Spring Branch ISD Featured News

To be called “the best human in this world” by a student is something all SBISD employees dream of. That is exactly how one student at Landrum Middle School (LMS) referred to her counselor Alida Harville.

Eighth grader Genesis wrote that Ms. Harville has a great personality and is nice to every single student at Landrum. “I want her to know that she is the best human in this world and I’m really glad that we have her here,” said the young lady.

Harville became a school counselor because she wanted to work with students on their social and emotional skills to be successful in school and beyond.

“I wanted to help students deal with struggles that inhibit them from being at their best and to be able to process through the difficulties they might be going through to help them move forward both academically and personally,” said Harville.

Middle school is a time of many physical and emotional changes in a young person’s life. Middle school is a time of many physical and emotional changes in a young people’s lives, with them sometimes making poor choices. In Harville’s experience, sometimes students don’t know how to get out of difficult situations. 

"By providing them resources and working through their options I am able to guide them toward a healthier future,” she said. 

The SBISD Core Value, Moral Compass, guides Harville in her work with students. She feels this value drives healthy decision-making.

LMS eighth grader Ernesto, poetically recalled a time when Ms. Harville helped him through a tough time. “Even when the wind was strong and we were too weak to get back up, you came in to give us the strength to get back up,” he said.

“When I saw darkness in my eyes, you were there to give me the light I needed to see. You are truly a hero to me.”

Genesis is also grateful for Ms. Harville’s smile and the ways she makes people happy even when working through issues. “She makes you trust yourself and believe that you can reach your goals,” said Genesis.

When taking care of herself, Harville enjoys outdoor activities like camping and fishing, and once spent five months travelling around the country in an RV. She well-knows that stars shine brightest in the dark.

Thank you, Ms. Harville (and all SBISD school counselors) for being a shining light for your students, and helping them to find their ways to bright futures.

Submitted by Becky Wuerth, SBISD Communications
becky.wuerth@springbranchisd.com