January Teacher Feature ClearbrookGonvick Schools District
Tue, 01/15/2019 - 12:50pm
admin
January Teacher Feature:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." ~Martin Luther King Jr.
Megan Godtland is in her third year at Clearbrook-Gonvick school as the School Counselor, working with students K-12. She is the oldest of five siblings and grew up in Morris, Minnesota. Her blended family consists of Shelby (27), Ryanne (Junior in HS), Tristan (Sophomore in HS), Harrison (2nd grade), and Desiree (3). Her parents are Garrett Hoyer (Oom Hoyer) and Jill Grossman who both reside in Morris. Megan tries to visit home as much as possible, especially to be around as her younger siblings grow up.
Megan graduated from Morris Area High School in 2006 and then attended Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM). She completed her bachelor's degree in psychology in 2010 and then began working full time as a direct support professional caring for individuals with disabilities at CCRI in Moorhead. After two years, she was ready to do a little more with her degree and education. At this time she applied for a promotion at work to become a supervisor as well as applied to get into the Counseling and Students Affairs Graduate Program at MSUM. She received the promotion and was accepted into the counseling program at the same time. For two years Megan worked full time during the day and completed her master’s degree full time in the evening. In her third and last year of graduate school, she completed her internship at Barnesville High School. In May of 2015, Megan earned a Master’s in Counseling and Student Affairs with an emphasis in School Counseling.
Why did you choose to become a school counselor? As a child growing up I would describe myself as resilient and I truly believe it was this that helped shape me to who I am today. I have always had this strong desire to help others and am a great listener, so it only made sense I took my education further to become a school counselor. I wanted to be the person to make a difference in the lives of others while building relationships along the way.
What did you do before coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick? Prior to coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick School I worked as a part time school counselor at Morris Area Elementary School for one year.
What is the best part of your job at Clearbrook-Gonvick? The best part of working here is that I get to interact with all students K-12. There are never two days that are the same and I love it!
What is the biggest challenge of your job? The biggest challenge of my position is that there is only one of me. I often find myself wanting to do more and more things to add to my comprehensive school counseling program; however, there is never enough time with all the hats I wear.
If you could have any job in the world - what would it be? Why? Is a professional traveler a thing? If so, that’s what I would be! Other than being a school counselor, I also thought it would be so much fun to be an event planner and decorate cupcakes and cakes.
What do you do when you are not working at the school? When I am not at work I make time for my friends and family, travel, read, work on crafts, take pictures, and catch up on my shows.
What is something you like to do to pass the time during a snowstorm or the frigid cold weather? Wearing comfy clothes is a must for cold weather. In all honesty, I would either watch some shows or work on organizing things at my house. I really like to have my stuff organized and in its place. I think it is fun!
What are your favorite aspects of the Clearbrook-Gonvick community? The very best thing about this community is that it is one you really get to know the people and have a sense of belonging. I grew up in Morris, which at the time I thought was a small town. When I moved here it was a whole different kind of small. I had previously lived in Fargo-Moorhead for nine years and was used to a certain kind of lifestyle. Being here I have had to adjust to a lot of things, but have no regrets. I am so glad to be a part of this community and brag to all of my friends about it. I am trying to really get the Clearbrook-Gonvick area on the map because we are awesome. :)
And now a word or two about Megan from a few of students…
What do you think Megan was like when she in high school? “I think Megan was super helpful, very kind, and very smart.” “Very happy and was friends with everyone.” “I think she was a funny, kind, and very smart girl.” “I think Megan was a shy student with braces and wore a headband and clips in her hair.” “Very hyper with good grades.” “Since she’s nice now she was probably mean with attitude.” “I think Megan was kind of bookwormy.”
What do you think Megan does when she is not in school? “Watches Netflix.” “Megan fights in the UFC. Enters her armadillo in underground armadillo races. Makes cakes the size of Big Ben. AND wrestles sharks.” “I think she spends time with her family.” “Goes for walks and watches Netflix.” “I think Megan hangs out at home, reads, and decorates her house super cute.” “Goes on an adventure.” “I think Megan likes to read and watch movies. She also seems like she’d be one to go out with friends.”
What job do you think Megan would have if she was not a school counselor?
“Interior designer.” “I think she would own her own boutique.” “I think she would be a daycare lady.” “I think she would become a hippotherapist, which is a therapeutic horse riding instructor and equine therapist.” “Work at Target.” “A Chef.” “If Megan wasn’t a school counselor, I feel like she would be a flight attendant because she talks about traveling all the time.”
What is one of the best things about Megan? “Her smile.” “She is super friendly.” “Her love for all her accessories and all her character bobbleheads in her room.” “She cares so much about everything she does.” “She smiles in the hallway.” “She is always smiling and willing to help anyone in need.” “Megan is super easy to talk to.”
What do you think is Megan’s favorite thing to do? “I think Megan loves to decorate.” “Talk to students.” “Travel.” “Megan’s FAVORITE thing to do is drive faster than 160 mph and attend Spanish bull fights.” “Eat out with friends.” “Make people happy.” “Travel and drink coffee and tea.”
What is one thing Megan ALWAYS says? “I don’t know.” “Hi, my name is Megan Godtland.” “Okay, I’ll have to talk to Mr. Dugstad about that.” “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.” “Hey.” “You got it!” “Mmmhmm, Mmmhmm.”
Where would you send Megan on vacation? “Bahamas” “Bahamas” “India” “I would send Megan to Laos so she could eat a lot of rice, join a yoga retreat, and help out at an organic farm. Also visit Buddha Park to see some stunning sculptures.” “Greece” “Hawaii” “To the Bahamas.”