Running Head: THIS I BELEIVE

This I Believe
Shanell J. Meredith
Seattle University
November 26, 2013

Abstract

THIS I BELEIVE

Social justice is the foundation for a respectful and equitable school community, in which
students receive the necessary supports and resources, regardless of their individual differences.
The lack of a cohesive agreement on a definitive interpretation of social justice will be a barrier
for me as a school counselor. Despite the challenge of meeting the unique needs of each
individual student, I will actively work toward creating an inclusive environment for the social
and academic success of all students.

This I Believe

THIS I BELEIVE

Defining and striving for social justice will be one of the most impactful aspects of my
future career as a school counselor. Within the framework of school counseling, I see social
justice as ensuring all students receive the appropriate resources and support needed to attain
success on whatever path they choose. All students should be given the tools needed to learn and
the support necessary to break down barriers to success; ones skin color, culture, and personal
experiences must be respected and valued within the school community.
The U.S. Census Bureau tells us that the demographics of our country are quickly
changing; we are rapidly becoming a more ethnically and culturally diverse population (U.S.
Census Bureau, 2012). To no surprise these changes in diversity are also occurring in our
schools. Schools today are filled with students who speak an assortment of languages, come from
varying family structures and cultural backgrounds. My responsibility is to create an equitable
environment for students by removing barriers that hinder opportunities for educational success.
I will accomplish this by educating students and school personnel about multicultural issues and
by getting involved to assure students and their families have access to resources and support as
needed. As a future school counselor, I am responsible for ensuring students are given equal
opportunities and treatment regardless of their individual differences. I will make certain all
students, especially those who have historically been marginalized, are not overlooked and will
strive to be seen as an ally and an advocate for students in their quest towards academic and
social achievement.
The American School Counselor Associations (2012) Ethical Standards will provide me
with ethical decision-making models that will help to assure that I am adhering to the principles
of the school counseling profession by taking the appropriate steps during the decision making
process. Fortunately, I have great confidence in the reliability of my moral compass to guide my

THIS I BELEIVE

decisions in a socially just manner and understand that my duty extends beyond creating a safe
and equitable environment for my students; I will also need to be simultaneously responsible for:
myself, parents and guardians, colleagues and associates, the school, the community and the
families of students while choosing a course of action.
One of the many barriers I anticipate facing in my career as a counselor, is successfully
collaborating with other advocates that do not share my vision of justice within a school.
McCormick (2003) discussed the difficulty of articulating ideal outcomes of justice in varying
circumstances because there is a lack of agreement about exactly which rights and duties people
inherently owe to one another and themselves. The discord between theoretical orientations holds
a great deal of value because, despite their differences, the one unanimous agreement between
schools of thought is that justice is of utmost importance (Meredith, 2013, p. 1).
As much as we all may wish, we cannot leave our baggage at the door; our understanding
and perception of the world surrounding us is clouded by our own bias. Although we cannot
escape bias or the many experiences that have impacted us, we do have the power to pursue
objectivity while acknowledging the attitudes and perceptions we hold (Meredith, 2013). Growth
is the product of change, and by keeping an open-mind we can continue to outgrow our old
biases and adapt into increasingly effective advocates for social justice. In my professional
career, I will not be able to create a perfectly just school system, but I will find solace in knowing
that I am working each day toward creating a school in which students receive the supports and
respect they need to attain individualized social and educational success.

References

THIS I BELEIVE

American School Counselor Association (2012). The ASCA National Model: A framework for
School Counseling Programs, Third Edition. Alexandria, VA: Author.
McCormick, P. T. (2003). Whose Justice? An Examination of Nine Models of Justice. Spokane,
WA: Hayworth Press, Inc.
Meredith, S. J. (2013). Pursuit of Justice. Unpublished manuscript, Seattle University.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2012). U.S. Census Bureau Projections Show a Slower Growing, Older,
More Diverse Nation a Half Century from Now (CB12-243). Washington, DC: Retrieved
February 28, 2013 from the World Wide Web:
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/population/cb12-243.html.