Hello!
I think the best story of me comes from walking though my education, so here is my journey!
I attended Holy Cross for high school, and after graduation went on to Penn State, Main Campus. There, I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. While there, I also worked part time in a local deli, earned some extra credits as a Teaching Assistant and as a Research Assistant in a psychology lab on campus, and attended as many football games as I possibly could. After Penn State, I went right into the School Counseling graduate program at the University of Scranton, earning my Master's Degree that allows me to have this job! As part of that program, I worked with undergraduate students to help them declare majors, and also did internships at Mountain View Jr./Sr. High School and Mid Valley Elementary Center. I also worked as a graduate assistant for the school counseling program, and served as the president for the University's counseling honor's society. Through college and grad school, I also worked at the Dickson City Civic Center, where I have worked with younger students through summer camps, after school programs, preschool, birthday parties, and lots of other fun events. The DCCC is one of my favorite places, and is a big reason why I wanted to become a school counselor and help students in need!
After I graduated from the University of Scranton, I was fortunate enough to be offered a job as the elementary school counselor in the South Williamsport School District (in the same town as the Little League World Series!). School counseling jobs are very hard to come by, so it was an easy decision to accept that position and move my life two hours away. I loved my job at South, but always knew that I wanted to end up back in NEPA, so when I heard that there was a job opening at Lakeland I was so excited to finally have an opportunity to move back home.
Home - that is a really important word to me. Living away from friends and family for the past few years has taught me how important it is to build a home. I am truly so excited to be home, and to be around my loved ones once again. I'm equally excited to start building my home at Lakeland too! I plan to embrace everything that it means to be a Chief, and I hope that I can eventually make my office, and my presence here at Lakeland, feel like home to each of you.
I guess this is a good place for me to tell you what I like to do when I am home! One thing you'll learn about me is that I am a HUGE sports fan, especially baseball and football. I watch almost every Yankees game, and root for the Steelers too. I'm a supporter of Penn State in any sport, and even though some see it as a rivalry, I also root for Notre Dame. If I'm not watching or playing sports, odds are that I am playing with my Boston Terrier, Marley, finding something silly to do with friends and family, or watching Star Wars (I'm a bit of a nerd too!).
I know everything will take time - for you to get used to me, and for me to get used to this new role. While most of my experience has come with students younger than 7th grade, I am beyond excited for the new opportunity I have to work with older students. My only request from each of you is to keep the same opened mind and heart that I plan to bring into this new position. Together, I know this transition will be a smooth and successful one.
I am a big fan of being out in the halls, so if you see me wandering around like a lost puppy, please don't be afraid to say hi, introduce yourself, and point me to where I need to go. I like to walk around, but my door will always be opened. I'll be starting with you all on January 21st, so please don't be strangers. I can't wait to meet you all!
All my best,
Mr. Watters
P.S. I'm not the best at the whole social media thing, but I created a Twitter that I hope to use to help communicate important events and information with you all. If you get a second, go ahead and follow me @MrWattersLHS!