Upon entering Room 282B– just through the conference room and to the left– I was greeted with warm lights, vibrant pillows and pictures, an enticing couch, floral fragrance, and a heater that eased my bones on that chilly autumn day. Right then and there, I declared that 282B was the most comforting and welcoming room in the school. This declaration was soon to be furthered by my conversation with Ms. Vasconcelos, our Student Assistance Counselor.
While Ms. V may be new to Tiverton, she has thirteen years of educational experience. Having taught in several districts, she shifted to counseling after finding herself often aiding her students with social-emotional support. Gaining an internship from grad school, Ms. V worked for four years at an all-women’s substance use facility.
Ms. V’s training focuses on substance use and prevention, but she emphasizes that her room is for everyone– whether you’re struggling with substance use, mental health, or just need a space to decompress, “don’t be afraid to reach out.” Because Ms. V works for an outside agency, she offers more confidentiality than other resources.
“The beauty in the mistakes is that’s how you’re learning,” she says, stressing the importance of looking forward. “Yes, you [made that mistake]. Now what will you do?”
In addition to her role as Student Assistance Counselor, Ms. V also serves as the connection between Tiverton High School and the Tiverton Prevention Coalition. She works alongside Brian, a coordinator of the Coalition, on events like the club fair, Open House presentations, and lunch tables to promote healthy habits. The Tiverton Prevention Coalition– part of Newport County and the Rhode Island Regional Coalitions– helps students and families “get comfortable with the uncomfortable” through educational materials like “What’s in your vape?”, lock boxes and drop stations to protect medication, and safe, judgment-free spaces in school. Because the Coalition used to have a THS office– now where the store is located– Ms. V hopes to bring back the Coalition as a strong, powerful presence in the Tiverton Schools community.
With October 6–12 being Mental Health Awareness Week, I asked Ms. V how students can practice caring for their mental health.
“The #1 tip is to push yourself out of your comfort zone and find a trusted adult,” she replies. This could be a teacher, coach, bus driver, counselor… anyone you can confide in.
Ms. V also details her “cup theory”, in which everyone’s mental health is a cup: “If you’re running low, fill your cup with things that make you happy”. By refilling your cup, you’re not just caring for yourself, but also making yourself available to help others when their cups are running low. “Keep a mental scan of what you have.”
Outside of being the Student Assistance Counselor at THS, Ms. V loves writing, reading (especially the Harry Potter books), and dancing, which she’s done since she was three. She calls it her “form of expression and release”, and particularly enjoys contemporary dance. She reminisces about visiting Italy and also highlights the time she spends with her “grumpy and anxious” dog Cooper.
Look out for Ms. V and the Coalition at lunch later this month for Red Ribbon Week, where you can make a pledge to be substance free and/or bully free! And check out Ms. V’s Leadership Group, where you can develop leadership skills, build connections, raise awareness on healthy habits, and attend a 3-day Youth Driven summit! Visit Ms. Vasconcelos at Room 282B or contact her via [email protected] to get to know her and learn more.
