Interview With Melissa Gomes

While interviewing school counselor, Melissa Gomes from Friendship Southeast Elementary Public Charter School, I was able to obtain a lot of information pertaining to a school counselor’s profession. Although, I have acquired plenty of information about a school counselor occupation throughout the last year and half of attending Trinity, the interview was very beneficial and knowledgeable. Ms. Gomes gave great insight that allowed for a better understanding of a school counselors role. Ms. Gomes was kind enough to answer several different questions pertaining to her role and responsibilities as a school counselor. After completing her studies and earning a master’s degree from Michigan State in school counseling, Ms. Gomes worked in her field

Gomes expressed that things became extremely different for her when she started working in the District of Columbia with elementary school students. She explained that her role drastically changed because of the urban setting. She mentioned that she does not counsel children and she mainly provide resources to the children and their families. Ms. Gomes stated that it is very challenging for her to provide the quality of care aligned with her job description since she works at an urban school. Ms. Gomes mentioned that the school needs her in so many other ways that it often prevents her from doing her job which is ensuring that the child is developing properly socially and emotionally. She expressed that she has been asked to substitute a teacher’s classroom, perform administrative work, and also oversee the students during their lunch

Gomes to perform her rightful duties as a school counselor because the principal is sometimes unaware of the school counselor’s job description. Ms. Gomes explained that administrative is not always supportive and may sometimes give her a difficult time when it comes to her duties. Ms. Gomes expressed that she has had several disagreements with administrative and the principal about what she should and should not be doing. She explained that she had to advocate for herself and ensure the principal that she can be very essential if she does what she is supposed to be doing as a school counselor. She expressed that things begin to fall in place once she and the principal build a rapport, and seen her value. Ms. Gomes expressed that she started doing more partnering with outside resources and educating the students in different areas oppose to solely academics. Ms. Gomes explained that she is also able to direct her attention elsewhere such as focusing on the needs of special education children. She expressed that she collaborates with a student support team that works with special education children to ensure their needs are being met to help them perform successfully in