Blogs are a great place to guide and promote ideas. In this case, I would like to share the perspective of a three-time participant in H-hour Training and Events Breach the Beach and Secure the Beach events, husband, new father, and Kean University graduate student, Brock Torre.
–“As a current student, and an aspiring counselor, much of my life’s focus currently surrounds acquiring and developing the skills necessary to serve clients in the future. Spending a few hours walking on the beach provides a unique opportunity for such preparation.
Legendary football coach, Chuck Noll, was quoted, “The mercenaries will always beat the draftees, but the volunteers will crush them both.” Considering the exceptionality of those who are willing to sacrifice a Saturday morning to challenge themselves mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, I am naturally provided an integral look into the realm of those seeking growth.
Fellow participants provide insight and perspective, while simultaneously provoking crucial questions:
- Where are these people going?
- What support do they need to get there?
- Similarly, where am I going?
- What am I capable of?
- What do I need to become capable of in order to serve my future clients?
I’m often reminded that counseling is much more about listening than speaking, and these invaluable mornings consistently prove themselves suitable opportunities to practice this skill. Whether a single parent in an unexpected season, a young adult amid a life transition, or a grandparent navigating new changes, every participant provides an unparalleled story.
Despite varying circumstances and distinct motives for showing up, we work towards a common goal, if only for a few hours, recognizing that everyone’s 100% effort is varied but equally vital. From this I’ve come to learn that those who show up simply because they want to, the true volunteers, have the utmost to offer.
For me, in order to progress as an emerging counselor, this starts with just a few hours of walking on the beach.”
Brock Torre, Participant- Secure the Beach & Breach the Beach