Counselors Help Students Find Their Passion and Plan for a Career

The Future Looks Bright for Students at B.F. Day

In recognition of National School Counseling Week, B.F. Day Elementary held its annual Career Week Feb. 5-9. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. 

Organized by the school’s counselor, John Taylor, and counseling intern Shelly Frappier, fourth and fifth graders got to hear from professionals from all walks of life as they discussed their pathway to success. 

During Career Week, counselors gave students the opportunity to see themselves in different professions. Guest speakers encouraged them to explore their possibilities by diving into careers in public service, the arts, STEM, trades and more.  

From military servicewomen and music executives to school principals and screenwriters, students had plenty of exposure to different career paths. Guest speakers talked about their pathway to their career, obstacles they overcame, and their job responsibilities. 

“We have guests that are from professions like tech as well as Amazon. We have professions around education, … and we also have people from Atlantic Records and from other professions that maybe kids aren’t necessarily exposed to,” Taylor said. “We want all our kids to feel like they can be successful. … Not just today, not just tomorrow, but 10 years from now, 20 years from now.” 

The week ended with a special visit from Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. She was impressed with the students’ curiosity. 

“I think it’s important for how kids think about their possibilities and their futures. I think for a lot of kids, they may not ever think about being a member of Congress. … I want people to be able to think about this as a possibility for them, and even if they don’t want to do politics and run for elected office, to know why it’s important for them to engage in our democracy and to vote, and to be curious,” the congresswoman said.   

Principal Natalie Zisko worked with the counselors to expand Career Week to include more students. She believes the work the school is doing is transformational for B.F. Day kids and families. 

“I think it’s exciting for the students to explore ways to be, ways to grow, ways to achieve things. It’s great to see a doctor, it’s great to see a lawyer, it’s great to get someone from Amazon. But what’s more powerful for them is the story behind it.”