Sandra Wright
Making a change in a student’s life doesn’t always happen in the classroom, and oftentimes students hope to seek guidance. School counselors are here to provide exactly that, and though Cordell’s junior high and high school counselor Sandra Wright may be a new face, it is clear that she is and will continue to give it her all to help the students.
Only her first year here at Cordell, Wright has had 28 years of experience in education, and said she plans to use every bit of experience she has gained in order to help the students of Cordell to get on to their path of success.
We’re almost two months into the school year, how has it been so far, and how are you liking Cordell Schools so far?
I have truly enjoyed my first two months at Cordell, the administration, faculty, staff, and the students are outstanding and have made me feel so welcome. I was pleased to accept my new job at Cordell schools due to the knowledge I had of its well known reputation and tradition.
Is there anything in particular that you’re looking forward to for this school year?
I am looking forward to getting to know the students and to serve them and their families to the best of my abilities.
What is it that got you to want to become a school counselor?
I became a school counselor because of the desire to work with students, to find out about them and to hopefully help get them set on their path [to] success. Whether it be assisting them to the extent that I am able in the actual one to one counseling that leads to a better understanding of self, or just in assisting them to find where they want to be. That could be college, Career Tech or diving headfirst into the world of work, every person is wired differently and we all need a place to be involved in work that is fulfilling and meaningful to us.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is when I am able to see someone succeed, this doesn’t have to be something huge, but just knowing that I had some tiny part in their success is wonderful to me.
What is it that motivates you when doing your job?
My motivation is found in my understanding that someone is depending on me. That is my reason for getting up in the morning.
What are some things people may not realize that a high school counselor does?
High School counseling is not glamorous, it can be grueling and really pull at your heart, sometimes people don’t realize how hard it can be for a counselor to see someone struggle and give up, as a counselor it is necessary to keep on fighting and struggling not to let this happen and sometimes it does; and when this happens it is painful but we go on and assist to keep the rest soldiering on.
With this being your first year here, have you had any standout/notable moments so far?
I have had numerous standout and notable moments so far this year. From the kind and benevolent help from the administration, faculty and staff and of course the students. Just working with my students and gaining their trust is paramount. I love it when I hear my name yelled out and upon seeing the wide smile and the arms waving over the head recognize a student and repay them with the same.
Looking back at your time in education, can you think of any notable moments during that time?
In my 28 years of education I have seen so many things transpire; changes in education; both forward and back again, changes in location, changes in the way I understand situations, changes for the worst and changes for the better. Except for my kids, they remain the same, always young and full of promise.
Twenty-eight years in education is very notable. Do you have any words of advice for any students as they make their way to graduation, or any advice for students who may go on to be counselors themselves?
I would advise anyone that is interested in counseling to go for it, it is the best job you can have.
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
When I’m not at work I love to spend time with family, friends and pets. I am an avid reader ( I own everything John Grisham has ever written), searching genealogy is a huge interest, I watch almost every crime show I can find and although I don’t own a pool, swimming is my favorite exercise.
If there’s anything I might have missed, or anything else you’d like to say please feel free to let me know.
I look forward to the activities and fun my students provide for me. They are what makes my job awesome!!