Counseling Graduate a Finalist for Oklahoma State School Counselor of the Year

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Sarah Kirk earned a master's in counseling, option in school counseling, in 2012

Oklahoma State University alumna Sarah Kirk is one of three finalists for Oklahoma State School Counselor of the Year, the Oklahoma School Counselor Association recently announced.

Kirk earned a master’s degree in counseling with an option in school counseling from the College of Education in 2012. She also obtained an Oklahoma State bachelor’s degree in human development and family science with an option in child and family services in 2010.

Kirk recently completed her third year as a counselor at Monroe Elementary School in Norman where she developed a comprehensive program that includes the use of therapy dogs. She also launched the “kindness project” to assist her students in developing emotional and social skills.

“This nomination has been a reminder that what I am doing is important,” Kirk said. But it has also been a reminder that this is only the beginning.”

As she reflects on her experience at OSU, Kirk is grateful.

“What stands out most are the professors who challenged me, educated me, but more than anything, believed in me,” Kirk said. “There is nothing more encouraging as you are progressing through a time-consuming, emotionally-draining graduate program than a professor looking you in the eyes and telling you, ‘you can do this.’ I didn't always know if I had landed in the right field but because of professors who believed I could do it, who believed I could make a difference, I kept going. I am forever grateful for that encouragement.”

In November one of the three finalists will be named the state's Counselor of the Year and go on to compete for the national School Counselor of the Year. Oklahoma's School Counselor of the Year will also be honored in Washington, D.C., at a White House ceremony.

For more information about the OSU College of Education's graduate program in counseling, visit http://education.okstate.edu/coun.