In the world that is mered with problems, we all need that assurance that all will be well despite the ranging storm. In the times when we feel that the world is on top of us, our sense of worth seems to dwindle to the point that we feel we can never amount to anything. Likely there people who have been trained to speak to us to make us feel worthy again despite the swam of problems that we might be facing. In the bid to bring you life experiences from time tested practioneers, we caught up with Shamim Nabadda, a counsellor at Naguru Tennage Center, and this is what we asked

Who is Shamim Nabadda?

Shamim is trained and qualified Counselling psychologist. I'am a self motivated lady with five years of progressive involvement in the field of social work with young people focusing specifically on user youth friendly approach.I am an effective communicator with creative facilitation skills

What is a typical day like for you?

By 8am at work.I arrange my room and start working on the youth that come to Naguru Tennage Center in need of counselling 

Why did you choose that career path?

Am a good listener, my friends at high school used to tell me that i can make a good counselor as well as i have a the passion for young people. I also started volunteering at an early age in an NGO that deals with adolescents and this also influenced my career path.

What are your main tasks and responsibilities at work?

I am responsible for helping individuals manage their problems and live effectively by developing their unused potentials and resources 

What are your main challenges?

1. Dealing with silent clients
2. Failure to find a solution to someone's problem

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

1. Listening
2. Empathy
3. Unconditional positive regard

What's cool about your job?

Listening to people's secrets or problems.

What's not cool about your job?

Clients giving false information  / experiences

How did you get your current job?

I first volunteered while at University as data clerk and when I graduated, i was promoted to counselor

What subjects did you take in school and how have they influenced your career path (Share how they are relevant in your day to day work)?

I did HEG/Ent ie History, Economics, Geography and Entrepreneurship 

What is your Education to date?

Bachelor's degree in psychology and diploma in social work and administration

What aspects of your Education System have proven most important for your job?

I learnt good Interpersonal communication as well as an understanding personalities plus team work

What trends are you seeing in your career field ?

I am seeing counselling services to be key players in every institution/organisation.

What are the most important personal characteristics required for the job?

One has to be a good listener, patient as well as very passionate 

Which key people influenced your career direction?

A good friend of mine called Anna who inspired me to join Naguru Tennage Center and connected me to other people who have since then helped me to built a professional career in counseling 

What is your dream job?

I dream of being a Consultant in the field of psychology

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

The most rewarding moment is when i support a client through a problem and at the end they come out as victors.I was on one radio station and a parent called and extended her gratitude to me. 

As a student, how did you cope up with the pressure to succeed / excel in class?

I was very aware of myself, my capabilities so i always prioritize the things i had to do 

What advise would you give someone considering this job?

You have to be PASSIONATE .These other things like listening can follow

What outside class activities did you engage in that have proved beneficial on your career path (eg clubs, sports etc) ?

I was part of the Straight talk club while at school and it opened my mind more to appreciate the role counselors play in society

Any Concluding remarks?

Counseling is a professional and one has to be passionate about it because it involves a lot listening than talking.One to become a good counselor must have big ears and small mouth.