TCC counselors provide academic, emotional support
by KC Jones, reporter

    For many students, college involves unexpected stresses and challenges that they may not be prepared to handle.

    Each student comes to college with different situations and experiences, and when these situations cause difficulties, counselors on all four campuses are available to help.

    Counseling is available to help TCC students with many different issues. Larry Kimble, NW counselor, described some of the issues he deals with.

    “We are open for those seeking help with private matters, financial matters, family and marriage issues, depression or aggressive feelings,” he said.

    Some students have personal issues and need an outsider with an objective view to help them look at the circumstances and options. Crisis counseling can help those who have experienced a death in the family.

    The counselor also can help students deal with mental, verbal, emotional and physical abuse issues. Depression or anxiety may be at the root of their problem, and the counselor works to empower the student to get unstuck and on the right track.

    Counselors, such as Anita Peters on NE Campus, provide the support to help a student succeed.

    “We are like detectives. We try to determine what is getting in the students’ way, then guide them toward an effective move that will help them accomplish their goals,” she said.

    The choice to continue education is an important and sometimes complicated decision that is meant to contribute to growth and development. Unfortunately, many students who did well in high school find college a different experience and begin to feel overwhelmed.

    Smart, creative students can still have attention disorders or other learning disabilities. It is estimated that 1,300 students on NE Campus alone have a learning disability and don’t know it. Counselors can screen for learning disabilities and refer the students to programs that help.

    Students may not realize that aid for those with learning disabilities is federally mandated. A student may be entitled to free tutors, note takers or other assistance.

    If a student has failed a section of TASP two times, he or she needs to see a counselor who will help the student come up with a plan. To continue retaking the test wastes money and time, and continued failure is demoralizing to the student.

    Some students may need to take developmental classes to bring them up to speed on the subject.

    Paul Goertemiller, NE counselor, explained another possible cause of TASP problems.

    “A student may simply have a phobia of the subject, like math for example. With stress management and tutors, the student will do better. Other students may have a math disorder.

    “We can refer them to a professional psychologist for official diagnosis; then there are special options like core class substitutions or finding a major that doesn’t require math,” he said.
    A big part of what counselors do involves career development. Students can take the Strong Interest Inventory to see what careers might best suit them. Counselors can also give the Myers-Briggs Temperament In-ventory to determine students’ styles and help them find occupations that fit their personalities.

    Dr. Marisa Garcia-Luna, SE director of counseling, said TCC has many programs to assist students in career planning.

    “Our counselors can help the students determine if a technical degree plan may serve their needs. Then we can help them network with local businesses for job placement,” she said.

    No matter the students’ situation, rather than face a problem alone, they should seek counselors trained to help, counselors agree.

    Students can call or stop by the counseling centers on any campus to schedule an appointment.

    Counselors are available for both day and night for students, faculty and staff at South 817-515-4558, NW 817-515-7788, NE 817-515-6661 or SE 817-515-3590.