Student Spotlight: Fay Noil

Program: School Counseling Ed.S.

Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina

When did you first discover your passion for school counseling?

Although I have always had the heart to serve others, after many moves and my girls and the family navigating numerous school changes, my daughter put the bug in my ear during our last move right before her senior year of high school. During this stressful time, she looked at me one day and said, “Mom, I wish you were my school counselor.” As a result, I have often had to coordinate, initiate and advocate for our girls’ education. The soundbite from my daughter caused me to change my focus on serving students.

Tell us a little bit about your experience in the school counseling program so far.

I am currently in my practicum and have the most amazing experience each time I enter the school and interact with students. I love the school counseling program at FSU. I have learned so much, not only about school counseling but myself. The information in this program will definitely increase my knowledge and give me the skills to be a professional school counselor. The professors associated with our program are fantastic, and I admire their work in and out of the program. Finally, I do not want to miss an opportunity to mention the classmates in my cohort and the other pre-service school counselors. It makes a difference to go through this program with others who also have a heart for students. There is so much to say about the program, but if I can sum it up, I am honored to be with a group that will change the world, one student at a time.

What made you choose FSU for your degree?

I researched several school counseling programs, but a few things led me to pursue the FSU School Counseling Program. First, I liked the layout of the coursework within the program. FSU was and is ranked among the best in the nation for online graduate programs. During my research, FSU was also noted as one of the best universities for veterans. I must honestly say I settled on FSU before being selected by FSU. I did not want to participate in another program; therefore, I only applied to FSU. I am grateful I was chosen.

What would you like to do after graduation?

After many years of serving my country in the Air Force and my county at the Clerk & Comptroller’s office, I am ready to serve in another capacity. After graduation, as a professional school counselor, I am eager to serve our future, the students in our K-12 school.

What is your favorite part of the school counseling program?

I may have mentioned this briefly, but my favorite part of the program is my classmates and other school counseling students with whom I interact. I get a chance to collaborate with educators and professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Additionally, a significant factor with the pre-service school counselors is that we support each other, making the journey special.

What advice would you give someone interested in studying school counseling at FSU?

If a person is interested in studying school counseling at FSU, I would advise them to be ready to be challenged and supported. This program will allow you to work on time management skills, organizational skills, and life balance. I would also advise anyone to use the resources FSU offers to help them navigate any challenge, and constantly communicate concerns or challenges with professors. The faculty are incredible, and they want you to be successful.

Tell us a little bit about your experience serving in the military.

I was a part of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) in high school for three years, which gave me some insight into military service. I initially entered the Air Force because I was tired of school. So I enlisted for four years to figure out the course for my life. First, I started my career as AF Security Police. Then, I was selected to be a first sergeant later in my career, serving in that role for 11 years. Finally, I spent the last three years of my 30-year career as the Command Chief at the Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.

I have visited or lived in over a dozen countries and many states in the U.S. I deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The military taught me leadership, followership, resiliency, problem-solving, and teamwork, to name a few things. I also met some amazing mentors/leaders and people, many of whom I keep in touch with now.

I was able to experience so many things that helped to shape the person I am today. I was able to serve because of the support of my husband and my two daughters, who often had to pick up and move to a new location and start again.