Ben Wiley Research Paper

The Dred Scott Decision of 1857 ruled that African-Americans, even ones who were not enslaved, were not protected under The Constitution and could never be citizens. This brings up questions that will be answered in this paper. Should slaves be American citizens? Is it morally correct for one to own another human? Does the Dred Scott decision contradict The Declaration of Independence which states that every man is created equal?

The choices we make early in life have an enormous impact on our future. I have always known that I wanted to directly impact people’s lives and my personal experiences have set me on the school-counseling path. In the future, I would love to influence another generation of students to soar for their dreams.

My pursuit of becoming a School Counselor led me to apply to the School Counseling Master’s Program at University of Maryland, College Park. I am a former student at University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After graduating and teaching for two years in Prince George’s County Public Schools, I discovered my true passion lies not only in the classroom and students’ academics, but playing a pivotal role in the growth of their career, social, and personal development. Although I am no longer teaching full-time at the moment, my interaction with students from diverse backgrounds left an indelible responsibility to continue making a difference in our students. The objectives and mission of the School Counseling Master’s Program at University of Maryland can best help my goal of becoming an effective counselor and leader who is an agent of change to students and service the mental and emotional well-being of the younger generation.

It was during my senior year of college that I decided I wanted to become a school counselor. Up until my senior year in college at Penn State I did not know where I wanted to take my career but I knew I wanted to work in a school setting and I knew that I wanted to work with kids. When it came time to choose an internship site for my last semester, I chose an alternative school called Buxmont Academy in Bethlehem where I would be shadowing two of their school counselors as well as engaging with the students themselves. I got to work with these children on a more personal level, gaining an understanding of their emotions, experiences, and difficulties, as most of these children came from broken homes, and drug and alcohol related settings. I am interested in becoming a school counselor because I want to help. When I become a counselor I want to make a difference in a child’s life whether that be by simply giving them support that they might not have in their lives or helping them make changes to better themselves and their futures. A counselor has such an important role in helping to shape young children and that is something that I want to be a part of.

Counseling has many components in different fields such as a school counselor, marriage and family counseling, addiction counseling, individual and private practices, and many more. For my project, I interviewed Mrs. Ross Freeman, a school counselor who talks about her journey of becoming an Elementary School Counselor. We discuss what the requirement and cost were to receive a license in the counseling field. We were also able to discuss the average salary and hourly wages for a counselor in WISD. Mrs. Freeman then goes on to enlighten me about the rewards, challenges, demands and frustrations of a school counselor.

For my interview project I interviewed a counselor named Cristina Kleinfelter who works at Pottsgrove Middle School with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Her and a colleague split 400 students in the school and meet with each one of their 200 assigned students when needed. She sees students when she goes to the classroom to teach social skills, and help with college. They both have a mixed population of students they work with whether it be students from broken homes, good homes, etc. She has her Master’s Degree in Counseling and is certified in school counseling, she has been in this field for 14 years so far. She works with the 8th graders the most, with their high school schedules, she explains to them how to pick classes and how to apply to

From this twenty year counseling veteran I learned about a functioning guidance program, the role of the counselor, the amount of time she spends in various components of the program, how to foster a positive relationship with the teachers and faculty, ways to continue to develop professionally, and insight for a future career in school counseling. As I drove away from the school, I felt a mix of emotions such as, intimidation, excitement, and hopefulness to name a few. When I began to try to take in just how much is required and how many people rely on a school counselor it was intimidating. In my mind I began to wonder if it is possible for one person to be that much to that many people and still keep some kind of balance. As soon as the thought passed through my mind, I immediately heard the words of wisdom that had been shared with me, "don 't beat yourself up for not being able to be everything to everybody." I also reflected on how upbeat the counselor sounded when she talked about her role in helping students become "the best people

As I become more educated in the field of school counseling, I realize how important previous life experiences are, as well as the skills that I have learn from past jobs, and all through out my academic career. In my life the different roles that I hold, from being a mother, a wife, student, and an employee all contribute to my professional development in some way. Through the experiences in which each role presents it helps me to be able to relate in some way and gives me the ability

Ronald Gene Simmons Sr. was born July 15, 1940. He was originally from Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Little Rock, Arkansas with his mother and stepfather. His stepfather, William D. Griffen, was a civil engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Simmon’s biological father, William Simmons, died when he was only three years old. Ronald Gene Simmons Sr. eventually dropped out of school and joined the U.S. Navy. In 1963, he left the navy. Two years later, he joined the air force for twenty two years. Simmons retired in 1979 with the rank of master sergeant.

I am reporter Jacob Busby and today is a a monumental day in the world of sports. Today is Sunday, February third 2013, also known as Superbowl XLVII. The New Orleans Super dome is filled with purple and red jerseys ready to support the Baltimore ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. I am ready for some football.

Dr. Benn Carson is a retired African American neurosurgeon and a Republican candidate for president. He has been called names by the liberal black community for many of his "unpopular" stances. His views make him, they say, an Uncle Tom and a traitor to his race.

Charles Goodnight was born on March 5, 1836.Charles’s birthday is also known as the birth of the Texas republic Charles’ mother, Charlotte, was an only parent because her husband died of pneumonia when charles was five.He was also a child of five other siblings. Charles only had only six months of formal schooling because of the lack of money that his family had.Charles’ family moved to Milam County when his father died and his mother remarried. He started working for neighboring ranches and making a little amount of money at the age of 11.

Personally, this author believes that a professional school counselor who has a strong multicultural sensitivity can change and improve a school community.

As a young student in high school, I came to have my very first School Counselor. The school was in an urban area and there were approximately five counselors in our guidance department. I remember vividly that some students had a lack of respect of the position, claiming that their “counselor’s did not do anything”. While I cannot speak for others I was always pleased from what I expected of my counselor at the time. I was seen once or twice a semester to discuss what classes I should enroll in, received career advisement, and was given assistance in preparing for college.

I have learned with all the research and interview I have conducted that in order to be a counselor there should be a special love for humans and the desire to help them. Currently, I work as a Student Service Advisor at Valencia College, and I can truly say I love what I do. I get the chance to assist, advise, and guide student while the start this new journey or chapter in their life. Even though, I do not get to perform half of the duties a counselor deals with; the satisfaction of advising a student in their career path keep me motivated to become a school counselor. Many people might think that counselor isn’t needed anymore, but I can assure that when a student has their personal cheerleader their personal and professional life changes for