Meet Ms. Beck: Helping Students Find Their Next Step 

For Ms. Beck, becoming a high school counselor was not a lifelong plan. In fact, when she graduated from high school, she had little idea what she wanted to do next – and even less guidance about how to get there. 

That experience ultimately became one of the reasons she chose a career helping students plan their own futures. Today, as a high school counselor at Carolus Online Academy, Ms. Beck draws on more than a decade of experience in education to help students understand their options, discover what is possible and feel confident about what comes next. 

From a Library to a Career in Counseling 

A lifelong love of reading and learning initially led Ms. Beck to work in the public library system after college. But as she helped people with resumes, career questions and navigating their next steps, she discovered something she truly enjoyed: talking with people about their futures. 

Her own experience also stayed with her. 

As a strong student, Ms. Beck had been accepted to several colleges but did not receive much guidance about scholarships, financial aid or the college process. She remembers feeling like she was trying to figure everything out on her own. 

“I don’t want anybody to feel that way again,” became an important motivation for her. 

After working as a middle school counselor, Ms. Beck eventually moved into a high school counseling position, where she could focus more directly on college and career planning. 

Discovering the Possibilities of Virtual Education 

Ms. Beck’s transition to virtual education came at an important time in her life. After the birth of her first child, she knew returning to a traditional high school environment would be difficult for her growing family. 

In 2015, she joined North Carolina Virtual Academy. The experience showed her just how powerful virtual education could be for both students and educators. 

Since then, she has continued her work in virtual education, eventually joining Carolus Online Academy when the school’s high school program was opening. 

Meeting Students Where They Are 

Today, Ms. Beck works with more than 300 high school students, helping them navigate everything from course scheduling and graduation requirements to college, careers, trade schools, military service and other paths after high school. 

But counseling is about much more than checking boxes. 

Students come to Carolus Online Academy for many different reasons. Some are balancing school with athletics, work or dual enrollment. Others may be managing health concerns, experiencing bullying or looking for an environment that better supports their academic and personal needs. 

That means getting to know each student and family is an important part of Ms. Beck’s work. 

“I love getting to know them,” she says. “And I really get to do that more doing it this way.” 

A Counselor Who Loves Helping Students Look Ahead 

For Ms. Beck, one of the most rewarding parts of working at Carolus Online Academy is helping students see the possibilities ahead of them. 

She fully believes that students deserve someone who will listen, answer their questions and help them make informed decisions about their futures. 

And when she is not helping students plan their next steps, Ms. Beck enjoys planning adventures of her own. She and her family have visited 23 states as they work toward their goal of seeing all 50. She is also an avid reader, reading at least 50 books a year, and enjoys spending time with her family, pets and being outdoors. 

Whether she is helping a student choose a class, explore a career or simply navigate a challenging moment, Ms. Beck brings the same thing to every conversation: a genuine desire to help students find a path that is right for them. 

Is Online Learning Right for You? 

At Carolus Online Academy (COA), students experience a tuition-free online education designed for their individual learning needs. Serving K-12th grade students in South Carolina, COA offers a college and career-focused curriculum, passionate teachers, and a variety of social and extracurricular opportunities. Since its founding in 2023, COA has empowered students through flexible learning and personalized support. As a K12-powered school, COA benefits from 25 years of leadership in online education through K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand. Learn more at coa.k12.com.

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