Former Librarian, Mrs. Giese, has made a dramatic change in the way she supports students at Wilsonville High School. This year, she has brought it upon herself to help students prepare for their futures in whatever path they may take. She is now our new college and career coordinator who assists freshmen through seniors. It is a difficult task for starters, but to change roles into something unfamiliar can be even trickier. However, she is up for the challenge, and there is no doubt that Mrs. Giese won’t do an exceptional job.
A career centered around students can be rigorous but fulfilling. Mrs. Giese was driven towards the path of education because she believes in taking the right step in your future beyond academics. She says, “Grit, hard work, failing, and still working towards your goal is the most important thing for students to acknowledge. Life is hard, and perseverance matters. Perseverance and hard work will get you where you want to go, and grit will help you not give up, even when the road is harder or longer than expected.”
Having a specific approach that you’re keen on following can be resourceful. As well as figuring out what works best early on for yourself and for the students surrounding you. An example of this would be to stay organized with a planner and relieve stress by planning ahead of time. It’s essential to stay structured as a college and career coordinator because it’s the bridge between a student’s present and their future.
Mrs. Giese adds, “My approach to helping students hasn’t really changed over the years. I love to help any way I can. The subject I help with has changed, but the philosophy is the same. Helping students with what they need to be successful, have a good day, know they are truly a part of the community, and knowing I see them, and I care.”
The shift from working as a librarian to a college career coordinator was tough and demanding for Mrs. Giese to learn her new position at Wilsonville High School. Nonetheless, she stepped into the position with poise and gratitude for her new opportunity that had arisen. She states, “The transition was intense, exciting, and overwhelming. Insert any big adjective to describe getting out of your comfort zone. I am loving this new challenge, and there is so much more to learn, which I love. Learning takes time, and that is a struggle. I want to be a valuable source, and not having all the answers is hard.”
It can be easy to look over Mrs. Giese’s many talents that are displayed across Wilsonville High School, which is why it is important to recognize and appreciate the hard work she puts into every student. She is always available to help with any questions revolving around college and career-based questions, and much more.
Mrs. Giese shares her favorite memory as of now is “our school community because I loves coming to work to interact with our students and staff. Building relationships with the students, helping them work towards their goals, is amazingly gratifying. Our staff is fantastic to work with. I feel very connected and very lucky to work with so many fabulous people.” She hopes to make more memories throughout her years helping at WHS, and it starts now in her new position as College and Career Coordinator.
