Photo by CJ Whittick
A Q&A with guidance counselor Corderius Cowans
The Pirates’ Hook (PH): What made you want to become a guidance counselor?
Corderius Cowans (CC): I think about my experience as a high school student and not having the support that I needed, but also realize that there were people who were of influence but they didn’t give me the necessary guidance to be as successful as I could be.
That didn’t stop me from becoming successful, but I feel like a lot of my experiences would have looked a lot different had I had individualized guidance that I would have wanted at the time. So what I try to do is try to build that gap and be able to support young people to become the best version of themselves.
PH: What made you decide to become a counselor at Riverside?
CC: Riverside was an opportunity that felt like home. I literally said in my interview that it reminded me of my high school. We are very diverse, very supportive. The staff has a lot of unique people coming from different spaces of experience but still see that people are connected. That resembled my high school experience and it was kind of like a full circle moment or opportunity for me. Coming from Chicago and having success there, I just felt a pull to come back to my home state of North Carolina.
PH: What do you want students to get out of your counseling?
CC: Being a student-centered person is my focus. I want students to know that at least somebody cares. I want them to have someone that they can talk to, take a break with, and feel comfortable around. I want to get to know students beyond academics and graduation to show them that I actually care about them.
PH: What advice would you give to students that are stressed about school?
CC: Firstly, just breathe and be in the moment. Students often worry about things that aren’t happening right now. If you take a breath and focus on the present, you can remember your strengths and use them to move forward. We only have one moment at a time, so don’t miss that moment.
PH: What’s something that students will be surprised to learn about you?
CC: I ride horses and motorcycles, and I have sleeve tattoos. I’m also an academic. I’m finishing my Ph.D. in educational leadership. I have a 4.0, am in part of an honors society and I’m a licensed mental health therapist.
