By Jo Mathis / AAPS
Kevin Chung was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved with his family to Michigan when he was two years old. He grew up Saline and Brighton, where he developed an interest in working with students while taking child development classes at Brighton High School.
After high school, he attended Michigan State University and majored in Education with minors in English and Environmental Studies. He then went on to earn his Counseling degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Chung’s first job as a school counselor was at North Middle School in Portage near Kalamazoo. After getting married to his wife Sunny, the couple moved back to southeast Michigan for a counseling position at Ann Arbor Trail K12 in Detroit. When their daughter Hailey (now a junior at Skyline High School) was ready to start school, Kevin and Sunny wanted to move to Ann Arbor so she could attend AAPS. Chung says he was fortunate there was an opening at Slauson Middle School for the 2016-17 school year, and he has worked there ever since.
“Kevin makes very strong connections to students and does a great job,” says Slauson Principal Brandon Szwejkowski.
What drew you to become a school counselor?
When I was teaching, some students needed more one-on-one assistance, and I wanted to help those students with more depth.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Luckily, I get to move along with my students from 6th through 8th grade, so being able to be a
part of that growth is so great.
What are the biggest differences in working with middle schoolers now versus when you first began your career?
The biggest difference that I see now is how students communicate and interact. The immediacy of how students share and receive their thoughts doesn’t always allow for them to take a moment and reflect or consider outcomes.
What are the main issues and concerns you see middle school students facing these days?
The issues that students face are perception, peer pressure, insecurity, and self-esteem, which can contribute to the anxiety that many are facing.
What middle school did you attend, and what are some of your favorite memories
from those years?
I attended Saline Middle School until 6th grade, and then Scranton Middle School in Brighton. My favorite memories are being out on recess after lunch and hanging out with friends.
What advice would you give to parents of middle schoolers? What can they do to support their child during these years?
Many times, students just want someone to hear what they are saying and support them. When they feel at ease and not feel scrutinized, that is when they are more likely to open up.
How do you help students navigate bullying, peer pressure, and identity issues?
For bullying, we have anti-bullying presentations that go into detail about what bullying is, what is and is not acceptable school behavior, and who you should speak with when it occurs. We emphasize communicating with trusted adults, going over options of what can be said and done, and coming up with a plan to follow through.
What are some common misconceptions about the role of a school counselor?
One of the things I heard a student say some years ago “Mr. Chung will try and make us be friends.” Forcing friendships is not what I do.
How do you help students plan and prepare for high school? What advice do you give them?
The best plan for high school is to understand middle school. The structure is similar, so build a strong foundation in your work habits and you will find high school to be less daunting.
How do you help students who are struggling emotionally?
We tell our students to speak with a trusted adult and friends, offer Cognitive Behavior Theory groups, weekly/bi-weekly check-ins, and community resource links on our website.
What advice do you have for students who will be transitioning to middle school soon?
It’s okay to be nervous and that the routine of middle school is quick and easy to learn. Not having people you know in a class is okay, it will teach you how make new ones.
How can parents and teachers best collaborate with you to help their children succeed?
I think the best tool in any relationship is communication.
What tips do you have for students to be organized and manage their time?
Find a system that works for you and stick with it.
Favorite way to spend a Saturday:
Honestly, I don’t have a favorite way to spend it. I try to enjoy it for what it is, a day to just be with my favorite people.
What’s the best part of your workday?
There’s always a challenge that is new for a student and helping them navigate is fun.
What’s most exciting in your professional life? Personal life?
Right now, my daughter’s transition to college is still a year and a half away, but planning this, and talking with her about it has been fun. Then we’ll be empty nesters, so planning that time with my wife has been great fun also.
