Behind the desk: How our school VCC counselor supports students

Chantal Asadoor, Valley Community Counselor at Manteca High.

By LILY PARKER 
The Tower 

MANTECA – A student sits in the back of the classroom, anxious because they don’t know anyone around them. The class grows louder and the worry increases. They need a resource; they need to talk to someone. But who? 

Across campus, another student struggles to keep their eyelids open after a long, restless night at home. Mom and dad are fighting again, endless bickering that never seems to stop. The student is desperate for someone who will listen. 

Similarly, another student is feeling isolated due to a separation with a friend group. They feel as if they have no one. Being alone has become an everyday scenario. They need a trusted source, but who will that be? 

In more recent years mental health within younger generations has become an extremely prevalent topic. As the pressure of academics, social life, and emotional growth rises, students need access to support and guidance.  

At Manteca High, that resource is commonly the VCC staff, Chantal Asadoor, and Mubasshir (Moe) Khan. 

“I like to help people and build connections with staff and students. I enjoy helping students and watching them grow.” -Chantal Asadoor. 

The Valley Community Counseling center on our campus is here to support teens through everything. Whether it’s family issues or friend group drama, our VCC will create a safe space for all students. 

Chantal Asadoor is one of those VCC counselors on our campus. Chantal graduated from CSU Stanislaus in Turlock, completed her masters, and from then she learned about the VCC through her college program and other classmates. The other VCC counselor on our campus, Mubasshir (Moe) Khan, states that working with Chantal is inspiring.

“Working with Chantal is like having another resource, She’s also informative. And she’s always available to talk, it’s like having a work bestie. … Chantal has inspired me because she has completed her masters, and she’s on the path to becoming a therapist. Which I think is super cool because I’d like to do that one day,” said colleague Mubasshir (Moe) Khan. 

To gain insight into Valley Community Counselors on our campus, The Tower sat down with Chantal Asador. In the conversation, she shared what a typical day is like for a school counselor as well as gave valuable personal advice for high schoolers.  

The Tower: What made you choose school counseling? 

Chantal Asadoor: I chose this job because I have an interest in psychology. I like to help people and build connections with staff and students. I enjoy helping students and watching them grow. 

TT: What does a typical day of work look like for you? 

CA: A typical day as in work, or personal? 

TT: Work, 

CA: Well, I Show up and clock in, then I go through my case load and see who I have to reach out to. Then, I check on students, and I walk around campus during lunch with my coworkers. Sometimes there will be a crisis I have to attend to, and I take notes on students, and answer emails. 

TT: What’s one thing students might not know about your job? 

CA: Hm One thing students might not know about my job is… we think about students outside of work, and this job isn’t always consistent. 

TT: How do you promote mental health awareness around the school? 

CA: We promote mental health around the school with flyers, I also send emails to teachers, hm we also use word of mouth, Ill tell a teacher I’m a VCC counselor and let them know they can refer a student to me. We also use QR codes around the school. 

TT: What’s the most rewarding part of your job? 

CA: The most rewarding part of my job is… seeing students grow and learn about themselves. 

TT: What are some healthy ways students can manage stress during the school year? 

CA: Some healthy ways students can manage stress are getting an adequate amount of sleep, also finding things they can enjoy, things that help them unwind. They can also rely on friends and family with the social aspect. Being open to talking with someone helps a lot. 

TT: What is one piece of advice you would give high school you?  

CA: Oh, I might need some time to think about this one… one piece of advice I would give myself in high school is ‘You are doing okay and try to enjoy it as much as possible’. 

TT: If you could describe your counseling style in 3 words, what would they be? 

CA: Three words… I would say flexible, Compassionate… Well, I hope I am compassionate, but it’s really up to the student, I would also say open.