I have been blessed with a unique opportunity to influence young lives in profound ways,” shares Melissa Harrison. “The joy of seeing my students thrive and knowing that I have played a part in their journey, is without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of my job.”
Mrs. Harrison graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in School Counseling for K-12. Her career started with seven years teaching second and third grade at Mary B. Austin Elementary School. She then transitioned to her role now as the school counselor at Hollinger’s Island Elementary.
“I see every student in the building bi-weekly and individually or in small groups as necessary,” explains Mrs. Harrison. “I decided to leave the classroom and pursue becoming a school counselor because I have a deep passion for supporting students’ emotional and mental well-being. As a teacher, I often found myself drawn to helping students navigate personal challenges, and I realized that I wanted to focus on this aspect of student development more directly. Becoming a school counselor allows me to reach a larger number of students across different grade levels.”
Mrs. Harrison has a few core values when it comes to motivating her students throughout the year. One, she is dedicated to empowering students to recognize their potential, and two, she supports them in finding their internal motivations. By using attentive listening and practical strategies, she provides the support her students need.
“I believe that motivation stems from feeling understood and supported. Often, students just need a listening ear and someone to talk to,” she says. “I make it a priority to create a safe, non-judgmental space where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. By actively listening and showing genuine empathy, I build trust and rapport, which are foundational for motivating students. In addition to being a supportive listener, I also employ various strategies that help keep the students motivated, such as setting goals that help them to recognize their strengths and focus on identifying the talents that they have.”
Mrs. Harrison truly believes that teaching is not just a profession, but a calling to be pursued wholeheartedly. Personally, she finds joy in knowing that she is contributing to the growth and development of future generations.
Melissa Harrison has been married to her husband George for nineteen years. Together, they have two teen children. The family loves to be outdoors – boating and lounging on the beach. The Harrison’s also enjoy hosting friends and family for cookouts and pool parties.
