National Guidance Counselor Week is wrapping up, recognizing the role counselors have in helping students achieve school success and plan for careers.

COVID-19 has made post-secondary planning a challenge for counselors and students, as Mid-Prairie Guidance Counselor Melissa Rediger says students are having to do more of their homework on possible college destinations virtually, “Colleges have changed how they’re recruiting and we’re not allowing some of the colleges into the school that typically do. A lot of the colleges are doing virtual visits or orientations. I always encourage the students to go on site. There’s nothing like actually seeing and being at the college to see if it’s a good fit for you, but that can’t happen right now so they’re doing the best they can to check out their websites, call the schools, and make those connections in other ways.”

Rediger says the students, with help from Mid-Prairie teachers, have done a good job of adjusting to the changes brought on by the pandemic. She also advises that COVID-19 hasn’t affected the timeline for college financial aid, so students and parents should apply as soon as possible.