After many years of guiding students through high school, current freshman counselor Patrice Maites is retiring, leaving behind lasting memories and an impact that students will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Throughout her counseling career Ms. Maites has worked with freshmen to seniors, preparing them for life after graduation. While each class comes with increasing responsibility, she considers each year of high school to be meaningful in its own way. “With ninth graders, it’s about transitioning into high school,” she explained. “They don’t know where they’re going, what they’re doing, and they’re everywhere.” She went on to describe sophomores as students beginning to learn about themselves and juniors as academics who start taking school more seriously. By senior year, students begin to realize that they are about to truly start their lives, and that graduation is approaching quickly. 

Although she has enjoyed working with all grade levels, Ms. Maites shares that, “[She’s] always enjoyed the seniors because [she’s] had an opportunity to watch them grow for four years.” What she cherishes most is witnessing a student grow from an inexperienced freshman entering high school into someone who has overcome challenges and gained confidence throughout their journey.

Maites’ decision to become a counselor came from her own experience as a high school student. When deciding upon her career in the early 1970s, Ms. Maites said she felt lost about her future as opportunities for women were scarce. “When I was in high school, my counselor didn’t help me at all,” she said. “I had no idea that I could have been an astronaut, I could have been a brain surgeon, I could be a newspaper reporter.” Because of that experience, she wanted to become someone who could help students find their passions rather than telling them what to do. Her goal is to provide students with the resources available to help them fulfill their dreams. 

For Ms. Maites, the most rewarding part of being a counselor is being able to be a support system for students and to be able to be involved in such a crucial point in their lives. “It’s a privilege to be a part of their life,” she said. “It’s about giving them voice, listening to them when they need help and support.” 

Despite the challenges that come with counseling, including the emotional difficulty of losing students to violence over the years, Ms. Maites said the positive memories are what she will hold onto the most, saying that, “The most fun memories are when kids come back to see me. Sometimes kids come back, they’re married and then kids come back with their own children.”

As Ms. Maites prepares for retirement she hopes that “students feel empowered to try new things and not be afraid to take a chance. And if you make a mistake, it’s not a big deal. Try again, and never give up.” 

Her final piece of advice to students reflects the same message that she has spent years giving others:  “It’s never too late to change,” Ms. Maites said. “Every day is a new opportunity to start again.” 

And while students will definitely miss seeing her in her office, Ms. Maites admitted she may miss them even more. •