From Concentration...

May is always an intense month for us as we wind up the school year and look to the future. As School Counselor and AP Coordinator, I am responsible for the organizing and administering of over 300 AP exams for students in grades 10-12 and then participating in graduation ceremonies for the out-going seniors.

For those who are not familiar with the designation of AP, this refers to Advanced Placement college-level courses we offer students while in high school at International Community School. Students are challenged beyond the standard course expectations and are rewarded for doing so, including an increased Grade Point Average (GPA) and possible transferring of course credit to their future university most anywhere around the world.

From an administrative point of view, AP exam time comes to a pinnacle in the second semester when students pay for exams, exams ordered, proctors scheduled, rooms reserved, supplies gathered, rules reviewed and, of course, exams administered. Needless to say, it is always a relief when I place the completed exams in boxes to ship back to the US and learn that they arrived in good order. Students and teachers then wait for the resultant scores which are available online a couple months later.

...to Celebration

No sooner are exams over when we move into graduation ceremonies.

This is no small task for counselors, having to prepare and administer many aspects of the week-long ceremonies including senior chapel, rehearsal, senior lunch and, of course, the graduation ceremony itself.

Aside from the logistics, I find it a moving experience as School Counselor to witness the students you work with during the year end this chapter in their lives and move to the next. It's also a privilege to remain on stage to present awards and witness the celebration firsthand!

I know it is difficult to stay in touch with students once they move on from ICS but it's amazing how many of them come back to their former stompin' grounds for a visit... and it's always a joy to catch up on how they are progressing in their new environments.

God has certainly placed me in an ideal situation where I can invest in the youth of today and tomorrow. It doesn't seem that long ago when I was graduating from high school and now I have opportunity to help others do the same!

Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. (Psalm 71:17)