As the new school year unfolds at Marriotts Ridge High School, the student body has welcomed a fresh new set of dedicated counselors. These counselors play a pivotal role in guiding students on their academic journeys, assisting them in overcoming challenges, providing the support necessary for success and providing invaluable advice for students’ futures.
Junior Akshath Ambula, who was assigned to Mrs.Massey, couldn’t be more pleased with the transition. He praised her swift response time, recounting how he reached out via email to discuss enrolling in Howard Community College’s Dual Enrollment program. Mrs.Massey was quick to respond and helped him through the process.
“My problems were solved with little trouble thanks to Mrs.Massey,” Ambula said.
Junior Mike Jermain, under the guidance of Mrs.McKechnie also faced issues. After missing two weeks of his ARL classes, Jermain found himself enrolled in the wrong course. Instead of pursuing his passion for cybersecurity, he was mistakenly placed in a different computer science class. However, with Mrs.McKechnie’s assistance and the counselor from ARL, he’s made the necessary adjustments.
Minsung Kim, another junior, was in a similar predicament as Jermain when he was initially placed in the wrong class. Mrs.Wohnsigl stepped in, helping Kim’s transition from English Honors to a suitable English class. Her guidance ensured that he was on the right path.
Sophomore Matthew Baek also shared his positive experience with Mrs. Massey. With just one conversation, she was able to help him secure his required service hours for graduation. This efficiency left a lasting impression on Baek, reflecting Mrs. Massey’s dedication to her students.
“Her fast response time to my issue and resolving it so quickly really made me feel at ease and realize that she would be there if any more problems were encountered,” Matthew said.
Senior Hashem Alomar, who was also assigned to Mrs. Massey, had a highly positive experience working with her. He noted that she efficiently assisted him with schedule changes, addressing his concerns promptly. Alomar, however, offered a critique to the schedule change process, describing it as a rather tedious procedure. He expressed the belief that requiring students to approach the teacher they are dropping a class from for their signature can create an awkward situation. As an alternative, Hashem suggested that there might be room for improvement in this aspect of the process, and he shared his decision to become an aide.
“In this rather tedious process Mrs.Massey efficiently helped me fix my scheduling problems and changes. I hope in the future the process can be easier to deal with,” Hashem stated.
Junior Yuvan Jaganathan encountered scheduling conflicts and uncertainty when his previous counselor departed. In response, Mrs. Wohnsigl intervened, guiding Jaganathan through the process of adjusting his course schedule and successfully overcoming the obstacles. Thanks to her assistance, Jaganathan was able to maintain pursuit of his educational goals and have the classes he was interested in.
Also within the guidance office and new this year, Mr. Gitterman serves as the college readiness advisor at MRHS. His mission is to help students work backward from their career aspirations to find the most suitable pathways, whether it be through apprenticeships, colleges or alternative routes. Mr. Gitterman actively seeks out students he believes could benefit from his assistance, but he’s also open to students reaching out to him when they need guidance.
“I just need to get out there and meet more people,” Mr.Gitterman replied.
Despite the busy workload and frequent schedule changes, Mrs. Massey expressed her love for her role at Marriotts Ridge High School. She noted that the welcoming and supportive atmosphere of the school has made her transition smoother. Mrs. Massey acknowledges the tedious process for schedule changes but is committed to making it as smooth as possible for her students. She’s grateful for the summer months that allowed her to adjust, and she takes pride in her role, emphasizing her dedication to her students.
“I really wanted to make a difference for my students and let them know that even though I’m new this year I care so much and I love being a counselor. I want my students to come see me and my door is always open!” Mrs. Massey expressed.
In a school where each student’s path is unique, the support and guidance provided by dedicated counselors prove invaluable. As they navigate the challenges of scheduling, academic adjustments and college readiness, these counselors leave no student behind. With their doors always open and their commitment unwavering, they epitomize the spirit of Marriotts Ridge High School, a community dedicated to nurturing and guiding the next generation towards success.