Mrs. Jackson taking on post-Covid issues one student at a time. photo by Emanuel Morales-Gomez
TJ counselors support students in a post-pandemic world.
As schools continue to adjust to the post-pandemic world, one thing is very clear: students are facing more emotional, social, and academic challenges than ever before. Anxiety and difficulties with social skills have increased, as many students are uncertain of their futures. In these times of struggle, the Thomas Jefferson High School counselors are here to help.
Rossanda Jackson has been working in the education system for over 25 years. Her experiences as not only a counselor, but a teacher and mentor have shaped her into the empathetic and supportive person she is today. What began as Jackson being a kindergarten teacher has led her into something much more. “I started as a kindergarten teacher, and I loved working with kids, but I realized I wanted to connect more with them on a more personal level,” she explained. After being a teacher for several different grades, Jackson decided to pursue becoming a counselor instead. This was when she found her passion for helping students navigate their paths into the real world.
One of the many challenges students face today is anxiety. According to Jackson’s observations, even years after the pandemic, the effects of it are still being felt. This is especially prominent in regards to social development. “There’s a noticeable difference in students now compared to before the pandemic,” she said. “A lot of them struggle with anxiety, and their social skills are underdeveloped because they spend so much time in front of a screen. They’re not used to advocating for themselves or interacting in person.” The difference in social development is most noticeable in students who were in middle school when the pandemic hit. Middle school is a critical time in students’ development, and missing out on the social interaction along with crucial classroom time has left students struggling to catch up.
An additional issue students are struggling with is finding the right career path after high school. Jackson spends a significant amount of time ensuring students have access to many resources in order to find what works best for them. “Some know exactly what they want, but others are still trying to figure it out. It’s about asking the right questions and guiding them toward finding their path,” she explained. Many students are unaware of the available resources because they are unsure of what they have access to. Conversations with parents and students, as well as research, helps many students navigate these issues. For students who are uncertain, Jackson believes spending extra time connecting with them is crucial. Finding their interests and strengths is an essential step to help students create a plan after graduation – such as trade school, college, or joining the workforce – so they can find success on their own terms.
Jackson’s own experience being a first generation high school graduate has helped her connect with students and their struggles. After going to the same school from kindergarten through high school, she moved from Los Angeles, California, to Denver, Colorado, to finish up 12th grade. In the second semester of her senior year, Jackson was not sure of her own career path. Through motivation from her own community and family members, Jackson decided to get her teaching degree from the University of Northern Colorado several years after she graduated high school. “That’s why I feel so strongly about helping students explore all their possibilities. I don’t want anyone to feel as lost as I did,” she said.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a school counselor is seeing students find their own path following high school. “Seeing students come back and tell me what they’ve accomplished, that’s the most rewarding part of my job.” Jackson described a story of a student who was not excelling academically, but expressed an interest in being a barber. She worked with him to create a plan and improve his grades, and found a scholarship for him to be able to attend barber school. “He came back and thanked me, saying he didn’t think it was possible. Now, he’s thinking about opening his own business. That’s what makes all the effort worth it.”
As students continue to try to find their own way in a post-Covid world, Jackson remains an open resource for support. Whether she is helping students with mental health, guiding them to a future career, or being an open ear, Jackson’s dedication to her students is obvious. “My goal is to help every student succeed, in whatever way that looks for them.” In a time when students need more help and guidance than ever before, having a counselor makes all the difference.
