By Nicolette Olson
Staff Writer
Although Brittney Beauchaine is the new guidance counselor for students with last names ranging from Hj-to Mh, she isn’t so new after all. Beauchaine attended MCHS beginning in 1996 and came back to work here in 2007.
Beauchaine began working for Mira Costa in 2007 as an intern and then worked as a Student Academic Support program (SAS) counselor. Her responsibilities as an SAS counselor included helping and counseling students who had difficulties with learning.
“It was definitely an easy transition from being a Student Academic Support counselor to a guidance counselor because I had prior preparation. I have noticed there is definitely a larger case load than what I had as a Student Academic Support program counselor. Also, I do miss that I got to spend an hour of time with my students when I was a Student Academic Support counselor. Now I only get to spend roughly twenty minutes with each of my students, ” Beauchaine said.
Beauchaine’s job description as a guidance counselor includes helping students with academic questions about college, and writing letters of recomendation for her students.
“My responsibilities also consist of helping my students through personal crises. They also include, but are not limited to, advocating for my students in any way possible, and doing a lot of double-checking transcripts for individual students,” Beauchaine said.
Beauchaine graduated from Mira Costa in 2000. She said what brought her back to Mira Costa was her love for and familiarity with the school. She also enjoys her job counseling teens.
“After I graduated from Mira Costa, I went to South Central Michigan University as an undergraduate. Then, for my graduate education, I went to Chapman University, ” Beauchaine said.
In her first year as a guidance counselor, Beauchaine has already helped numerous students through numerous problems dealing with both school-related and home-related issues.
“She is very nice, as well as very helpful and understanding. I appreciate the work and time she puts in to help her students,” sophomore Karissa Kremling said.
Beauchaine, as well as the rest of the guidance counselors, received many student appointments the week before school started because of this year’s scheduling problems, which have been a common occurrence at the beginning of each school year.
“I was having a problem with my schedule, not unlike many other students, and when I went in to meet her she was very nice, gracious and friendly. It wasn’t hard to get a mutual understanding between student and counselor,” sophomore Kelly Lucas said.
Aside from her job as a guidance counselor, Beauchaine enjoys watching college football and takes advantage of the laid back beach atmosphere for relaxation and exercise.
“I also like to cook, do crafts, bike-ride on the strand, and I run whenever I can. Back when I was a student at Mira Costa High School, I used to surf. Also, I was on the dance team,” Beauchaine said.
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