Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department focuses on sophomore programming

As part of the Willowbrook Guidance Department’s goal to prepare students for post-high school success, the department has increased its programming for sophomore students. Programming includes:

• Two-day career unit in all speech classes: In collaboration with the English Department, counselors worked with students on April 9 and 10 to introduce them to the career-development exploration process. That process includes using Naviance to complete an Interest Inventory and Strengths Explorer linked to careers, job outlook information, education requirements, etc. Students later use that information to give a speech on a career of interest.

• Career exploration field trip opportunities: Throughout the year, students have been given the opportunity to attend field trips and increase exposure to various careers through Career Exploration Days at College of DuPage (COD). Areas of focus have included culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, criminal justice and fire science and manufacturing and engineering technology. The final field trip of the school year will be a Health Science Career Day on May 1. During that event, students will learn about careers in nursing, physical therapy, dental hygiene, surgical technology and more. Field trip forms are due by April 24 and can be picked up in the Guidance Department Office.

• Sophomore Parent Night: On April 9, sophomores and their parents were able to view a presentation by the Guidance Department and gather information on the next steps to prepare for the next two years of high school. Topics included college entrance testing (PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, PARCC and ACT), career information/planning and Naviance, course selection and resources for college exploration.