A Counselor's Journey: Building Confidence in Young Minds

Ali Cantrell's path to becoming a counselor was not straightforward. After spending over two decades as a classroom teacher, she found her true calling in building relationships with students. This realization led her to pursue a master's degree, which she considers a significant personal achievement. Her journey took her to Milton Elementary-Middle School, where she has been working as a counselor for the past four years. Cantrell's role involves working with second, third, and fourth graders, helping them identify their unique strengths and interests. She believes in supporting students exactly where they are, rather than pushing them to fit into a mold. Cantrell's approach is not about making every student an honor roll student or a sports star. Instead, she focuses on helping each child find what they love and build on that. She wants students to understand that it's okay to be themselves and that their uniqueness is enough.Recently, Cantrell was surprised by district staff and school administrators who announced she was one of three finalists for the Education All-Star awards. This recognition came as a surprise to her, as she believes there are many deserving individuals in education. Despite her humility, Cantrell's work has made a significant impact on her students and their families. Cantrell's goal is to instill confidence and independence in her students. She wants them to know that they don't have to try to be like someone else. Her approach is about supporting students in their journey to becoming well-rounded individuals. Cantrell and the other finalists will be honored during a basketball game at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The winners will be announced during halftime, adding a touch of excitement to the event.