FA C U LT Y F O C U S
WALKING WITH STUDENTS Q & A with Retiring School Counselor Jacky Krawczyk
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ince retired School Counselor Jacky Krawczyk has been at DSHA, she has helped two generations of Dashers with many uncommon and common social, emotional, and academic challenges; and she has celebrated alongside of them in their victories. She has been a clear communicator and problem solver, working collaboratively with faculty, students, and parents to do what is best for her students. In addition, colleagues in the DSHA Student Services department refer to her as the glue that has kept the department together and running smoothly. In the 26 years she has spent as a familiar face around the halls, her role as a school counselor has changed from an administrative, behind-the-scenes role to working face-to-face with students — a role she cherishes and will miss next school year.
Q: You’ve been at DSHA for nearly three decades. What kept you coming back year after year?
excited or scared freshmen to alumnae? How does it feel to know you’ve made an impact on students?
A: There’s always new people, new students, an energy in the building, and so many different things going on.
A: I see many giggling freshmen and watch them become more and more confident and sure of who they are as they take on many roles inside DSHA. I find it exciting when students come to me for future advice, especially about college. For example, Cassie Scheidt, DSHA ’21, was looking for the correct path to take in college, and I helped ignite a fire in her when she discovered business was the path for her. I love seeing girls have that “ah-ha” moment and move forward with their dreams.
The girls are really what keep me coming back. They are great, and all so unique in their own way. I see the girls come in as freshmen and I meet with them for the first time, and then again mid-sophomore year for course selection. I then see them turn into juniors, choosing and thinking about what is next for them, and then senior year when they make a college or university selection. I get to see the students’ progress and walk with them throughout their development. Q: What is like to see the transformation of girls from
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Knowing that I made a small difference is really rewarding. Even helping girls with issues in their personal lives and giving them advice with how to rectify or approach a certain situation. Giving advice on a Friday and hearing what
