Hantz Leads War Eagles Down the Path to College

March 7, 2011
Filed under Features

Students may feel lost or overwhelmed when they think about college, jobs, and everything else in between. However, there’s no need to stress, because College and Career counselor, Dianne Hantz is available for advice. Hantz is the College and Career counselor, and has been helping kids figure out their futures since 2006.

“I used to teach biology at Bridge City High School, Horace Man Junior High, and Bauxite High School. I loved talking to the kids, helping them with their futures, and giving them the information they needed, so I got my counseling certificate. I’ve been an academic counselor for a while, this being my fifth year,” Hantz said.

Hantz spends the majority of her time seeking out information about colleges for her students.

“I meet with many college representatives and attend college updates to learn about their admission processes, scholarships, etc. I also visit colleges during the school year as well as in the summer. I do a lot of research on the Internet, and I’m a part of the Texas Association of College Admission Counselors, where I go to counselor conferences to learn more. It’s a lot to keep up with, but I enjoy it, and I want students to consider all of their options and look at everything before they decide on one thing,” Hantz said.

Hantz is a very busy woman, so every day is something new in her office.

“My day consists of lots of variety. For example, one day I had given out fifteen free vouchers for testing, I had to organize a field trip to a college, I had to work on dual credit paperwork for students for next year, I talked to several students about college and financial aid, and I also was working on a list of Sophomores for a college program in the summer,” Hantz said.

Since Hantz’s job revolves around the students, she does whatever she can to help them out.

“I mostly try and give out information to the students several times and in several different ways. I give access to college representatives, financial aid applications, and help them figure out their careers. I meet with them and their parents, especially if the kids are the first generation to go to college in the family. I try to help them so that they can continue their education after high school,” Hantz said.

Even though Hantz’s life can be hectic at times, it’s something that she loves.

“If I couldn’t be a counselor, I would still want to do something with kids, because it’s what I love, and I like to see them be successful and move forward with their lives,” Hantz said.