Rasbury has open ear and door for students

It is unquestionable that West relies a great amount on our guidance counselors. Even though they might not be seen as much outside their offices due to COVID restrictions, their presence no doubt betters our school environment.

One of those counselors is Alex Rasbury, who is new to WF this year.

“It feels like home,” Rasbury said, “Everybody here is very friendly.” Rasbury also mentioned his coworkers, saying that they are like siblings.

Rasbury is someone who would describe himself as reserved, adventurous, and a bit nervous. His adventurous personality has brought him to many places, such as Africa and Europe

“My interests are anything nature,” Rasbury said. He loves hiking and sports, though he said that he doesn’t play much anymore. He also has been learning piano and guitar.

His interests may center around nature, but his technological knowledge is not lacking. This has been proven by his experience at West during the pandemic.

“It has definitely caused me to rely more on technology,” Rasbury said. “Everything is virtual.” He’s decided to look on the bright side though, as he mentioned that this change has made him more proactive.

Though he loves his job as a counselor, Rasbury did not originally plan to be one. He knew he wanted to help others, but instead of helping others as a counselor, he wanted to help as a veterinarian.

His ambitions to be a veterinarian changed when he went to veterinary school as an intern, where he looked into radiology and surgery. His quest for fulfillment then lead him to education, then ministry, and then finally finding his passion in counseling.

Rasbury’s life experience will be extremely beneficial to West Florence students. His advice for anyone is simple, but important.

“Be emotional in the right ways,” Rasbury said. He means that instead of letting your emotions fester, express them in ways that are positive.

Rasbury uses music as a way to release his emotion. Though he isn’t an expert in piano or guitar yet, music holds a special place in his heart.

Rasbury said that he likes to constantly have music playing. His office usually has the Spotify playlists ‘Mood Booster’ or ‘Cozy Acoustic Morning’ playing.

Rasbury is definitely an amazing addition to West Florence. His attitude towards his job as a counselor is focused on helping students and making them heard.

He said that his office has an open door policy, only being closed when he is out of office and at a meeting. Rasbury hopes that students know that he is an open ear.