People with Purpose: Jessica Lane

No one can pour from an empty cup; counselors included.

Jessica Lane, associate professor of counseling in the Department of Special Education, Counseling and Affairs, knows that work begins long before a counselor meets their first client.

Through empowering students to see the good in themselves, Lane is ultimately helping them learn how to do the same for others — finding her purpose in creating a ripple effect of support that extends far beyond the classroom.

Q: What drives you to support students?

Lane: I genuinely care about my students and their academic, personal and professional success. I want students to know that during moments when they are doubting themselves, trying something new or navigating something difficult, that I am in their corner. We've all been there, and I know how meaningful it can be to have someone listen, encourage or help you see something in yourself you may not see.

As a counselor educator, I see my role as one of support, helping students become the kind of counselors and professionals they want to be. Sometimes that means mentoring and encouraging them; sometimes it means challenging them or modeling what it means to be a reflective, supportive professional.

I think what makes my role especially meaningful is the ripple effect. When I support a student, I know I am ultimately influencing the students and clients that they will go on to serve. Being part of that process is incredibly rewarding and is what motivates me to invest so much in my students.

Q: Besides a degree, what's one thing every K-State student should take away from their time on campus?

Lane: I hope every student leaves K-State with a sense of connection to a professional community. The relationships students build with faculty, peers and alumni often extend beyond their time on campus. Graduates often reach back out to connect with current students, receive consultation in challenging situations, recommend K-State graduates for positions, or open doors within their schools and agencies. To me, a lasting sense of connection is one of the most meaningful parts of a K-State education.

Q: What motivates you on challenging days?

Lane: For several years, I've had three words on my computer: Students, people and relationships. These are my North Stars, especially on challenging days. Supporting students and their growth, hearing and supporting the unique lived experiences of others, and developing positive experiences and relationships with those that I have the privilege of working with keep me motivated. When things get challenging, or I need to recenter, I come back to those three words and remind myself what matters to me.

Q: What moment has made you proud to be a part of K-State?

Lane: The moments that make me especially proud are when I go into schools and see highly prepared counselors and teachers who are in, or have come through, the College of Education. I know many of these individuals; they've been in my classroom, and I've watched them grow in their skills, confidence and care for students. Seeing them use what they've learned to support and positively impact others is incredibly rewarding.

I feel the same sense of pride when I see our doctoral students enter their professions and begin influencing the next generation of counselors. Knowing that the work we do with students continues beyond our classroom and can ultimately influence the counseling profession is one of the things that makes me most proud to be a counselor educator at K‑State.

 

Q: What advice would you give to students interested in your field?

Lane: Counseling is a very rewarding, but also demanding, profession. There is still stigma and misunderstanding around mental health, well-being and the work counselors do, but that makes the work even more meaningful. We need counselors who care about the well-being and success of others. For those considering this field, I would encourage you to be curious, open to learning and feedback, and hold a genuine interest in understanding and supporting others. If that is something that matters to you, I think you can find a great deal of purpose in this profession.

Shine a light on excellence

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