Being a Role Model for Students as a School Counselor

Ms. Dejah Martin says she became a school counselor because she is trying to become the person she wishes she had growing up. She attended CPS herself, and now she wants to show students that they can become successful and even give back to their communities. 

She is in her first year working at Aldridge Elementary School, and she’s off to a strong start supporting its students and the overall school community. We interviewed her to learn more about her journey making a difference as a school counselor. Get to know her more below.

How has your first year at Aldridge been going? 

I love it here. I feel very supported. It is like a garden that is allowing everything in it to grow. I feel like everyone here is helping me grow in my role and making me feel very appreciated for the work that I do. 

What qualities do you think are most important to being successful as a school counselor? 

Empathy, for sure, and not only to the students. Extending grace, kindness, and empathy to your fellow staff members and parents is just as important. Staying organized and on top of everything is also very important. Counselors wear many hats and are part of many different teams. 

What are some of your key goals for this school year? 

With my eighth-graders, I want to make sure that they feel like they are ready to go to high school. And, with all of my other students, I want to make sure that they are emotionally prepared to enter the next grade. It’s all about developing the right mindset using social-emotional learning. 

What advice would you give yourself a year ago knowing what you know now? 

This year has taught me how important it is to be prepared for anything that could get thrown your way. At the same time, I would also encourage myself to take feedback well and always be open to learning. I need to remind myself to not be hard on myself and to always remember that I am doing important work. 

What is your message to your students for the rest of the school year? 

I hope that they remember to have a growth mindset in everything they do. It’s important to extend grace and give second chances, but we also have to try to make our chances count. I would also encourage my students to use the coping mechanisms that we have worked on. All of these tools will help them be their best selves.