Staff Spotlight: Counselor Sheryl Arenholz
Photo courtesy of Naila Adimi
Counselor Arenholz in her office with her “7 Rules of Life” poster, which represents her core beliefs. The rules are: 1. Let It Go, 2. Ignore Them, 3. Give It Time, 4. Don’t Compare, 5. Stay Calm, 6. It’s On You, and 7. Smile.
To get through the fundamental years of high school, students need a lot of support in a stressful environment. Counselor Sheryl Arenholz, who is new to the building this year, aims to help students as much as possible.
Arenholz’s journey to becoming a counselor started in high school, during which she became a peer counselor because of her affinity for helping and listening to others. In college, she combined that passion for helping others with her love for art and double majored in art and sociology. She also minored in education.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the study of social relationships and culture,” said Arenholz. “I also loved all of my educational psychology classes.”
After earning her undergraduate degree, Arenholz’s penchant for art had her considering a job as an art therapist, but that changed when she returned to her former high school. While working with students in the special education program, she realized that she wanted to be a school counselor because of how much she enjoyed working within the school setting.
“The main reason I became a school counselor was to help students—with whatever they need—so that they can become their best selves,” said Arenholz. “Life is a journey with highs and lows, and learning to navigate through it all sometimes requires the help of others.”
Arenholz earned her Master’s of Science in Education in School Psychology and Counseling, and has worked at different schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Now, she feels fortunate to be working with students at WS.
“My experience [at WS] has been truly fulfilling and inspiring,” said Arenholz. “The deep desire to help students grow and develop into their true selves is at the center of everything the Student Services team does every day. [I enjoy] the teamwork and camaraderie within the entire team.”
To students, having a trusted adult who will listen to them, advocate for them, and make them feel appreciated helps them get through high school. Arenholz hopes to reflect that in her work, and is very connected to her students.
“I was away from counseling for a while, and it was the individual counseling and working directly with the students that I missed the most,” expressed Arenholz.
