RONNIE FELDER

Academic Counselor- West Los Angeles College

Welcome to my third year as a counselor at West Los Angeles College. This year was a year of many challenges. How I was able to respond to the challenges showed my grit and determination to be a reliable and efficient counselor. Some programs that I was a part of, such as the Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Practices, phased out while other programs such as UMOJA and STEM club have been produced. I am still the lead counselor over the Aviation and the STEM programs. One of the most important aspects of a winning team is leadership equipping counselors with the tools and resources to be able to perform at an optimal level. Our Dean, Dr. Angeles Abraham and our Department Chair Angelica Hermosillo-Hernandez have allowed me the flexibility to attend meetings, conferences and seminars that are essential to my growth as a counselor. As a result, the continued pursuit of equipping myself to deliver adequate services that align with the counseling department goals is still ongoing.

Go West. Go Far.

year three

Clients

My third approach is one that defines me as an individual and as a counselor. Growth is the main idea with this year’s approach. My counseling roles have expanded tremendously in areas such as training, problem solving and collaboration with other program areas. I have been afforded the opportunity to attend conferences and seminars that has allowed me to develop a network and statewide professional relationships that will benefit our students. The AMEND advisor conference that took place in Berkeley, CA was experience that allowed me to do some soul searching that made me remember why I got into this profession; to be a servant that can connect with those who are in pursuit of higher education and help others realize their potential. While still maintaining the student-centered philosophy, I have been able reach into other levels of counseling to increase the amount of knowledge and skills that I have. My abilities to guide students along their journey to achieving their academic endeavors is that much greater than before.

MY APPROACH

ENGAGEMENT

Continuing my quest to become the best counselor I can be, I have embraced the new adventures this position has produced. This year the counseling department has brought some new members to join our team. To get them up to speed with the duties of being a counselor, I have been tasked with training our new counselors. The faith and trust that our department heads show in my abilities to train speak volumes to what I strive to be as a counselor. I don’t take for granted the trust and confidence they have in me. Therefore, I accept the challenge of being a great teammate and share the wealth of information to other counselors to the best of my ability.

GROWTH

Venturing out to unfamiliar areas has indeed enhanced my growth as a counselor. From training other counselors, to attending conferences for other programs, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the counseling profession. The trust and confidence that my superiors have in me to branch out in other arenas show that I am able to digest the teachings and execute the game plan set forth by the counseling department. To be a reliable counselor means to be able to thrive in any situation that presents itself. Our students depend on a well-rounded and efficient counseling department

STRENGTH/
CHALLENGES

Sudden change has become a theme at West Los Angeles College. This past year included many changes with Title V, transfer general education requirements, and prerequisite requirements. The challenge was to learn and adjust to these changes so that our students are properly informed and guided. Since counselors are one of the first in line to address students as they come to college, it is important that counselors stay on top of these changes. I along with other counselors had the task of learning the rules set forth by the district, and college leaders and know them well enough to update education plans and create strategic ways of notifying students of said changes. The abilities I displayed in adapting to these sudden changes, proves that there is a willingness to accomplish any difficult task that is thrown my way.