Unleashing Unlimited Opportunities: Waldo Middle School Counseling

Erin Nichols and Lupe Mora, counselors at Waldo Middle School, have a long history. After working together for years at Claggett Creek, the two were reunited in 2023 when Nichols took a job with Mora at Waldo after serving in a district out of state since 2021. 

When I applied and got the job, it was like coming home.
Erin Nichols, Waldo Middle School Counselor

Despite their different paths to Waldo, the duo are united through their shared passion for helping students succeed socially and emotionally. “I remember thinking about the hallways, the kids, the bells, I mean, everything,” says Mora. 

Their connection is aided by the shared wall connecting their offices. “We just communicate like we’re thinking about the same thing, and we just spit it out.” The twin telepathy they share has led to a culture of care at Waldo emphasizing unlimited opportunities for student success. A key hallmark of this success involves preparing Waldo Middle school students for high school, most significantly with a special project the two host: Waldo’s Career Day. Leading up to the event, which involves dozens of speakers in nearly every career field, Mora and Nichols designed a curriculum that encourages students to reach for their dreams without limit. 

Students watch the movie, A Million Miles Away. The story follows a young boy through his journey learning Russian, underwater scuba, and more, all in an effort to chase his dream of working for NASA. “This is just a great story of grit and resilience…so we wanted our kids to see it,” said Nichols. 

The counseling team at Waldo has worked over the past few years to develop the Career Day curriculum centered around the film, reminding students of the importance of pushing through challenges as they begin thinking about their future professions entering high school. Combined with other Career Day activities, a clear emphasis is placed on exploring interests and reaching for the stars each and every day. 

When you think about these successes and the difference that you have made… it just makes you want to do more.
Lupe Mora, Waldo Middle School Counselor