The Importance of Having a Counselor on Staff at KKIS

At KKIS, our mission is to ensure that every student has the support they need to stay in school and succeed. While providing school supplies and financial aid are crucial components of this support, we recognize that students face a myriad of challenges that go beyond material needs.

Parental pressure, decision-making issues, self-esteem issues, financial burdens, and a lack of self-confidence can all significantly impact a student's ability to stay in school and graduate. Having a dedicated counselor on our staff is not just beneficial but essential to addressing these challenges comprehensively.

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Addressing Parental Pressure

Many students face intense pressure from their parents to excel academically. This pressure, while well-intentioned, can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety. This is added to the emotional tension due to the academic workload and the self-inflicted pressure due to very high self-demands and perfectionism regarding their school performance. A certified counselor can provide a safe space for students to express their concerns, learn coping strategies, and manage stress effectively. A counselor can help alleviate some of the pressures that students face at home.

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Making better decisions

Making decisions is another significant challenge that students encounter. The desire to fit in and be accepted by others can lead students to make decisions that are not in their best interest, such as following a life’s path that does not reflect their own goals and dreams, or even dropping out of school. A counselor can help students develop the clarity and self-confidence needed to make better decisions. They can teach students how to make independent decisions and stand by their values, even when faced with opposition. Through counseling sessions, students can learn to stay true to themselves through the complex dynamics of life.

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Building Self-Esteem

Self-esteem plays a crucial role in a student’s academic success and overall well-being. Students with low self-esteem may struggle with self-doubt, which can hinder their academic performance and social interactions. A counselor can work with students to build their self-esteem by helping them recognize their essential personal value, their strengths, and accomplishments. By fostering a positive self-image, a counselor can empower students to approach their academic and personal challenges with confidence.

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Managing Financial Burdens

Financial burdens can be a significant source of stress for students. The fear of not being able to afford extracurricular activities, or even basic necessities can impact a student’s focus and motivation. A counselor can provide resources and support to help them navigate the stress caused by financial difficulties. They can as well connect students with community resources and offer advice on managing negative emotions that emerge from financial challenges. By addressing these financial concerns, a counselor can help alleviate some of the stress that students face, allowing them to concentrate on their education.

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Boosting Confidence to Graduate

One of the most critical roles of a counselor is to help students build the confidence needed to graduate. Especially during the last school year before graduating, many students face a lot of emotional tension, self-doubt, and fear of failure, which can lead to disengagement and dropout. A counselor can provide the encouragement and support that students need to stay focused and committed to their education. They can help students set realistic goals, develop effective study habits, and create a plan for their academic journey. By offering continuous support and guidance, a counselor can help students boost their inner motivation, believe in their ability to succeed, and reach the milestone of graduation.

The Comprehensive Role of a Counselor

A counselor at KKIS would not only address the specific challenges mentioned above but also play a comprehensive role in the overall well-being of students. They would:

Provide Emotional Support: By offering a safe and confidential space for students to discuss their feelings and concerns, a counselor can help students manage their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Facilitate Conflict Resolution: Counselors can help with interpersonal conflicts, helping them develop problem-solving skills and learn how to resolve disputes amicably.
Promote Mental Health Awareness: By raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing stigma, counselors can encourage students to seek help when needed and promote a culture of understanding and support.
Coordinate with Teachers and Staff: Counselors can work closely with teachers and school staff to identify students who may be struggling and develop intervention plans to support them.
Engage with the Community: By building relationships with community organizations and resources, counselors can create a network of support for students and their families.

The Impact on KKIS and the Community

Having a counselor on staff at KKIS significantly enhances our ability to support students holistically. A counselor’s presence demonstrates our commitment to addressing the emotional, social, and academic needs of our students. It would also help create a more inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and understood.

Moreover, a counselor’s positive impact extends beyond the individual student. When students are supported and able to succeed, the positive effects ripple through their families and the broader community. Higher levels of well-being contribute to keeping graduation rates high and to a more empowered student community, which can lead to increased opportunities and improved quality of life for everyone.

About our counselor

Gina Garcia is a certified Psychologist dedicated to supporting our students to boost their personal development and comprehensive wellbeing.

Gina has been with KKIS for more than a year, facilitating individual counseling sessions to High School and University students, in person and online. In addition to being a counselor, she is also the high school student manager. What that means is she has over 100 students to keep track of in their high school journey.

A large focus for Gina with the KKIS students is supporting them to become more confident about their strengths and to realize their great potential. That they know themselves better, and see that they are not only brilliant but also strong and resilient. They are too hard on themselves and become very stressed. Through KKIS counseling sessions they see they don’t have to face all life’s hardships alone. They develop more trust in themselves and what they can achieve, enjoying more of their success and life.

Moreover, a counselor’s positive impact extends beyond the individual student. When students are supported and able to succeed, the positive effects ripple through their families and the broader community. Higher levels of well-being contribute to keeping graduation rates high and to a more empowered student community, which can lead to increased opportunities and improved quality of life for everyone.

Testimonials from students

“KKIS counseling has helped me release thoughts and emotions that I can’t tell other people. It helped me understand various aspects of my life. I feel happier, with greater confidence and security for my career. It has been a very valuable support, since otherwise I would not be able to pay for private counseling. It makes me very happy to have support to improve my mental health.”

Dafne

“In the KKIS counseling sessions, I found a safe place to talk about my feelings. I have learned to be more reflective and validate my emotions. Now I understand that no matter what happens, I can control my reactions”.

Maria

“KKIS counseling has helped me a lot to grow as a person, and to be in constant alignment with what I think, feel, and do. It has driven me to understand that most things are not good or bad, they just are. I have learned to embrace my emotions. I have become more patient and more empathic with myself”

Paola