Thank you, Counselors!

By Kenzee Hampton 

Every day, the counselors at Owasso High School are positively influencing the students—even if they do not know it. Behind the scenes in the counselor's office, they are constantly helping students succeed in high school so they can succeed later on in life. Owasso High School is grateful to have a group of counselors who care so much about their students. 

Photo of Mrs. Pepin taken by Kenzee Hampton

Lisa Pepin, a counselor at  Owasso High School, states, “We look after [and help] students as much as we can… We don't just change their schedules and look at credits. We help them make decisions and help them if they are in a crisis.” 

With all that the counselors do, they strive to connect with their students daily. They want their students to know that they are here for them through any circumstance in life. They are here to comfort the students and guide them through the challenging situations life brings during high school. 

Pepin confirms this by replying, “I try to make their day as smooth as I can. [If I am not busy,] I am always looking to see if their schedule is good and they are caught up in everything. [I am here] to help them be successful in high school and to graduate.” 

At the end of the day, Pepin explains that the students are the reason counselors show up and work so hard every day.

Pepin elaborates that she and her coworkers dedicate their time throughout their day to help the students trust them by being patient listeners. 

She states, “If something is going on that I do not know about, there is not much I can do… but they are more than welcome to come and talk to me, send me an email, call me on the phone… I know that some people just need time and sometimes the best thing to do is just sit [with them]. I just want them to feel that they are not alone.” 

The best way for the counselors to help students is to reach out and talk through what they are going through. The counselors are here for their students. If students are upset, they can help them find a safe place. They want their students to be in the best position to succeed in high school, and to do so they must make sure their students are doing well mentally. 

After all the experiences she has had with students, she describes her students with a smile, “[They are] quirky [and have a] good sense of humor.“ 

She continues on to explain how she is constantly watching and seeing the growth in her students.

“[They] just try to make the best of their life… They want to be on the right track,” she states confidently. 

With the confidence the counselors have in the Owasso High School students, they are proud of how they have grown. They know that they have impacted many people throughout their high school years and will continue to do so once they graduate. 

“[My favorite part is the] community within the school… and being able to see the students continue their success after they have graduated and all their accomplishments later on in life.” Pepin finishes. 

With all that the counselors do, the Owasso High School wants to thank you for all the hard work and dedication. Our counselors have a heart for their job, and we as students appreciate it so much!