Walking with Students

7/1/2020

Q & A with Retiring School Counselor Jacky Krawczyk

Since retired School Counselor Jacky Krawczyk has been at DSHA, she has helped two generations of Dashers with many uncommon and common social, emotional, and academic challenges; and she has celebrated alongside of them in their victories. She has been a clear communicator and problem solver, working collaboratively with faculty, students, and parents to do what is best for her students. In addition, colleagues in the DSHA Student Services department refer to her as the glue that has kept the department together and running smoothly. In the 26 years she has spent as a familiar face around the halls, her role as a school counselor has changed from an administrative, behind-the-scenes role to working face-to-face with students — a role she cherishes and will miss next school year.

Q: You’ve been at DSHA for nearly three decades. What kept you coming back year after year?

A: There’s always new people, new students, an energy in the building, and so many different things going on.

The girls are really what keep me coming back. They are great, and all so unique in their own way. I see the girls come in as freshmen and I meet with them for the first time, and then again mid-sophomore year for course selection. I then see them turn into juniors, choosing and thinking about what is next for them, and then senior year when they make a college or university selection. I get to see the students’ progress and walk with them throughout their development.

Q: What is like to see the transformation of girls from excited or scared freshmen to alumnae? How does it feel to know you’ve made an impact on students?

A: I see many giggling freshmen and watch them become more and more confident and sure of who they are as they take on many roles inside DSHA. I find it exciting when students come to me for future advice, especially about college. For example, Cassie Scheidt, DSHA ’21, was looking for the correct path to take in college, and I helped ignite a fire in her when she discovered business was the path for her. I love seeing girls have that “ah-ha” moment and move forward with their dreams.

Knowing that I made a small difference is really rewarding. Even helping girls with issues in their personal lives and giving them advice with how to rectify or approach a certain situation. Giving advice on a Friday and hearing what happened on Monday. All the personal victories they experience are victories for me too.

Q: You are a product of an all-girls education. How has your all-girls education influenced you throughout your life?

A: I went to St. Mary’s Academy in Milwaukee, which no longer exists, but it was a great school. When I went to Marquette for college afterwards, I was over-prepared. My all-girls experience gave me confidence, a voice, and great friends (I was an only child). Back in that day, it was a little different. It was before the women’s liberation movement, and going to an all-girls school taught us that our voice was valid and important. It helped as we became young women and mothers to feel very confident. I have never felt inferior in any way being female. My all-girls school encouraged me to embrace my strength and my identity. The students at DSHA learn many of the same lessons. There is undoubtedly a great value to all-girls education.

Q: What do you hope students are equipped with before they leave DSHA?

A: I think the DSHA Qualities of a Graduate are important; that we teach them to become believers, self-advocates, critical thinkers, communicators, and leaders. But most importantly, I hope a strong theological and faith foundation is instilled in them. I want them to be good people who work for the greater good of the community and world. As I’m writing letters of recommendation for the juniors, I see in many of them that ability to think about those less fortunate. I think that is so important.

Q: What is your favorite DSHA memory?

A: I feel my best moments are celebrating the accomplishments of my students. Taylor Robinson, DSHA ’19, comes to mind. I remember when she told me she had received a scholarship to go to Mount Mary University, and how much joy we both felt. It was great to see a wonderful young woman who had struggles come out on top.

I also really enjoy when former students stop in and give me updates on the wonderful things they are doing.

Perfect ACT scores are always exciting; I’ve seen a couple of those. I was also always blown away by the speeches given at graduation.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

A: It was a tough decision to retire. DSHA is such a great place. My friends always used to ask me if I would ever retire. And I guess it took a pandemic to get me to that place. It’s been a wonderful run, and I’ve been so fortunate to be part of a wonderful department and a school that has been so good to me throughout the years. I am so thankful I’ve been able to do a lot of work with the girls; that has meant the world to me.

JACKY KRAWCZYK AT-A-GLANCE:

Years at DSHA: 26

Role:School Counselor

Clubs, activities, and trips moderated:

• Sisters of Culture

• Best Buddies

• Senior Retreat

What she will miss most at DSHA, besides her students:

Connections with the faculty and staff; the energy in the building; the family atmosphere; the variety from day-to-day; and never feeling bored.

Favorite quote:

“Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth

Family:Husband, Gary; sons, CJ, Matt, and Brad, and daughter, Kim; 6 grandchildren

Education:

• BA in Psychology, Marquette University

• MA in Educational Psychology, UW-Milwaukee

MRS. KRAWCZYK, THANK YOU FOR…

“…always making time for me. Whether you were busy or not, you always managed to get back to me and check in on how I was doing. I’m grateful to have had such a caring counselor throughout my four years. Know that I will always keep you in mind as I head off to college.”

- Paola Pena, DSHA ’20

“…your continuous support, kindness, and love. You have helped so many students, including myself, and DSHA will not be the same without you. Happy retirement!”

- Taylor Robinson, DSHA ’19

“…greatly impacting my experience at DSHA. You always fit me in. Your wisdom and experience helped guide me through class offerings and influenced my college major. When there was an unresolved issue, you supported me. You were always willing to help me inside the classroom and out.”

- Cassie Scheidt, DSHA ’21

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