How do I describe the RIDE? I moved to Iowa 7 years ago from the beautiful State of Hawaii. The first question students asked me was “Why” and the second question after I sat down with them to do their career planning was “What’s this college or that college like?”

I honestly could not tell them because I had never visited the colleges of Iowa, but I did have handy dandy brochures. I could not tell them of the campuses nor the school cultures, just what was in black and white in the booklets.

I was at a conference when I spoke to another counselor about this dilemma I had in advising students and they suggested the RIDE. They said it was 3 days of nonstop college visits and that not only would I get to see the colleges, but I would also meet many counselors from across the State. I went on my first RIDE 3 years ago and had the best time in my counseling career.

The RIDE was more than just college visits. It was a time to share experiences with colleagues, get pampered by hosting colleges, and have a great time after a stressful school year. Before my second RIDE experience, we had a suicide at our school and the school year was rough for me. I was able to share my tough year with other professionals who understood my role as a small-town school counselor.

I highly recommend this experience for any new counselor or counselors who are just "burnt out" because of a tough school year. My experience participating has been that I have been rejuvenated and ready to tackle a new school year after my time on the bus.