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Statement of PurposeAnyone who has worked in the school system knows there are a few kids who you’ll never forget (good or bad!). When I think about why I want to be a counselor, a certain child comes to mind. I met him when he was in 6th grade. We’ll call him Leo.
You have probably met a few kids like Leo. He always came in late. Even though it was 35 degrees, he would wear a dirty t-shirt and his brother’s shorts. After he shuffled down the hall without making eye contact or saying hello to anyone, he would rush through the breakfast line and sit down at a table as far away from everyone else as possible. He was starving. He ate whatever the cafeteria served. Even the mysterious “chicken stir fry” that looks more like gray mush to me. He spent the day being shuffled from class to class. He wasn’t engaged in the school community at all. I asked my boss about Leo. I asked what could be done and what she thought was “missing” from Leo’s life. She encouraged me to get to know him. I’m so glad I listened. What Leo was missing was knowledge of a profound and simple statement made by a maid in one of my favorite books, The Help by Kathryn Stockett: |
“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”
After seeing what I was up to, some of my coworkers got involved. At first there were just little changes. Leo started wearing the jacket we got him. Then, he finally learned to tie his shoes and get them on the right feet. Later, we managed to collect enough clothes to keep a few sets washed at school all the time. When the other kids started to notice how we all spoke to Leo, they started saying hello too! I encouraged him to try new things and talk to his peers. As we got to know him more and more, Leo started saying “hello” and occasionally making eye contact.
Finally Leo was beginning to understand what we had been trying to show him. He is kind, smart, and important. Before the end of the year, Leo had found what I had been hoping for: friends! Kids like Leo are the reason I like showing up for work. Even on those days when I am so frustrated with everything around me that I want to pack up and go home, one little triumph from “Leo” or any of the many others like him makes it all worth it. That’s why I want to be a counselor. So that other “Leos” who cross my path can be encouraged and know that they, too, are kind, smart, and important. I think we can all use a little reminder of that in our lives.
Finally Leo was beginning to understand what we had been trying to show him. He is kind, smart, and important. Before the end of the year, Leo had found what I had been hoping for: friends! Kids like Leo are the reason I like showing up for work. Even on those days when I am so frustrated with everything around me that I want to pack up and go home, one little triumph from “Leo” or any of the many others like him makes it all worth it. That’s why I want to be a counselor. So that other “Leos” who cross my path can be encouraged and know that they, too, are kind, smart, and important. I think we can all use a little reminder of that in our lives.
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