Ms. Altshuler’s New Year Advice

On November 14, Jill Altshuler, Reservoir’s Student Services team leader, sent out a message to the school community. Within the email, she explained how she would be parting ways with Reservoir to take on a new position as the College and Career Resource Counselor for Howard County Public Schools. 

Since her departure, ten-year middle and high school counselor Katie Rusu has become a long-term substitute counselor. Ms. Lindsay Beil, the counselor for last names Mc through Pav, has assumed Ms. Altshuler’s old position as the new team leader. This reporter had the pleasure of sitting down with Mrs. Altshuler before she left to recount her time at Reservoir while also getting some final words, advice, and wisdom. As we enter into 2023 and begin making goals for the year, here are four pieces of advice from Ms. Altshuler to help students through this transition. 

“I love Reservoir so much. You look around, and there are many different types of people. Everyone is their person, and this makes Reservoir special. You have students from different backgrounds and countries who speak different languages, goals, and personalities.” 

During the 12 years that Ms. Altshuler worked at Reservoir, one thing was always consistent: Reservoir has a collection of unique diver students. While setting goals for 2023, staying genuine and honest is crucial. Work to improve every aspect for 2023, but keep sight of who you are and change the best parts of yourself in the name of the “New year and the new ME.” 

“Watching a student go from ninth grade, especially ones that struggle and have not hit their stride or matured, to senior year is one of my favorite things. To watch them walk across the stage at graduation is rewarding.”

Many of us have turned to Ms. Altshuler for help in our personal and academic times of need. She has witnessed many of us struggle and grow. This new year do not dwell on shortcomings and failures. Accept failure as it comes, even if other people are there to witness the failures. Keep working so that soon those same people may also witness the successes. 

“There is not one way to find your career. Often students and families pigeonhole themselves into that idea. I intended to show people that there are unlimited ways to achieve a goal.”  

The March to the Future Calendar is likely the first thought in someone’s head when they hear “Ms. Altshuler.” Students frequently received Canvas messages from Ms. Atlshuler about opportunities for students after high school on her Google calendar from March to the Future. Ms. Atlshuler considered more than one path and encouraged students to do the same. As we begin a new year, be receptive to all possibilities without limiting yourself to one rigid path. 

“My most important advice would be that it is okay to make a mistake. It is important to try new things and take risks. In life, we are going to have many ups and downs. We are going to go forward and then move backward. Things will not necessarily be better or worse; they are just different. Whatever experience you have after high school, they are going to be different experiences that are going to have different impacts on your life.” 

2023 at Reservoir is undoubtedly going to be different without Ms. Altshuler. While we may not have her in this building, we can apply her advice as we enter the new year. Now is the year 2023 Reservoir. Let us make it one for the books, Gators!