Counselor Tiffany Mattson has impacted many students’ lives, including mine. Prior to working with high school students, Mattson worked with those who were at risk, in the psychiatric hospital Miller Dwan. 

“It was kinda like my first step in the door of working with kiddos,” Mattson said. 

Mattson has two bachelor’s degrees: psychology and another in sociology. She also earned her Master’s degree to work in schools and with teens. 

She always knew she wanted to get a career that involved working with children, and her job at Miller Dwan simply jump-started the career. Her career at Miller Dwan was much more stressful than initially was anticipated, as those who came to the hospital were children who were already at their breaking points. She stayed with the job for around 10 years, which is when she decided it was time to try something a bit different. 

At the end of my freshman year leading into the beginning of my sophomore year, I was faced with many hardships. I was unable to come to school most days due to this, and I struggled to get up some mornings. Mattson had come to speak with me after I had missed too many days of school within the first month and said she missed seeing me at school. 

I started to show up more frequently, though still struggling, as she encouraged me and provided me with more reasons to show up. I was happier knowing that she cared. Now, in my junior year, my attendance is spectacular and I owe all the thanks to Mattson. Working in a school with students who were not only at risk of not graduating, but also those who just need a bit of support is the job she is passionate about. 

“My motivation is to be the change I wish to see in this world,” Mattson said.