This contribution is from our friends at San Marino High School’s Titan Shield.
By Debbie Hwang ‘16
Features Editor
Mrs. Kathy Stein began her career at San Marino High School in 1988 as the ROP Counselor working for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. For five years she helped provide career counseling and job acquisition skills for students. She then was hired to be a full time high school counselor and is finishing her 22nd year in that position. “Time really does fly when you are having fun, ” Stein said.
Mrs. Stein’s favorite aspect of counseling is getting to know students. Each student to her is interesting and comes with extraordinary stories and life experiences. She sees each student that she works with as the bright intrinsically motivated kids that they really are. The parent support is outstanding which provides students with many opportunities to pursue their passions throughout high school. The best parts of being a high school counselor for Mrs. Stein is being able to help students solve personal problems, plan, and achieve academic and career goals. Being one of the many on campus that help them achieve success is very fulfilling. It’s fun for Mrs. Stein when many return to share their experiences.
When asked about her favorite memory from counseling, Mrs. Stein said, “Being able to interact with students in a variety of settings. Whether it was attending their activities, advising organizations or clubs, it was really fun to see students shine in the many settings that we have at our high school. One memory that stands out to me is chaperoning groups of students with the Yosemite Institute Program for several years. Yosemite is an awe inspiring place where students create new friendships and build new confidence and appreciation for nature and wilderness.” Mrs. Stein encourages all students to take advantage of the Yosemite program their senior year.
Mrs. Stein commented on what she will miss the most, “The thing I will miss the most is working with students and staff on a daily basis. The growth that I have seen take place during their four years of high school is monumental. Seeing students who do not know what to do with their lives in 9th grade, turn into independent and confident young adults by their senior year.
Seeing them on the road to a good career or college path is rewarding.
The opportunity to work with the same students for four years means you really get to know each student as well as their families.” She will miss working and collaborating with the other counselors and the entire staff. She will miss this high school and its incredibly dedicated and genuinely caring staff.
Mrs. Stein gave some parting advice:
“In life remember to always use your best judgement.Remember there are many roads to where you want to go. There are hundreds of great colleges, look beyond schools with big names. You are unique so don’t compare yourself to others, otherwise you sell yourself short. Always grow wherever you are planted. You are in charge of you happiness. Be grateful and enjoy the journey of life. Peace be with you.”
