So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu! Adieu, Adieu, to you and you and you!
This school year has been marked by several counselor departures, having to say goodbye to three different counselors in the span of one school year. Most recently counselor Cathy DiToro left to pursue her artistic career and dream of being a musician. A long time artist, DiToro feels that now is the time to seize hold of her dreams, or else they may pass her by.
Earlier this year we were left to fend for ourselves without Vanessa Keller, Austin Hamill and Colette Julian and now DiToro has left her post as well. This has certainly been a difficult time for seniors trying to get through the arduous task of applying to college without their beloved counselors. Keller and Hamill are on long-term medical leave, and Julian left for a job at NOVA.
“I feel really bad leaving my students in the middle of the year, but this is an opportunity that is right here and right now, and it’s something that I have to do,” said DiToro.
Many people feel a tad betrayed that the counselors are leaving at a time when their services are most needed. Upperclassmen look to their counselors for both guidance and support through one of the most stressful times of their lives.
“The hardest part of them leaving isn’t that they’re actually gone, it is that they leave without any warning,” said junior Javier Ruisanchez.
DiToro has really tried to avoid this as she moves on with her life. Walking into school one day and finding that someone important in your life has departed certainly has a negative effect on students’ lives.
“With a lot of turnover, it’s important to communicate with everyone and let them know what’s going on. That was my main priority, to let my students and parents know as far in advance as possible,” said DiToro.
For many people, the school counselors are not just people who help them get into college, they’re a support line, and seeing them leave is difficult.
They’re there through the ups and downs, and are always an option to go talk to.
“Last year Julian was a huge help when I had a lot of issues related to a concussion. I honestly don’t know if I would have made it through junior year without her, and when she just left, it was shocking,” said senior Selene Sobert.
There will be a period of transition; there is no doubt about that. There always is when major changes come all of a sudden. But WS has a tradition of persevering through hardships and making the best out of the situation.
“I’ve seen my seniors through the college period, and I’m sure that my juniors will come through with flying colors next year. There isn’t a good time to leave, and believe me, I’ll miss everyone dearly. But this is something that I have to do, and I think my students will be just fine,” said DiToro.