IWU Master in Counseling financial support for Darian Jones

Hello! My name is Darian Jones. I am currently a guidance counselor in a public school. I am also a student at Indiana Wesleyan University. I recently completed my second year of counseling coursework in an effort to maintain my emergency licensure as a school counselor and attain my degree Master of Arts in Counseling.

Due to financial strains on my family, me as a single father and my four children still living at home, I am unable to pay the remaining bill for my current semester and would like a kickstart for my next year of education.

My remaining balance for the current year is roughly $5500, and next year will be between 10 and $15,000. Any support through financial support and prayers will always be appreciated and rewarded in someway. I’ve attached a paper about my journey in life.

Living a christ-like life involves teaching, preaching and counseling. Counseling is the third part of my process in growth and service. Growing in an environment that supports the outreach and uplifting of other people is important to me. IWU has offered just that, a chance to learn and grow myself in an effort to better support and lift others in their own journeys. Opening the door for counselor not only helps me serve my students and school but also adds to the counseling I do through my church. As Youth Pastor at Community Fellowship Church, I interact with many young people and families, discussing issues and problems that may come up. With a better focus and understanding of the process of thinking and response I can be a better counselor for Him. Sharing my faith and belief with the people around me is important. Counseling students, staff, parents and community members that care about them allows me to help build part of the future and show my faith in my actions. Even in public school where you cannot share openly, it is hard not to see the drive and fire within me. My light will shine in all that I do and hopefully all will see. Working together with so many people brings that unity for which Christ has called us. Where we choose not to just Babble but to slow down and understand one another and come back as one body. Given this opportunity to serve and counsel, I am closer to my God and glorifying my Savior!

With all the blessings in my life from being a teacher, training to be a principal, being a pastor, being a father, I am rewarded in His glory. My four youngest children currently see counselors. These counselors are a blessing in their lives because they allow them an outlet to deal with the passing of their biological mother and abandonment by their biological father while living a new life with me and our family. It seems so natural that counseling would fall into my life especially at this time when it certainly appears to be the next logical step. Communication is of great importance. I hope that everyone feels invited to reach out to me.

School Counselor Mindsets include the following:

“M 1. Every student can learn, and every student can succeed.

M 2. Every student should have access to and opportunity for a high-quality education.

M 3. Every student should graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary opportunities.

M 4. Every student should have access to a school counseling program.

M 5. Effective school counseling is a collaborative process involving school counselors, students, families, teachers, administrators, other school staff and education stakeholders.

M 6. School counselors are leaders in the school, district, state and nation.

M 7. School counseling programs promote and enhance student academic, career and social/emotional outcomes.”-ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies

Mr. Jones, can I see you sometime today? Wow, that’s a great sound. I remember seeing school counselors as scheduling gurus and college planning supports. I will not only be that person. I actively schedule counseling sessions with students and work with their outside doctors and therapists. I am amazed at the number of parents and professionals that have created relationships and released information so that we can be a support team for struggling students. What a blessing to be a part of helping someone heal and grow. Yes, I also help plan schedules through transitional strategies, high school pathways, and future career exploration. Not only do I work with students, but parents/guardians and staff. I don’t simply counsel students, I work with the entire venue of stakeholders in the education system. I truly love my profession, counselor.

Your financial support, focused prayers and thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Blessings,

Darian