Lori Schuh

Counselor, Xavier High School



1. What did you study in college?  Was your plan to enter the school counseling world?

I knew I wanted to work with kids and I really thought I wanted to work with sexually abused youth. My undergrad is from Carroll University (it was Carroll College back then) where I studied Social Work and Psychology. I worked for Outagamie County in Child Protection for 5 years before realizing that once I had kids of my own, I would have a really tough time continuing in that job. It was at that point I went back to school. My Masters is from UWO in School Counseling, K-12. I think I could be a student for the rest of my life, if someone else was going to pay the bills. Realistically, I'm not sure what I would want to do with a PhD in education or social work because I have liked coming to work every day and I know not many people can truly say that. Don't get me wrong, I also really enjoy June, July and August!!

2. What inspires you most about your job?

Every day I am inspired by the students I get to work with. The pressure to be involved, take tough classes and survive in today's society (social media, COVID restrictions, high pressure) and to remain optimistic and positive is outstanding. Even students who struggle are really just trying to get their feet under them and look forward to life as an adult, after high school. The resilience of our youth never fails to encourage me to help them get to see the light at the end of whatever tunnel they are going through. After years of doing this job (28 - I am getting old!), I decided to add something new to my repertoire and I adopted and trained a rescue dog to be a therapy dog at my school. There are days when I believe Lady is a better support to our students than I am and having her as one of my 'tools' is a true blessing. The students and I are better because of this addition!

3. How has being a member of WACAC helped you?

I have utilized WACAC throughout my career. I have participated in conferences, social networking and have utilized the listserv regularly when I was a new counselor, a 'more experienced' counselor and even now, as I am looking toward concluding my career. WACAC has offered support as we ran our College Fair each year, by making trainings available on an ongoing basis and offering support to our new counselors through mentoring. It is great to know I can through an email out to the group and get some really constructive, useful and supportive email responses!!! I really appreciate the friendships I have developed through my time working with the conference committee and think the relationship WACAC has helped to build between the high schools and colleges has been hugely beneficial.

    4. What is one piece of advice you would give a new admissions counselor or high school counselor?

    Remember you can't fix anybody. You CAN support and celebrate successes with your students, offer resources to families, encourage your coworkers and make a true difference in the lives of many you come in contact with. Relationships mean everything and although you will rarely actually SEE the difference you make, school counselors really DO matter and make the school experience better for everyone. No matter how frustrated you might get with (SUBSTITUTE NOUN HERE), you matter to that student who needed you to listen today.

      5. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

      Probably pizza because you can change it up (different toppings, dessert pizza, veggie pizza).

      6. What's an interesting fact about you that has nothing to do with admissions counseling?

      I still love to play volleyball and in my next life I will come back and work with animals (sort of like working with high schoolers!!)

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