Consequences!
Some of the saddest, yet happiest times that I’ve experienced as a counselor was when students suddenly realize that they are one and a half years away from graduation, and that they are not prepared nor on track for it. It is like a panic attack in high gear. The parent makes an impromptu visit with both barrels loaded to attack the counselor or anyone else that they can blame for a decisions and choices that their child has made.
It is sad to see the student in the state of mind that their past choices have caused. On the other hand, I am happy that it is finally happening so now, we can start to do something about the past. While explaining the entire scenario to the student and the parent, in an attempt to bring them both to the present and to have them entertain thoughts of what must be done now, it is important to do so in the most reassuring manner possible. A sense of hope has to be instilled. When this occurs, the flaming parents seem to lose some steam, and the discouraged student seems to grasp some hope. This effort is not to build a false sense of hope, but for them to realize the importance of acknowledging mistakes of the past and taking responsibility for the future. They must further know that it took time to get into the current situation, and that it will take time to come out. But if the choice today is a good one then the consequences that manifest tomorrow will be ones that make us proud and not ashamed. For every choice, there is a consequence!
