Alumni Spotlight: Elizabeth “Izzy” Brubeck

Elizabeth “Izzy” Brubeck is a 2013 graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where five months ago she was hired as a school counselor. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, and she just completed a master’s degree in School Counseling. She has come full circle, from EKU home to Dunbar.

Question: What is your fondest memory of your time at Dunbar?

Answer: My fondest memory would be all the events going on during my senior year. My favorites were Spirit Nights at basketball games and filling up the “Dog Pound,” senior dinner dance, spring break with my girls, and prom.

Q: What person, class, or experience at Dunbar influenced you the most?

A: The class that gave me the best experience at Dunbar would be EBCE and the opportunities it allowed me to have. Shadowing different careers and gaining mentors along the way helped shape me to be the counselor that I am today.

Q: How did your education at Dunbar help prepare you for what you did in college and are doing today in your work?

A: AP and dual credit classes helped give me an idea of how a college course runs, how to take notes, and how to study for tests. Also, being able to shadow a school counselor my senior year through EBCE helped shed light on the path I wanted to go down for my career choice.

Q: What is a professional highlight of your career?

 A: I have been able to experience a full-circle moment. In January, I was hired on full time at Dunbar as a school counselor. My former teachers are now my co-workers, which has been so fun to reconnect. This year has brought a lot of nostalgia, connecting with each of my students and getting my seniors ready for college has been the biggest highlight of my career so far.

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

A: For students interested in the counseling field or mental health in general, I would recommend that they find themselves first. Make sure you are in a good spot yourself so that you can help others to your fullest. Most importantly, self-care. Do things that make you happy and benefit your life. This field isn’t always easy, but it is 100% worth it.

Q: What is an important life lesson to share with current students and future graduates?

A: My biggest life lesson is to not wish time away. High school can be some of the greatest years of your life. I was able to meet some of my very best friends, who I still see to this day. Take in every moment and event that high school presents to you because once you graduate, time really does fly.