Ms. Kyra Handel is the newest addition to the Southern Lehigh High School community, where she is currently serving as a long term counseling substitute. Ms. Handel is a graduate student at Lehigh University, and her position at SLHS allows her to fill a requirement toward her degree.
In addition to helping students with last names A-E, she also helps coach the girls soccer team as an assistant coach. Ms. Handel played soccer both in high school and in college, so she enjoys being able to continue her passion for the sport while getting involved with the community.
“[Coaching] helps me better connect with more students,” said Ms. Handel.
Ms. Handel is not only helping out at Southern Lehigh as both guidance counselor and coach, but she also works for the Office of Disability Support Services at Lehigh University.
Ms. Handel says that she was inspired to explore the field by her own counselor when she attended Quakertown High School.
“She was such a huge influence on me, such an impact on myself, the whole school,” said Ms. Handel. “I was really inspired by her.”
Ms. Handel is positive about the interactions that she’s had with students thus-far.
“The students have been so wonderful, so welcoming, and kind,” said Ms. Handel “It seems like they’re all motivated to do well in multiple aspects of their lives which I think is really great.”
Ms. Handel hopes to become even more involved whether it be proctoring AP exams, coaching students on the soccer team, or attending plays and musical performances.
During the course selection process Ms. Handel enjoyed meeting new people and being able to interact with new and different students.
“I’m a very passionate person, I’m passionate about my jobs, my friendships, my family, and that motivates me every single day” said Ms. Handel.
Ms. Handel wants everyone to find their own passions and also wants to help guide them to said passions.
“I think that what really guides me through education, my job, and really life in general is following my passions” said Handel “I think that when a student or individual finds their passion it just helps in so many different ways”
Ms. Handel wants to express that her door is always open to those who need it. Students can schedule an appointment by emailing her at [email protected].