Zachary Watters, '18
7-12 School Counselor
Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School
What factors led you to choose Scranton for your master's degree?
The care and persistence I was treated with throughout the decision making process. While considering multiple schools, Scranton was the only one that had a faculty member consistently reaching out to me and checking in, making sure that I had all the information I needed to make a sound decision, and I never felt like I was being pushed in any direction.
How did you end up choosing School Counseling instead of another counseling specialty area?
For me, other areas of counseling were never an option. I began my college career believing I would become an Engineer. After a year exploring that and Journalism, I was in an Intro to Psychology class when the world of School Counseling was introduced to me. I very clearly remember sitting in class, reflecting on the lack of help and direction I received from my counselors in high school. As they spoke about what the profession was, I was determined to be an agent of change for students, making sure that they never feel alone through the process. I can now acknowledge that these were counselors, and I do all I can to help educate colleagues who are stuck in those habits.
What were some of your favorite things about the program?
The 4th floor of McGurrin is a place I miss dearly. I loved the family atmosphere and the constant support from both my peers and the faculty.
I know things are a bit different now, but I loved the amount of school counseling specific courses we had. It helped me feel very prepared to do the job.
Fondest program memory?
The work we did to actually get into schools. I'm thinking of the posters we made for a college fair type event at Wyalusing and the College Signing Day we helped make happen at Lakeland!
What was your impression of the coursework? Clinical Training? Faculty?
All top notch! The coursework was challenging, but gave us the support needed to be successful. Our practicum time was well organized, yet very demanding. It taught me to balance thing and wear many hats. I still use the skills I learned there every day! The faculty and staff could not possibly be better. I hope for some stability for you moving forward, but everyone I've interacted with has been professional, knowledgeable, and so very helpful.
How did the program help to prepare you for your career?
As I mentioned, the School Counseling Department at the University of Scranton truly helped me feel ready to be a school counselor. We will never learn more than we do actually doing the job, but The U's program is a very close second. It didn't just teach me about the school counseling profession, but it taught me about the Mindset needed to be a school counselor. I learned balanced and fairness along with counseling and organizational skills. And all the while, the faculty modeled for us what it means to be there for others and work in a helping profession.
Please list any professional recognition or career awards you have received.
School Counselor of NEPA Past President (served as President for the 22-23 school year)
PSCA Board Director representing the Northeast Region (2021-present)
Chairperson of both the Organizational Effectiveness and Governance Committees
Alumni speaker at the 2023 Chi Delta Rho induction at the University
Guest Speaker (chosen my students) for the 2023 Lakeland High School Commencement Ceremony
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) as of 2018