[humanser] Intro and a few questions

[Danielle (Shives) Manke]

Hello all,
I have just joined this list and wanted to introduce myself, as well as ask a few questions. My name is Danielle Manke, and I am currently working on a graduate degree in school counseling. I have a background in education but find counseling to be a good fit for me. I have been working on my coursework for a year and should be finished my program in May. Between now and then, I am required to complete field experiences in an elementary,a middle, and a high school; I am working on the middle school experience now. I am wondering if there are any school counselors on this list that I could touch base with throughout these experiences and possibly beyond? Also, my supervisor for my current experience raised a concern about students being uncomfortable because of my eyes. I am totally blind so obviously do not make eye contact and, along with that, I have no control over my eyes and cannot focus them, and they move all over the place. My supervisor asked if I have ever considered glasses. I really haven't considered this; I raised it as an issue to some loved ones once and was told they would rather see my eyes. My supervisor suggested I simply ask students if my eyes are an issue for them, which I will do, but I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts or experiences they can share about something like this? Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? Finally, I know that some people in my field have ways that people can report things anonymously to them, and this is sometimes done in writing. Though technology may replace the written part, I am wondering if anyone would have any suggestions in the event someone wanted to report something to me? Thank you so much in advance for any responses/help.
Danielle Manke