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Florence Chadwick, American Swimmer
Breaking Through the Fog
I was recently driving to work when a heavy fog quickly covered the road. My eyesight is not what it used to be, so I took extreme caution and drove slowly. I found that on roads I was more familiar with, I drove a little faster because I could anticipate the curves and turns. However, on roads I was unfamiliar with, I hit my brakes more often and I was apprehensive about what was ahead.
This reminded me of the incredible story of Florence Chadwick, an American long-distance swimmer who broke the glass ceiling for female swimmers. She took every opportunity to defy the odds and be the first woman to complete many long-distance swims. In 1952, she made her first attempt at swimming from Catalina Island to mainland California (26 miles).
About 15 hours into her swim a thick fog gathered around her. She could not see where she was going or how far she had before she reached the shore. Her mother was in a boat near her and encouraged her to keep going, but after 16 hours, she pleaded to stop. She was physically and emotionally exhausted and could not finish her swim. After she was pulled on board the boat, she quickly realized she was only half a mile from shore and from reaching her goal. In an interview, she stated “All I could see was the fog. … I think if I could have seen the shore, I would have made it.”
Fog does not just transcend upon us when driving or pursuing a lifelong goal. Fog can develop over us at work or in our personal lives too. What goal have you been working toward that has recently been "covered by fog"? As Florence said, if we could just "see the finish line," we could keep pushing and working toward our goal. When we can prepare for the fog, it does not stop us from reaching our goals. It becomes something we have to work through, a barrier to be broken.
When the fog of life surrounds you, make sure you have someone in your boat who will encourage you to keep swimming. Keep your goal in mind at all times to help you through the difficult times.
As for Florence, two months later she attempted the swim again and like the previous time, a fog set in. However, she had the mental image of the shoreline, and people supporting her on a boat nearby. She not only succeeded, but she made the swim two additional times as well.
You are only half a mile from the finish line! Keep working toward your goal; you are almost there!
 New School Counselor Academy
Are you a school counselor with three years or less of experience? If so, you are cordially invited to participate in our New School Counselor Academy (NSCA)!
The NSCA is an all-day in person training centered on the foundational components of school counseling. The spring NSCA will focus on tier 2 and 3 interventions as well as goal setting for student outcomes.
Registration is currently taking place through the Kentucky educational cooperatives and EILA credit will be offered. Dates for the spring session is already scheduled so make sure to reach out to your educational co-op to sign up.
If you need assistance with identifying which co-op you are a part of, please email Michelle Sircy.
FAFSA Resources
This year's FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) season has seen many changes. High school counselors are working hard to ensure students and families are able to complete this process. Below are some resources that may be helpful in that work.
The U.S. Department of Education also released Steps to Support Schools and Students in Better FAFSA.
For additional help, contact your KHEAA outreach counselor.
Planning for April- Month of Military Youth
Students from military families display remarkable strength and resilience every day. Since 1986, April has been designated the official Month of the Military Child (MOMC) to honor military kids and the sacrifices they make along with their service member.
The 2024 National Guard Month of the Military Child theme is "National Guard Kids are out of this world!" We want to recognize our National Guard kids as the stars that they are along with all other military youth.
Please see below for opportunities to celebrate our military youth. There are also several community events throughout Kentucky you can share with students and families.
Suggestions for school recognition:
- If your school has a Purple Star Award program, work with them to support their Month of the Military Child events.
- Recognize military youth during your school's daily announcements or assembly.
- Recognize Purple Up Day by wearing purple on April 24.
- Distribute purple ribbons to wear to recognize military youth.
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