In high school, one of the most important people involved in a student’s academic career and school life will be their counselor, and for many students here that is Kristi Dixon. Dixon has been a part of the Southwest community since the school opened in 2010, working as a counselor from the very beginning, impacting thousands of students.
“Being a counselor is never having the same day twice, which is my second favorite part,” Dixon said. “My first favorite part is definitely working with students. They teach me something new every day.”
Since starting at the school she said lots has changed, but the one thing she has enjoyed watching grow is the school spirit. Seeing teachers help motivate students or seeing students put themselves out there is something she loves.
“We have so many teachers, staff members in general that are really passionate about helping students, about teaching and helping kids grow, not just with their subject matter or their academics, but also just being good humans or encouraging,” Dixon said. “I love to see staff members encourage students to do whatever it is to follow their dreams. That makes me really happy because not everybody wants to go out and do the same thing. And encouraging a kid to go do whatever it is that they think is going to make their heart full is important.”
With many amazing moments to look back on her career, Dixon notes there are still many hard aspects of being a counselor. From listening and helping students through hard times, whether at home or in school to even losing students, there have been many rough times in her career throughout the years.
“Seeing some of the hard things that our students go through is heartbreaking. Even though, you know, as a counselor, I’m supposed to be a little bit removed, that doesn’t really work for me. So, [I do my] best to support kids through the hard stuff that life throws their way,” Dixon said. “[But] knowing that students feel safe telling me whatever it is that they feel like sharing, that lets me know that I’m doing my job”.
Dixon’s coworker, counselor Casey Weber has enjoyed seeing these relationships between Dixon and her students. Weber said she has learned a lot from her and admires her passion for students.
“She brings to the table a different lens on life, you know? I really enjoy being able to bounce ideas off of her. I’ve learned some counseling techniques from her. I’ve also learned some strategies on just how to effectively communicate,” Weber said. “I have learned a lot. I have laughed a lot. I have truly enjoyed my time working with Ms. Dixon.”
Dixon’s incredible character has influenced many, and it makes sense that as the Diversity Club sponsor one of her favorite memories comes from the annual Diversity Assembly. She said she has loved seeing students be proud of their cultural identity and embrace their differences.
“Watching students be proud of their culture and their heritage, I think, is amazing,” Dixon said. “To get up there in front of the entire student body and put yourself out there like that, takes so much courage and vulnerability, which is a hard thing to do in high school on any given day, but to do it on the gym floor and be spotlighted is just amazing.”
These types of events and moments make retirement very hard for her. She has loved all of the highs and lows of working and being a part of the school community. So, while retirement hasn’t really set in yet, she said she is planning to enjoy these last few months.
“I’m still super sad. I can’t quite wrap my head around it. If I think about it too hard, I still get a [few] tears in my eyes,” Dixon said. “So, I probably won’t really understand that it’s a legitimate real thing until August when I don’t come through these doors, it’s going to take me a fat minute.”
For the current juniors, sophomores and freshmen that won’t get to have her next year, it will be very sad for many to see her go. Equally the staff members, like Weber, are going to miss her. Weber said she knows how much the students mean to Dixon and how much she means to them.
“I believe her students know they’re loved. And whether that’s a really amazing hug or just the time she gives them,” Weber said. “I think that, across the board, she makes a genuine connection with them on a deeper level, that they matter to her, and that she’s going to think of them in the moment that they’re talking and working on something together, but also in the years to come. I think we’re just going to miss her.”
Overall, Dixon is leaving a legacy at the school, from being one of the first counselors to now has been huge for her. She hopes students know how important they are to her.
“I would want to leave behind [the message] that you’re where you’re supposed to be in [a] moment. And if there is anything that I want students to take for it is to trust their instincts, if your gut tells you that it’s wrong, that you’re not safe, that this is not the way you’re supposed to be treated, if your gut instinct says this is not right, then trust it,” Dixon said. “Because I think as a society, as a whole, we kind of take you away from that, starting like in kindergarten, we take you away from that. I feel like that’s such a dangerous thing. And so I really want everybody to trust your gut instinct because it’s usually telling you something pretty good.”
