From helping students pick their classes to sorting out post-high school plans, guidance counselors are an essential part of high school. This year, West will be losing one of these staff members with the retirement of Stephanie Lau. Lau has been working at Niles West since 1994. She is also a co-sponsor of National Honor Society (NHS), sponsor for Sophomore Student Cabinet and helps organize accolades.

Lau did not intend to be a counselor; she initially was a fifth-grade teacher, but after seeing the impact a counselor could have on youth, she decided to make the switch.

“I used to be a fifth-grade teacher, but the place I taught at had a curriculum where the counselors would come into the classrooms and teach lessons about friendships, bullying, and I liked the concept of addressing mental health and working with students more one-on-one,” Lau said.

Lau went back to school in 1991 for her counseling degree at Illinois State. She says that the biggest difference between teens and elementary students is that teens start to test the waters when in high school–and that’s what she’s here to help with. Lau was initially drawn to Niles West due to the diverse student body and the community’s ability to offer a wide variety of opportunities to its students. She says what she’ll miss most are the daily interactions with students and following their journey.

Counselor Happi Bills has known Lau for 25 years and has seen the dedication Lau has for her students.

“I was a math teacher, and she was a counselor.  Whenever I was concerned about a student of hers, I knew I could turn to her for help. She knows her students so well and would always do whatever she could to help,” Bills said.

Lau was a supportive colleague as well.

“When I became a counselor, she became a mentor to me.  She is as patient with me as she is with her students.  Even now, having been a counselor myself for over a decade, I call through our shared wall 10 times a day for her to come over and help me,” Bills said.

One of Lau’s students is junior Nichole De La Pena, who says that Lau has been a great help in considering post-high school plans.

“I basically knew nothing about how to pick a college and she showed me how to do some research about them, when and how to schedule a visit and more. Also, she has been really reassuring and asked me a lot of questions that helped me figure out what I wanted to do in the future,” De La Pena said.

College and Career Counselor and co-sponsor of National Honor Society, Daniel Gin, has known Lau for 21 years and reflected on Lau’s most admirable traits.

“Lau is organized and is the heart of the department. For NHS, she always makes me look good and does things behind the scenes that not many realize. Everyone in the department loves to banter with her, and we often get into friendly discussions about various topics,” Gin said.

Bills reflects on the lasting impact Lau has had on Niles West students.

“I am still learning from her and try to emulate her in her dedication to her kids.  She is there to help them through every step of their high school experience, from having a successful freshman year to making their post-high school plans.

Bills will remember Lau not only as a diligent worker, but also as a friend.

I love how curious and patient she is – qualities that make her a lifelong learner and a wonderful example to her colleagues and students alike. Not only am I lucky enough to call her a colleague and a mentor, but also a dear friend.  We have shared so many laughs.  She has been there for me through the tough times.  She is thoughtful and understanding, and incredibly generous.  I will miss her every second of every day,” Bills said.

In her free time, Lau intends to spend time with her kids, play more pickleball, visit more national parks, read and volunteer.