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Will the circle be unbroken?
By Micah Wheat | March 30, 2009
I just experienced one of those idyllic moments that happens every so often in this line of work. It is when we get to see our students come full circle and re-enter the world ready and prepared with a whole new set of skills.
As much as they say they disliked their experiences, refused the oatmeal or rice and lentils, shut down on rain soaked hikes, or refused to attend class, they typically still take the time write, call, or stop by for a visit after graduation.
The letters are real and genuine more so than any they wrote during their time at our programs. The visits are some of the most heartfelt and joyous occasions I have experienced. The phone calls are upbeat and they are eager to share their success stories with us. They love to send pictures of them completing the Appalachian Trail, hugging their college sweet heart, standing beside their first car, holding their diploma, or in their Military Class A’s (formal attire).
I had a trifecta this past week! I got a visit from a student who struggled dearly with a ASD diagnosis. He is now succesfull in the IT world and has become proficient in operating ham radios. I also recieved a picture of another student via email right before his departure for his first tour of duty in Iraq. The third moment was a phone call from a student who is finding success back home with is friends and family after along and uphill journey.
These type of situations only occur when the professional services are being provided for our students. These professional services are acquired through trainings and then put to use each day by program staff. These trainings are provided by NATWC and other high-quality agencies.
Hundreds of students are graduating programs that employ staff accredited through NATWC’s Certification Process each year and enter back into the world with the skills and tools the need to be succesfull.
These are the moments I live for. A phone call, a letter, or a visit from a student who swore he never would come back. Some even come back with a resume in hand, wanting to complete the circle of giving. I encourage programs to continue to take advantage of the chance to certify their staff with NATWC’s Counselor Certification Process. This will ensure that we can set our students up for success and hopefully sit in on an interview with them at your program, thus keeping the circle unbroken.
Topics: Certification, Membership, Misc | Comments Off
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