Cathy Haberl
Monte Vista High School,
San Ramon Valley USD, California

As career center coordinator and college advisor for Monte Vista High School in Danville, California, Cathy Haberl helps students find their ideal career path. Haberl is in a good position to help them explore their dream careers -- she feels her own career is a perfect fit.

"I love working with students," she says. "My job allows me to help shine a light on possible pathways for students' futures.

"It's a wonderful moment when what I am sharing with students makes a personal connection for them. I love being the tour guide on the journey to their next step after high school."

That journey often includes a detour back to her office after graduation. Because of Haberl's close connection to her students, many of them return to give her updates on their lives.

"One of my favorite aspects of my job is when students come back to visit on their breaks to share with me their experiences, and I get to see the adults that they have become," she says.

"I feel very touched when a student takes time out of their busy schedule to come back to their high school campus to catch up."

Haberl has worked in her position since 2001, but she finds that every day continues to bring new challenges. And that's just the way she likes it.

"Working on tailoring a path for each student helps to make my job 'new' every day. I also enjoy different projects that help to offer 'out of the box' opportunities for my students: application evenings with specific colleges featured and college entrance testing fairs, for example."

She also recognizes that each student deserves individual attention. After all, every student will have to create a personal plan that fits their unique needs.

"Customizing the college admissions process and possible career choices to fit individual student needs really offers clarity for students and families," says Haberl.

These creative solutions for student planning can add to extra work. In the end, however, Haberl says it's worth the time to help her students.

"These projects take time in the evenings to offer, but I feel that they help to meet the students' needs. I try to keep things fresh and new to keep up with the trends of students."

Bridges Transitions congratulates Cathy Haberl for making a positive impact in the lives of so many students.

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