San Jacinto College shared counselor Ludith González helps Galena Park High School student Alfredo Ponce as he fills out college applications. Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

Counselor named Very Important Counselor by Texas A&M University

Rob Vanya, April 24, 2012

HOUSTON – San Jacinto College (SJC) shared counselor Ludith González was recently selected as a Very Important Counselor (VIC) by Texas A&M University for a second consecutive year. The VIC program recognizes outstanding service of counselors and teachers who provide educational planning for students. She was nominated by Texas A&M University representatives, and is one of only 20 people in the state to earn the recognition.

González is a shared counselor staffed at Galena Park High School (GPHS) by SJC North. SJC operates shared counselor programs at all three campuses, helping area high school students prepare for college and careers. The staff members are called “shared” counselors because they split time between their college campuses and area high schools, providing students with career testing and counseling, educational and academic planning and advising, workshops for student success, financial aid information, enrollment services workshops, and college registration assistance. SJC shared counselors provide counseling and planning services for any college, and students do not have to commit to attend San Jacinto College to receive assistance and guidance.

González is effective at GPHS because the rapport she has with students, and she sees her role as connector to higher education as vitally important. “If students are not ready for education beyond high school it will affect the financial stability and economy of our nation,” she commented. “I share with high school students nothing more than the facts – a college-educated person makes more money than one who is not; college opens doors and opportunities. A college education provides a more secure future, as well as a better lifestyle.”

Sometimes she has to be frank and to the point. “I tell students that just because they do not know what they want to be, it is not an excuse to put it off,” she said. “College is a great place for young people to discover new ideas and explore options.”

González grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at State University of New York at Albany, and a master’s in bilingual education and counseling at Long Island University. She joined SJC as a shared counselor in 2008.

GPHS senior Alfredo Ponce is thankful for assistance González has provided as he prepares for college. “She helps me stay focused as I look into scholarships and financial aid,” said Ponce, a talented soccer player who is exploring possibilities of attending several colleges, including SJC. “I know I speak for many when I say Ms. Ludith is an awesome person and a great helper to our school.”

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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