Tony Rivera '18

We recently caught up with Tony Rivera, a 2018 graduate of the Professional School Counseling master’s degree program at Russell Sage. Today, Rivera works as a school counselor at Blue Creek Elementary School in the North Colonie School District (Colonie, New York).

What was most beneficial about your Sage experience when you were a student?

The professors’ extensive practical experience, gained through active involvement in the industry, coupled with their in-depth knowledge of the field, make them an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to become a school counselor.

How have you utilized what you learned at Sage in your career? Did it prepare you for your field?

I have worked as a school counselor for the past academic year, helping students in grades K-5. Before that, I worked as a high school counselor for four years. During my time as a counselor, I have utilized a range of skills, including creating lesson plans, facilitating small and large group counseling sessions, and providing individual counseling to meet the needs of my students. I felt well-prepared when I entered the field of school counseling.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is the opportunity to build meaningful connections with my students and their families. I take great pride in getting to know each of them on a personal level and learning about their unique backgrounds, interests, and aspirations. By doing so, I am able to tailor my counseling approach to meet their individual needs and help them achieve their goals. Seeing the positive impact that I can have on their lives is truly rewarding and motivates me to continue to strive for excellence in my work. This has inspired me to pursue an Ed.D., which I am currently enrolled in at Sage.