From Hunting for Prestige to a Values-Driven College Search with Jared Epler and Jen Vallieres

Time management is one of those essential life skills that often gets overlooked—and yet it can make a huge difference in a student’s success both now and in the future. In this episode, we’re continuing our life skills series (listen to part one HERE!) with a focus on helping high schoolers understand and practice effective time management before they graduate. You’ll hear how this skill connects to ASCA Mindsets &amp; Behaviors and why it’s a game-changer for building independence.I’ll share simple, practical ways to introduce time management through your counseling program, from identifying schedule non-negotiables to exploring planning tools students will actually use. You’ll also get strategies to help students build routines, increase self-awareness, and approach it all with grace and empathy. Be sure to check out the resources below to put these ideas into action!Resources Mentioned: Resource: High School Counselor Kickstart Audio CourseResource: Organization Digital Counseling Activity&nbsp;Resource: Life After High School Classroom LessonResource: Transition to College Digital Presentation&nbsp;Resource: End of Year High School Counseling BundlePodcast: Episode 166, Life Skills Your Students Should Master [Part 1: Budgeting Basics]Podcast: Episode 83, How to Use Needs Assessments Strategically This Year in Your High School Counseling ProgramResource: ASCA Mindsets &amp; BehaviorsLeave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook <a href="https://facebook.com/counselorclique" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Imagine if your students graduated not just with academic knowledge, but real-world skills they’ll use every day. Today we’re starting that conversation. I’m kicking off a three-part series that will cover essential life skills that students should master before they leave high school, no matter what their post-secondary plans are.First up: the basics of budgeting - a skill so many students are missing when they leave high school. I’m sharing why financial literacy matters now more than ever, how you can easily tie it into the ASCA Mindsets &amp; Behaviors, and some creative ways to make budgeting relatable (and even a little fun!) for your students. You’ll also hear why understanding their own money mindset is key to setting them up for success.Resources Mentioned: Resource: Student Budgeting WorkbookResource: Financial Literacy BundleResource: ASCA Mindsets &amp; Behaviors&nbsp;Leave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode165

When it comes to student mental health, the need is huge, but the budget? Not so much. If you’ve ever looked around your school and thought, “How am I supposed to support these students with so little to work with?”, this episode is for you. I’m sharing five practical, low-cost (or completely free) ways to address mental health needs on your campus.Whether you’re part of a fully staffed counseling department or flying solo, the truth is, you don’t have to do this alone. These strategies aren’t about adding more to your plate; they’re about giving you tools you can have in your back pocket, so you’re not starting from scratch in the middle of a crisis. Having these tools ready will help you feel more confident and grounded when it matters most!Resources Mentioned: Resource: Grief BundleResource: Digital Activities Mega BundleResource: Coping Skills PresentationResource: NAMIResource: Everfi- Mental Wellness Course (free)Podcast: Episode 154, How to Set Up a Peer Leader Program in Your SchoolPodcast: Episode 119, From Off-Track to Graduation: Counselor Tips for Supporting At-Risk StudentsPodcast: Episode 102, Support Strategies for Meeting Your High School Students’ Mental Health NeedsLeave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email to [email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: <a href="https://counselorclique.com/episode164" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Substance use in schools isn’t just a “some kids” issue. It’s happening across all kinds of student groups and the trends are changing fast. In this episode, I’m joined by Kriya Lendzion, a therapist, addiction specialist, and powerhouse speaker who is helping us understand what teens are using and what we can actually do about it as school counselors.We talk about evolving substances like THC and nicotine, the mental health impacts of use, and realistic ways to support students - without needing to be the expert. Kriya shares ideas for prevention programs, conversation starters, and how to make your messaging more effective. You’ll also get tips for working with parents and the wider school community, so you’re not navigating this alone. Grab the resources linked below...you’ll want them!Resources Mentioned: Substance Use ResourcesFree Educator ResourcesPodcast: Episode 112, Solution-Focused School Counseling with Dr. Russell A. SabellaLeave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode163

After graduation, students are eager to jump into the next chapter of their lives, but sometimes things fall through the cracks. Summer melt is real, and it can make the transition to the next chapter way harder than it needs to be. In this episode, I’m breaking down what summer melt is, why it happens, and, most importantly, what we can do to help students stay on track. It's all about finding solutions and making sure our students have the support they need when they need it the most!We’ll talk about the reasons why students sometimes lose momentum after graduation and how that can impact their future plans. I’ll share six main ideas for how school counselors can help transition seniors smoothly into their post-graduation plans. From simple check-ins to providing extra resources, we’ve got a lot of ways to step in and help bridge the gap between graduation and the fall semester. We’ve got this! Let’s make sure your students don’t just drift away over the summer but move confidently into whatever comes next.Resources Mentioned: Resource: Transition to College Presentation&nbsp;Resource: Life After High School Classroom LessonPodcast: Episode 140, Highs and Lows of Working with Seniors with Brittany SlaglePodcast: Episode 120, Accepting the Reality That Some Seniors Might Not GraduatePodcast: Episode 68, 4 Ways to Repurpose Student Pictures to Celebrate Your SeniorsLeave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode162

