Kaitlyn Masser sits at her desk in the Mount Union Area High School guidance office, where she helps students prepare for graduation and plan for their futures.
By LILLIAN BOOKHEIMER | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — A guidance counselor is an integral part of any school environment. They help students with questions that teachers may not always be able to answer and assist them in planning for life after high school. At Mount Union Area High School, that responsibility belongs to guidance counselor Kaitlyn Masser.
Even in a smaller school like Mount Union, the guidance office stays busy. Each day brings something new, and while the job can sometimes feel chaotic, Ms. Masser describes it as both rewarding and meaningful. “It is a lot of fun, very rewarding, and can be chaotic some days,” she said. “Every day is different.”
As the 2025–2026 school year quickly comes to an end, seniors are beginning to make important decisions about their futures. Whether students plan to attend college, join the military, enter the workforce, or pursue technical training, Ms. Masser works closely with them to ensure they feel prepared.
“The best part about being able to prepare students for their futures is seeing all the fields they are interested in pursuing,” Ms. Masser said. “I’ve seen students who are interested in being hairdressers for the military and others do biomedical engineering. It’s fascinating to see what everyone is interested in.”
During senior year, students often face challenges such as completing FAFSA forms, applying for financial aid, and deciding which college or career path is the right fit. To help with this process, the guidance office hosted a college application day earlier this year, allowing students to work on applications and FAFSA in the upper deck of the library. Additional events have also been held to support students as they prepare for graduation.
Beyond academics and applications, senior year can bring emotional challenges as well. Many students feel anxious about leaving high school and stepping into adulthood. “Seniors can manage anxiety related to graduation, change, and the future by building a support system, journaling, practicing mindfulness, and getting enough sleep,” Ms. Masser advised.
Despite the stress that can come with senior year, Ms. Masser says watching students reach graduation makes everything worthwhile. “I feel so proud of my students knowing that I was able to help and guide them to graduation,” she said. “While I may tell students what they need to do and support them along the way, it is ultimately the students who put in the work.”
In addition to helping students plan for their next steps, Ms. Masser emphasizes the importance of life skills such as personal finance and time management. These skills, she believes, are essential no matter what path students choose after high school.
At Mount Union, Ms. Masser plays a vital role in guiding seniors through one of the most important transitions of their lives. Through her patience, dedication, and support, she continues to help students confidently move toward their futures.
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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