Tricia Rigg

School Counselor

Hamilton High School (Sussex, WI)



1. What did you study in college?  Was your plan to enter the school counseling world?

I did my undergrad at UW-Stevens Point and majored in Health Promotion and Wellness.  I was a camp counselor during my summer breaks and a few of my co-workers were school counselors.  The more I learned about the job the more I knew it was a perfect fit for me.  I have always been a good listener and problem solver and I love working with kids.  I enrolled at UW-Milwaukee right after I graduated from Point for graduate school and my major there was Educational Psychology.  

2. What inspires you most about your job?

Helping students find their path.  I love when students figure out what they want to do and their next steps after high school.  We keep the same students on our caseload throughout their four years, so it's rewarding to see them as freshmen explore and grow and then find success at the end.  

3. What is the best part of what you do?

I love that every day is different and that I never get bored.  I love making connections with students and helping them navigate through different stages of high school and life.  I also love our student services team at my high school.  We all get along fantastically and help each other out.  It is so nice to be able to bounce ideas off one another and have built in support during the work day.  

4. How has being a member of WACAC helped you?

The connections with colleagues and conferences are great!

6. What is one piece of advice you would give a new admissions counselor or high school counselor?

Stay positive.  Our job isn't one where we get a lot of praise or thank yous.  You have to look at the big picture and know that you are helping students be successful.  When you get positive emails/phone calls/etc. file them away so you remember that you are making a difference on the hard days.  

7. What's an interesting fact about you that has nothing to do with admissions counseling?

I do photography on the side.  I have always loved taking pictures and have had an interest in cameras and editing programs.  I created a website a few years ago, and while I can't spend as much time as I would like doing it, I enjoy taking family photos, newborns, and senior pictures for clients.

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