With such a complex and challenging world, getting advice from our peers and guides can provide helpful knowledge to apply to our own lives.
Dawn Catalano is one of two counselors at Salida High School. She has worked at SHS for four years, but has been working in school counseling for about 25 years. She works with students to set up and adjust their schedules, along with readying them for their post-graduation lives. Counseling delves into many aspects of students’ lives, including support for academic, social/emotional, and college and career. She often gives presentations in advisory classes to educate students about the advisory curriculum with Mary Christensen, the other SHS counselor.
With years of experience working with students, Catalano knows the upsides and downsides of working in the school system. “For anyone getting into education, focus on the positives: working with kids and seeing their growth,” she said.
She also believes in having a healthy work-life balance. “Try to manage the hours within your workweek, prioritizing time for yourself,” Catalano said. Because she has two children, the quote “The days are long, but the years are short” rings especially true for her. “Appreciate each phase of raising your kids,” she said.
Catalano said “I appreciate collaboration and working as a team more now than I used to.” Catalano’s job working at SHS has led to growth and interest in trying new things. In her free time, she likes reading, being outside, gardening, working with horses and hanging out with her kids.
As she works with high schoolers all day, she urges students to “get out of your comfort zone, just to really make the most of the opportunity in high school to challenge yourself with coursework and make connections through activities and clubs.”
An event which reminded Catalano of teamwork and community was in 2019 with the forest fire on Methodist Mountain. “So many people helped those [people] evacuate,” Catalano said. She explained that it was inspiring to see the community come together in a time of crisis.
Dawn Catalano spends her time working for the kids at Salida High School and ensuring their education is closely tended to. Speaking with those in your community can spark wisdom, and often unexpectedly as you never know what knowledge people have to impart until you ask.
