Mrs. Valeria Fuller
You may recognize Mrs. Fuller as she is a counselor at Grand Oaks. She is charismatic and very loved by students, staff and parents. Our school is incredibly blessed to have such a caring vivacious leader that works with our students each day. A school counselors job is very significant for our students future as they help guide plans for college preparation. Not only is this huge but she counsels students with many other tough issues teens deal with. She truly is an advocate for students well being and gives solid advice. You will see her in the hallways always talking to students giving encouragement and sharing her infectious smile.Thank you Mrs Fuller for going above and beyond in everything you do for our students and community. Each and every day we all have a choice to make the world a better place and Mrs.Fuller is exceptional at this and her job. Congratulations Mrs.Fuller for your outstanding character at Grand Oaks.
1. Please tell us a little about yourself, kids, pets?
I am married to the most wonderful man who spoils me rotten daily. His name is Shawn. We have three children ages 26, 17 and 16. Their names are Johnathon, Nicholas and Logan. Johnathon has graduated from college and on his own. Nicholas is a senior and Logan is a junior at Oak Ridge High School. I am very active in my church. Our feisty fur baby is Coco. She is a Shih Tzu and Yorkie mix ..."Shorkie" I am the middle child. I have an older sister and a younger sister. I have no brothers.
2. How did you decide to become a school counselor?
After about 16 years in the classroom, students always felt comfortable talking to me. I have always tried to be there for others and lend a hand where needed regardless of the platform. My students always knew that I loved them and that I was going to always tell them the truth even if it hurts or they did not want to hear it. I still practice this today. If you don't want to hear the truth don't ask me! I treat all of my students past and present like they are my own.
3. What is your favorite part of your job?
I love working with all of my students to help them work through any issues they may have. I love it when they leave me with a smile! It makes my day when one student out of the blue comes up and gives me a hug and thanks me. Sometimes I'm the one who really needed it that day.
4. What is the hardest part about your job?
The hardest part is when I have to say "NO" but they still leave knowing that I love them and care for them and that I have their best interest at heart!
5. You help so many students with big decisions, and other life issues what is some advice you can give to them as they are maturing?
Never stop believing in themselves! Life will bring setbacks but learn from them and keep moving forward! Never ever give up!
6. Many of us are parents and we are all going though raising teenagers, what is some advice to parents on how to best help our students in high school?
Encourage them daily! Help them foster great coping skills to deal with life and its ups and downs. Resilience! Resilience! Resilience! As parents, we will not always be able to come to their rescue but if we teach them how to handle all types of situations they will bounce back. Will they make mistakes, absolutely, but let them learn from it and keep moving forward. It's okay if they "BUMP their HEAD! Teach them to spread their wings and FLY HIGH!
7. Who were your mentors in life so far?
I am so blessed to still have both of my parents and they have help me all through out my life. Did I always listen, of course not. Did I make mistakes, Yes, sometimes I had to "Bump My Head" but it has made me who I am today and I truly love and thank them for that!
8. If you pick another job besides being an amazing school counselor what would it be and why?
I probably would have gone to Pharmacy school and became a Pharmacist!
9. What do you like to do on the weekends, any hobbies?
Weekends are made for family time. We try to do something fun at least two weekends out the month. I love to READ. I'm old fashion and still like to hold a book and turn the pages.
10. Tell us something surprising, interesting, or funny about you?
I am a HUGE Beyonce fan and I have not missed a concert yet when she comes to Houston! I'm not beyond taking a road trip to see her as well. I climbed up Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado to get the lightest and best tasting donuts ever...what a girl will do for sweets!
Congratulations Mrs. Fuller!
