TCC counselors aid multiple causes

By Tikko Mercado/reporter

From academic advising to one-on-one counseling to veterans counseling, TCC is ready to assist students.

Mayra Quezada, who has attended several TCC campuses, has used counselors to help her college career.

“The counselors helped me with picking out my classes and balancing them to make sure I don’t take difficult classes and make sure I don’t overwhelm myself,” she said.

TR counselor Lori Leach has been assisting students since the campus opened in 2009.

“I see students every day who are feeling overwhelmed with different issues,” she said.

TCC counselors can help students with countless issues whether academic or personal, Leach said.

“Counselors can help with stress management, dealing with test anxiety, relationship issues and finding a manageable balance with school, family and work,” she said. “We are here to help students get through the crisis.”

Leach advises students to get help early before they burn out.

“If you start to feel overwhelmed with school or personal concerns, please come in as soon as possible,” she said.

Leach also provided a hotline for students who are thinking of harming themselves.

“Anytime you might be struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 1-800-273-8255 immediately and come see us,” she said.

NE counselor Lisa Allison, a licensed professional counselor, has worked at TCC for over three years. She worked with students at the University of North Texas and UNT Health Science Center in academic support and counseling services.

“I have students who reach out for guidance on a weekly basis,” she said. “And others that might come in for one to two sessions depending on what stressors or challenges they are facing.”

Allison helps students with anxiety, depression and relationship issues.

“I can help students find and connect with resources at TCC and in the community,” she said. “I also assist them with identifying coping skills, goal setting and stress relief.”

Allison explained the ease of reaching counselors for aid.

“Students can call our office or email us to set up an appointment,” she said. “Our doors are always open to help our students.”

NE veterans counselor and Desert Storm veteran Chris Hunt has assisted numerous military veteran students.

“Many times, there are people who are in academic trouble or academic stress, however you want to say it,” he said. “There’s a good chunk of the time that there is a personal issue behind it.”

Hunt also advises students to seek aid early.

“Addressed primarily to veterans: Don’t self-advise, and if you get in trouble, launch the ‘flare’ early,” he said. “In general, don’t wait. Ask for help early. That’s why we are here.”

Military veteran and NE student J.D. Laird has also sought aid from counselors and advisors to assist him in his college career.

“Chris has put out a lot of good information as far as hiring events for vets or scholarships for vets, and that’s very helpful,” he said. “As far as being helpful, it’s been almost on any level we’ve had questions on, academic, personal, or anything.”

Laird advises future military veteran students to find out where the VA liaison is as soon as possible for assistance with setting up veterans benefits and getting on the right track.