Clarke Central High School freshman counselor Adam Lowe sits outside CCHS. Lowe wants to communicate that he is available for freshmen if they need him, especially because of unique emotional challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think (dealing with online learning) is difficult especially in the ninth grade because you haven’t even built any relationships with your teachers or with people around you,” Lowe said. “You’re coming into a new space and you’re in classes with people you may not know.” Photo courtesy of Adam Lowe
Clarke Central High School freshman counselor Adam Lowe is attempting to increase awareness of his counseling services, which he feels has been difficult this year because of a lack of face-to-face interaction due to COVID-19.
“It’s been a unique challenge because normally when someone is feeling isolated and not wanting to check in, they also don’t want to ask for help. So trying to reach out to people through email (has) been a unique challenge,” Lowe said. “I’ve seen a lot of courage from our kids, saying ‘I’m raising my hand and I need some help.’ (It’s) been eye-opening and refreshing to see that.”
“I’ve seen a lot of courage from our kids, saying ‘I’m raising my hand and I need some help.’ (It’s) been eye-opening and refreshing to see that.”
— Adam Lowe,
CCHS freshman counselor
Lowe has been taking several actions to ensure students and parents know about counseling.
“I don’t know how many people check the (Freshman Academy) newsletter but that’s the main way that I’ve been going through (increasing awareness). I’ve been trying to drop into different advisements to try and get my name out. A lot of emailing and calling parents is how I’ve gotten the most help and most people to talk to.” said Lowe. “Some of the digital tools I have been using to get in touch with students are Calendly for ease of scheduling and Mr. Lowe’s Counseling Space for some digital resources.”
CCHS freshman Roselyn Attipoe believes that while counseling could be helpful, she would not use it for personal concerns.
“Personally, I couldn’t (see myself using counseling). I think (Lowe) could be helpful just getting around school, but for more personal things I just don’t think that would be something I would do,” Attipoe said.
Lowe understands that not everyone needs counseling, but wants to ensure that the people who do need help get it.
“I don’t come under any assumption that everyone is in need,” Lowe said. “But the people who are in need have been reaching out, and (I am) trying to bridge that gap to better communicate with people who need help but are not utilizing it. (That) is where I want to make my biggest gains.”
