. 

Are students becoming more concerned and aware about where they study abroad due to concerns about acceptance and finding a community?

I think so. More so than ever I am noticing conversations on community and longevity in said community come up. Students want to go somewhere where they can prosper educationally, but also where they can potentially put down roots and grow in their personal lives too.

So students are becoming more and more cognisant of this aspect of “fit” when it comes to university. And this is exciting because, as counsellors, we have always wanted this to be a part of the conversation. But with all that is going on in the world, I think now they are really having to focus on it a bit more. And, as counsellors, we have a unique role in helping them navigate some of these tougher conversations as they explore where they will apply. 

How can counsellors ensure that they are being as inclusive as possible when advising students?

It is important for counsellors to be open-minded and leave all reservations at the door when working with students. Listening is my best advice. We cannot be good counsellors if we do not give students the space they need to share their stories. Our sole role in the beginning is just to listen and learn. We have to embrace and praise the diversity within our communities. 

Are there any resources or professional platforms that counsellors can turn to, to help them develop their professional knowledge around diversity and inclusion?

There are many resources out there to help counsellors if they need help with diversity and inclusion: ISCA, NACAC, IACAC, school DEI officers and other colleagues in leadership with whom they feel comfortable. All of these are great starting points for positive information and conversations.

Do you have any professional anecdotes outlining how you have incorporated inclusivity into your counselling practices?

One experience that comes to mind about witnessing and incorporating inclusivity and diversity in my counselling practice was when I was working in Dubai.

At one time during my time there, our school had 113 different nationalities on campus. It was a really beautiful experience and so unique having so many different nationalities, religions and lived experiences all in the same place. We were able to have rich discussions on so many topics, and students were really tolerant and understanding of each other.

We gave students specific times when they would gather to talk about different topics related to university counselling and applications. This allowed students to have moments to be together, realising they were more similar than different and that they were all working towards the same goal. It was really wonderful to witness.

In my other schools, I have also helped to plan country and culture awareness days where students can host tables of their own nationalities, or they can pick one to represent. They were then able to provide the community with knowledge on that country as well as visuals, food and so on. These days helped to increase representation and knowledge and embraced diversity. 

You’ve worked in a range of different countries – how do diversity and inclusion practices differ in different regions?

This is a really loaded question. It is definitely tougher in certain regions.

Just one example: in some countries I have worked in, students were not allowed to discuss – even with their counsellors – if they were struggling with being a part of the LGBTQ+ community or if they were seeking a university that was inclusive and accepting.

It was really challenging to navigate country laws versus ethical and moral obligations as a counsellor and education professional. In other countries, naturally, it is much easier to incorporate diversity and inclusion practices. Sometimes there is a fine line in advocacy when it comes to one’s own safety and upholding regional laws needed to continue employment.

There is no easy answer. I encourage professionals to always gather in a safe environment and space to discuss these challenging topics to learn how best to support each other and to support students and the wider community.

What is your proudest achievement in your career so far?

I love nearly every aspect of my job so it is hard to pick just one moment. I think, for me, I feel an immense sense of achievement when I have helped a student who has struggled to find their right-fit choice and when I see that smile on their face when it all comes together.

Recently, I helped a student who came from a troubled background and family situation where they were not feeling safe and supported with their identity. They struggled to find a placement for university due to visa issues, as well as finding a community that would be accepting and safe.

But through the power of advocacy and support, this student is thriving and has now found the right choice for them. It is moments like this that make me happy knowing how great our wider community is in supporting students in need.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about joining the profession?

It is a truly rewarding career to have a hand in bringing a smile to someone’s future. With the right degree and certification, professional development, experience and passion, it is something rewarding to consider within the field of education. Honestly, in a way everyone in a building is a teacher, and everyone is also a counsellor – we are all coming together as a community to support students in their education at school and on their pathways post graduation.