Inspiring Graduate: Luke Zuiker (’25)
- Hometown: Marshfield
- Degree: M.S. School Counseling
Even before he started his internship – let alone his forthcoming job as a school counselor – Luke Zuiker says his University of Wisconsin-Stout coursework prepared him to address the social, emotional and academic needs of high school students.
Zuiker, of Marshfield, holds a bachelor’s degree in English education and health education, but worked for a credit union for a few years before deciding to pursue an M.S. in school counseling at UW-Stout.
“The main thing that stands out to me about my UW-Stout experience is the family-like feel of our cohort,” said Zuiker, reflecting on his two years in the graduate program. “Our professors have done a fantastic job of fostering that environment. I’ve also appreciated the fact that every professor I’ve had in my program has been a full-time counselor or working professional in a K-12 school at one point during their career. They have the experience of working in schools, which lends credibility to their lessons and to the program in general.”
Zuiker, who has accepted a position as a school counselor at Poynette High School, was one of 1,174 UW-Stout students who took part in the university’s spring commencement ceremonies May 10.
“I have been inspired by many professors, fellow students, mentors and friends in my two years here at Stout,” he said. “I would like to thank them for their work and dedication alongside me during my time here.”
What brought you to UW-Stout?
I came to UW-Stout after working in the lending industry for a credit union for four and a half years following my undergraduate graduation. I originally went to UW-Stevens Point and received my degree there in English education and health education. I did not pursue education initially as I went into the lending industry, but I wanted to get back into it and UW-Stout had a program that offered a two-year timeline which appealed to me. It took me a little time to realize that school counseling was a good fit for me, but I am extremely happy with my decision and for my experience at Stout.
How do you hope to make an impact in your field?
I hope to help students navigate the landscape of high school, help with their social-emotional and academic learning, and also to help them find opportunities in post-secondary life for what they are passionate and excited about.
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Continue ReadingHow has UW-Stout prepared you to work in your field?
UW-Stout has given my cohorts and I a lot of experience in counseling even before we started our internships in the schools. Some specific classes that come to mind are Play Therapy, School Counseling Lab and Group Dynamics. Each of these classes gave us experiences where we could actually practice counseling skills in a live setting.
Additionally, I have had two fantastic field experiences during my internship at both the schools I’ve been placed in. My role has varied at both sites but consists mainly of counseling students individually and in small groups as well as teaching classroom lessons at the elementary level.
How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?
I was the president of our School Counseling Organization in the spring 2024 and fall 2024 semesters. My involvement in this club really bolstered my experience at UW-Stout. As a group, we raised just over $4,500 to fully pay for every first- and second-year school counseling student to attend the Wisconsin School Counseling Association state conference in Wisconsin Dells. I was also a graduate assistant during my second year at the Financial Wellness Center on campus. My supervisor there was invaluable and served as a great mentor to me during my time at UW-Stout.
What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?
I faced some new professional leadership challenges during my time here. I leaned on trusted professionals for help. They were immensely supportive. They also helped remind me not to forget that we are never on an island in education and to not be too stubborn to ask for help when it is needed.
What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?
I’m really proud of my fellow cohorts and growing up professionally alongside them during our time together in the school counseling program.
I’m proud of the authentic conversations we got to have in and out of school. I’m proud that I had a part in creating an environment for them to find their own professional identities.
