Jenna Grossman is a new guidance counselor who decided to work at Westford Academy for its collaborative counseling team and school spirit. This year, she is looking forward to connecting with her students and attending school events. In her free time, she enjoys photography, visiting lighthouses, doing puzzles, and spending time with her family. According to Grossman, she is excited to join the Westford community and she can’t wait for the new experiences to come.
Q: How was your first day at Westford Academy?
A: My first day was good. I feel like it was a little overwhelming compared to what I’m used to, but everyone here has been very supportive, so it feels good to be here.
Q: Why did you pick Westford Academy?
A: When I interviewed here, I really liked how everybody was on a team and how the counselors all collaborate and like to work with each other. It is something I have always wanted.
Q: Did your high school experience influence your choice to become a counselor?
A: Yeah, I would say so. I went to Acton-Boxborough High School, which was similar to Westford Academy, and I met with my counselors a good amount, just about academics, and I lost a friend to cancer, so I feel like I connected with my counselors. I’m still in contact with my school counselor who I had when I was in high school.
Q: Can you tell me about some of your goals that you have set for yourself this year?
A: I really want to get out within the community here. Once I get a little bit more settled, my goal is to attend sports games, sports events, any sports things or attend the play or the musical, and really be able to see what kids are doing, not just when we’re meeting in class. That’s a huge goal of mine. I think once I get settled and finish some senior things, then I’ll be able to do that.
Q: What has been your favorite part of Westford Academy so far and what has stood out to you?
A: I think I’m gonna have to say the teen community, and how all the kids enjoy being at school. That’s what has really stood out. The kids enjoying being here and all the clubs and opportunities that they have here. It’s something I haven’t seen in my past experiences as a school counselor. I also love the counseling team. They’re so supportive, and so are the deans and everyone here.
Q: What has been your experience in the Westford community so far?
A: It’s been pretty good. Everyone has been very welcoming. Teachers will come down and introduce themselves, and kids will come down and introduce themselves, not needing something, but just welcoming me here, which I was very surprised by, and it was very kind.
Q: How does Westford Academy compare to the other schools you’ve taught at?
A: It’s very different. I was at a small school up in New Hampshire for three years. It wasn’t the best. Westford is a very put together school compared to my other school. It was really me by myself in my department, and here I have seven, I have other people to talk to and collaborate with. So it’s very, very different. And Westford Academy is a little bit more high achieving, with more opportunities, versus my previous school. So it is very different.
Q: Are there any things in Westford Academy that have surprised you so far?
A: Honestly, I would say how many opportunities kids can join, there are so many clubs. I asked all the freshmen, “what clubs are you’re doing?”, and everyone had different answers.
Q: How do you effectively connect with your students?
A: I feel like, by having a conversation, I really get to know kids on their level. So I will ask a good amount of questions to get to know someone and connect over shared interests. Like, “do you play sports? Do you like to dance? Do you like to do this? Do you like to do that?” Just seeing what they are interested in, really getting to know kids by asking a lot of questions.
Q: What’s the coolest place you’ve ever traveled to?
A: I went to Greece two years ago, and I really liked it. I did a lot of hopping to different islands, which was really fun. We rented an ATV that we could see the island from. We found private beaches and went through different towns and really explored, which was super fun.
