A-B Tech Counselors Share Love Of Helping Others

In recognition of Counselor Awareness Month, Debby Harmon, Annie Clingenpeel and Sherry Thompson submitted these anecdotes about people who they have served and introduced to the power of education.

In the fall of 1999, a significantly disabled student with a visual impairment and a learning disability came to A-B Tech for his Associate Arts Degree. He was very aware of the barriers he faced and sought ways to reduce them, successfully completing the degree in the spring of 2002. Being the independent and goal-oriented student that he was, he was able to get into the History program at UNC-CH and is in his second semester there. A high school student, referred to us by a person who said that she would Ònever make it," is currently making a 2.5 GPA. High school students come here and find that it is really very different and they bloom! A student with severe learning disabilities was interested in becoming a nurse and spent three years trying to get into the program. This spring, he was finally accepted. Annie Clingenpeel, Coordinator of Disability Services

Being a career counselor at A-B Tech is the neatest job I have ever had. I am finally congruent with Òwho I am" matching Òwhat I do," which is what I try to assist my clients in doing. There have been rough times in my life and obstacles in my life that have turned out to be gifts as a counselor because they have helped me understand so much better what my clients are going through. Now I look at my difficult times much more positively as ways to help others. I have learned since my first day of career counseling nine years ago that you can never separate career from life counseling. I feel so fortunate to work with both students and folks from the community and hopefully contribute in some way to their career decision and ultimately their lives. I have always wanted to make a difference in people's lives, and now I get to, each and every day at a college that continually supports individuals to be successful. I consider myself so fortunate to be a counselor at a college like A-B Tech where I am blessed each day to work with incredible clients whose courage and determination to make a difference in their own lives by continuing their education is an inspiration to me and to others. Sherry Thompson, Career Counselor

Each year, many students in crisis are seen in the Counseling Department.The woman with five children whose husband has just left. The woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. The young man with a serious anger management problem that sabotages everything in life. The married couple who worked for the same plant that closed who are faced with a mortgage, car payments, tuition and expenses for a child in college and no real transferable skills.The high-achieving high school senior who feels completely devastated when not selected for admission to one of our competitive allied health programs.The parents and Òreturning" son who failed at a major state university fall semester coming to see what can be done to get him back on track.The young woman who was the victim of a sexual assault.The woman with visible bruises who brings in a restraining order against her abusive partner.The student with depression who sees no option other than suicide. Although the college does not provide ongoing therapy for students, students do have a safe place to come when they are under duress. We routinely refer students to community agencies, medical personnel and therapists. It is incredibly rewarding to see students overcome very difficult life challenges. I feel humbled by their abiding desire and tremendous effort to move toward a better life through education. We want to help them when the road is rough and hope is in short supply. Our reward is the privilege of doing so. Debby Harmon, Director of Counseling

K-9 Training

Staff Sgt. Sean Dewine introduces Dino, a member of the K-9 unit of the Army's 42nd Military Police Detachment at Fort Bragg, and his handler, Sgt. Kaci Bugay, during a demonstration at A-B Tech April 7. About 50 people, including Criminal Justice and Basic Law Enforcement Training students, watched as Dino maneuvered through an obstacle course and captured a Òsuspect" portrayed by Sgt. James Bockelmann. Bugay said dogs in the K-9 unit go through a minimum of 12 weeks of training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where they learn to detect drugs and explosives. She and Dino have been paired for the past two years

Grateful Parent Writes Praises For Marie Smaridge

Basic Skills Specialist Marie Smaridge gives student Jennifer Milton a big kiss upon completion of her classes.

Parent Betty Milton recently sent a letter of appreciation to President Bailey that read:

"My daughter, Jennifer, (was) enrolled at your school the week she left Reynolds (High School) and this occasion made our day. We were met with the most wonderful staff, so warm and welcoming. All of these grand people concentrated on the positives in her life, this was exactly what she needed at this point. One GREAT lady, named Marie Smaridge, stole our hearts. She made Jennifer feel so welcome, like this was a second home to her. Marie made her look forward to coming there. My daughter was met with open and loving arms from Marie, always a smile on her face, always time to care and listen. Marie went beyond the extra mile with Jennifer, it was done in such a natural manner. I personally think this woman is a magician, who works her magic with such warmth and tenderness. I was so impressed with all the fine teachers and staff there, you must be so proud of all of them. What an honor to have such an outstanding school here. I take great pride in it.

Jennifer passed all of her GED testing last week, and now it is on to college.... I feel sure your fine school will be a part of that future.

I thank you from my heart for having the very best people there on the planet."