He was usually the voice being heard, but now he has become a listener. Robert Brunelle has started his first year at Ojai Valley School as the school counselor, and is continuing to learn about himself through this role.
Students will typically see Mr. Brunelle running alongside cross country runners during practice, stopping by classes, and chatting at dinner. Mr. Brunelle not only bonds with students through various activities every day, but he also is there for them whenever they need someone to discuss their challenges with.
The role of a school counselor has been freshly introduced to campus, and is an addition that has been greatly significant.
Lars Kuelling, the Head of Ojai Valley School, believes that having a school counselor is a crucial element to the success of students. He explained that introducing this position was a high priority to faculty, staff, and students when he first arrived at the school.
“Mental health and wellness are at the heart of the student experience,” said Mr. Kuelling, “In today’s school world, it’s unheard of for the most part for schools to not have a counselor.”
Mr. Brunelle especially has positively impacted resident students who do not always have the parental figure to confide in.
“I always talk to my mom, even though she is far away, but sometimes you need to talk to a teacher or another adult to get their opinion,” said Towako Hiramatsu, a junior at Ojai Valley School.
Another student, junior Scout Mortenson, approached Mr. Brunelle when needing advice, as she felt she was able to share her feelings with him.
“He’s the best at actually trying to help you and give you solutions. He really wants the school to start normalizing reaching out,” said Scout Mortenson.
Providing a space for others to open up comes naturally to Mr. Brunelle, as he has always wanted to make change and help people understand themselves.
Mr. Brunelle realized who he wanted to be and that he wanted to pursue psychology or counseling at a young age.
“I was always fascinated by my peers in high school. I loved that we always had different perspectives through different things. I was just fascinated by how people’s minds worked and how it influenced them,” he said.
Although Mr. Brunelle helps the students learn more about themselves, he expresses that he is still learning about himself through counseling as well.
“I usually was the voice being heard, but this role really has me sit back and listen to someone. I’ve found how to enjoy that and use that in other places in my life,” said Mr. Brunelle.
Mr. Brunelle has continued to set the atmosphere for Ojai Valley School as an open and safe space for people to be themselves, and he guides them on how to do so with patience and acceptance.
“If we want the world to change for the better, we have to start making change,” he said.