Counselors play a vital role in students' education

By Fayezon Dowd Opinions Reporter

At Crete-Monee High School, school counselors play an essential role in guiding students through both academic and personal challenges. From helping students manage schoolwork to preparing them for life after graduation, counselors like Julie Pagliuco are dedicated to fostering success.

Counselor Ms. Pagliuco says, "School counselors help students with organizational skills and ways to manage their time in order to make school work a priority outside of school hours.” Photo courtesy of Ms. Pagliuco.

A major part of a school counselor’s role is helping students stay organized and manage their workload effectively. “School counselors help students with organizational skills and ways to manage their time in order to make school work a priority outside of school hours,” Pagliuco explained. She encourages students to utilize academic resources and seek help when needed. “My famous line to my students is, ‘Never let yourself sit there and struggle!’” she added.

For students who are falling behind, consistency and time management are key. “If students take the time to actually be productive, do their work, and turn it in, no student would have any problems with keeping up with schoolwork,” Pagliuco said.

Freshman  Makeya Spraggins said the guidance from school counselors has made a big difference in her academic success. “Ms. Pagliuco helped me get my schedule in order and showed me how to plan my study time better,” she said. “I used to feel overwhelmed, but now I feel way more in control of my schoolwork.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a school counselor, according to Pagliuco, is helping students prepare for life after high school.

“Helping students with post-secondary planning is a huge part of our job and personally my favorite part of what I do,” Spraggins said.

Crete-Monee counselors use a platform called SchooLinks to help students explore career options and plan for their futures—whether that includes college, trade schools, the military, or the workforce. They also guide students through college applications, scholarship searches, and personal statement writing.

Counselors provide valuable exposure to different career opportunities for students unsure about their next steps. “The School Counseling Department also hosts a variety of field trips to colleges, industry partners, and trade manufacturing plants,” Pagliuco explained. “These field trips provide opportunities that go beyond just the college setting.”

Sophomore Avion Guffie said his counselor played a huge role in helping him think about his future. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school,” he said. “But after talking with my counselor and going on some of the field trips, I realized I’m really interested in a trade program. Now, I feel like I have a real plan.”

As student stress and anxiety levels rise, counselors are increasingly focused on mental health support. “Prioritizing self-care is so important,” Pagliuco emphasized. “When a person is taking care of themselves and doing things they enjoy, that will exude happier feelings.”

She encourages students to develop healthy habits like getting enough sleep, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques. However, she also stresses the importance of seeking professional help when needed. “Seeking professional help does not mean that you have failed, but a realization that you want to be a better version of yourself,” she said.

Over the years, the role of school counselors has expanded beyond just academic guidance. “About 12 years ago, federal legislation officially changed our title from ‘Guidance Counselor’ to ‘School Counselor,’ recognizing that our role does way more than just vocational guidance,” Pagliuco explained.

Today, counselors focus on academic, career, and social-emotional development, ensuring that students receive comprehensive support. As stress and mental health concerns continue to rise among students, their role has never been more severe.