EMPOWERING YOUTH: TRACY GREENBAUM'S PASSION FOR HELPING STUDENTS REALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL

Ilike helping people. The whole point of us being here in this world is to help each other.”

This is the philosophy of Tracy M. Greenbaum, Broward County guidance counselor and college admissions coach whose passion in life is helping youth fulfill their full potential.

And in a time when poor mental health has become an epidemic, and colleges are becoming increasingly competitive, it is becoming more and more crucial for students to be supported inside and outside of school. Mr. Greenbaum aims to be a part of this supportive network.

“We’re here for the students. That’s my number one thing,” he said.

Even though his goal was always to help people, he didn’t always expect to become a guidance counselor. Before pursuing a career in education, he was on the pre-med track at the University of South Florida. However, he had a feeling it wasn’t the right path for him.

Mr. Greenbaum spent years immersed in the world of tennis and sports as a professional tennis coach for 25 years and even a tennis coach for a sleepaway camp from as young as 16 years old.

Additionally, he served as an assistant coach on the 2018 Western High School girls' softball team. What was that like?

“We had an amazing run,” Mr. Greenbaum said.

With his guidance, and with a lot of hard

By Alexis Peart

work and dedication, the team was able to win the state championship, the first state title for Western High School.

“It [the win] was even more intense and more meaningful because my daughter played for me,” he said.

His experience helping students to improve in athletics, through both softball and tennis, helped him rediscover his passion.

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching and working with young people. And so after years of teaching tennis, I decided I found my calling, which is helping students,” said Mr. Greenbaum.

Mr. Greenbaum then pursued a degree in education, getting hired immediately after earning his master’s degree in guidance and counseling. Throughout his career, he’s always made sure to encourage students.

One of his former students, Jason Howard, agrees with this notion.

“Mr. Greenbaum was my counselor for two years,” started Howard, explaining that despite being assigned another counselor, he continued seeing Mr. Greenbaum, “all of the students liked him. When I would go to the guidance office, all of the doors were closed,” said Howard. “His door was always open.”

Through Greenbaum College Advising, many others also benefited from Mr. Greenbaum’s help.

“I find that my passion is helping these kids one on one with the whole entire college process. I think it's really fun helping them write their essays, helping them choose their colleges.” said Mr. Greenbaum, “My favorite thing is at the very end when they actually make it. It's a great feeling on their end and my end as well, knowing that I did make a difference in someone's life.”

“That’s why we do what we do,” he said.