September 2026 Quick Minutes
Building strong professional connections helps us support students and each other
Whether you’re a student or a counselor, new relationships and reconnecting with old friends and colleagues has always been part of the back to school spirit! Think back to elementary school…
You start each school year with a new class of students. Some you may know, and some you may not. There is a buzz of excitement in the air as you learn more about your new friends, discover common interests, and build a community together. In elementary school, a goal might be winning field day, or turning in all your work so your class can have a pizza party. While our goals may be bigger and more complex as counselors, there will always be something that connects us all: the ambition to support and help students. And pizza parties.
One of the best things about this profession is how much we are willing to show up for each other. As the education field (and the world) continues to throw us curveballs at a rapid pace, having established relationships is more important than ever.
Below are a couple of articles on the value of networking and tangible ways to grow your own network. If you need a point of advocacy to support your work, greeting college representatives, visiting that school that didn’t have the inquiries to support it, or even a last-minute registration for a conference - maybe this can help.
Finally, a friendly challenge to check in with your people this fall. Even at our busiest we need each other. A text or a quick email can go a long way!
The Hidden Career Superpower (Opinion) (Inside Higher Ed)
Why You Need to Expand Your Professional Network (UC Berkeley Extension)
Written by: Abby Smithwick and Leah Hoffman
Southern Scope is brought to you by the SACAC Communication Advisory Board (CAB).
- Dominique Harrison, North Carolina A&T University, (NC)
- Ebony Lovett, Wesleyan School, (GA)
- Abby Smithwick, Agnes Scott College, (GA)
- Jacqueline Bauer, Missouri S&T, (FL)
- Jonathan Woog, Charlotte Country Day School, (NC)
- Leah Hoffman, Forsyth Country Day School, (NC)
Questions, comments, or story ideas? Send them to [email protected].