What if students could earn college credits, explore the world, and gain invaluable life experience, all before starting their traditional college journey? In this episode, I sit down with Neal Crosson from Verto Education to talk about a unique yet powerful path: first-year study abroad programs. We dive into how these programs work, who they’re best suited for, and how counselors can support students considering this path. Plus, we tackle key questions around credit transferability, program structure, and what makes a student a great fit for this experience. Let’s expand the conversation around post-high school options, because for the right student, a first-year study abroad could be a game-changer!Resources Mentioned: Verto Education WebsitePodcast: Episode 147, Exploring Gap Year Opportunities for Your Students (or You!) with Julia RogersLeave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode161

Are non-counseling duties taking over your job? If you’re spending more time on testing, paperwork, and hall duty than actually working with students, you’re not alone and it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, I dive into the reality of these overwhelming responsibilities and why they can lead to burnout and resentment. But don’t worry, I’m not just here to vent! I’m sharing practical ways to manage these tasks so you can get back to what you do best: supporting your students.Resources Mentioned: Resource: Student Ambassadors ProgramResource: Beginning of the Year PresentationFree Resource: New Counselor Podcast PlaylistFree Resource: 4-Day High School Counseling Advocacy Email ChallengePodcast: Episode 156, Time Management Strategies to Lighten Your Mental Load as a School Counselor with Kaci RangerPodcast: Episode 154, How to Set Up a Peer Leader Program in Your SchoolLeave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode160

The college search should be an exciting journey, but for many students, it’s filled with pressure, competition, and anxiety. Too often, students and parents fixate on prestigious schools without considering whether they’re truly the right fit, leading to stress and a loss of self-discovery in the process. Today’s guests, Jen and Jared, school counselors and co-founders of Forget the Rankings, are here to change that! They’re challenging the traditional, prestige-driven mindset and introducing a values-based approach that helps students find colleges that align with their personal goals, priorities, and well-being!Jen and Jared have developed a powerful tool that encourages meaningful conversations between students and parents about what truly matters in a college experience. By shifting the focus from rankings to values, they’re making the application process less overwhelming and more empowering. In this episode, they share how their approach is not only helping students make better college decisions but also improving their mental health and confidence along the way.Resources Mentioned: Forget the Rankings Resources (values cards and more!)Leave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comConnect with Jared and Jen:Instagram: @forget_the_rankingsLinkedInWebsiteEmail: [email protected] show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode159

Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions a student will make. But what if there was a way to explore campuses across the country without ever leaving home? In this episode, I sat down with Alex Boylan, the creator and host of The College Tour, to talk about how the show is changing the way students and families approach the college search. After visiting over 180 college campuses in just four years, Alex definitely knows a thing or two about the process!Instead of relying solely on traditional campus visits, The College Tour gives an inside look at colleges through the eyes of real students, offering a fresh and engaging way to explore potential schools. Alex shares valuable advice on what students and families can do before and during campus visit to truly get a feel for a school. Plus, we discuss how The College Tour is helping counselors guide students in making more informed decisions about their futures.And for those worried about the financial side of college? Alex touches on an exciting new tool that could be a game-changer in helping students manage costs. This conversation will give you plenty of ideas on how to utilize The College Tour TV as a valuable tool in your counseling program!Resources Mentioned:Free Resource: The College Tour Counselor ToolkitWatch The College Tour TVResource: First Generation Small GroupResource: College BundleResource: Small Group BundleLeave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode158

Think college searches have to be boring and overwhelming? Think again! In this episode, I sit down with Sam Bernstein, co-founder of the Loper app, to talk about how gamification is shaking up the college search process. We all know that researching colleges can feel like an endless, stressful task for students and for you as counselors trying to guide them. But what if there was a way to make it engaging, intuitive, and even FUN? That’s exactly what Sam and his team set out to do with Loper, and he’s here to share how it’s helping students take charge of their college exploration in a whole new way.Sam breaks down how Loper’s game-inspired design hooks students from the start with a swipe-based interface and chat-style onboarding…no intimidating college lists or endless research required. Instead of feeling pressured to have everything figured out, students can explore schools in a way that feels natural and exciting. Whether they’re hyper-focused on college, just starting to think about it, or completely unsure of their next step, Loper meets them where they are.&nbsp;And here’s what else caught my attention—Loper isn’t just about four-year colleges. Sam shares how they’re expanding the app to include two-year programs, trade schools, and other postsecondary paths, giving students a bigger picture of what’s possible. This episode is packed with guidance on how you, as counselors, can use technology to make the college search process more accessible and less overwhelming. After listening, download the app (it’s free!) and take a look around. I know you’ll enjoy the conversations it sparks with your students!Resources Mentioned: College Readiness PlaylistLoper AppLead for AmericaLeave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode157