Albuquerque Public Schools
Breaking Barriers: A Counselor's Role in Transforming a Student's Future
Celebrating National School Counseling Week with one Manzano High School counselor's story.
For Manzano High School College and Career Readiness Counselor Sarah Hadfield, going the extra mile for students isn’t just part of the job—it’s her calling. One of her recent success stories demonstrates the profound impact of her dedication, advocacy and belief in her students’ potential.
Last year, Hadfield encountered a new junior whose initial placement at Manzano was in basic classes. With limited data to assess his abilities, his talents might have gone unnoticed.
But Hadfield’s careful review of SAT results changed everything. When she spotted his remarkable 1420 out of 1520 score, she realized he was capable of much more. A score that high placed him in the top 1% of all test takers.
“We realized quickly that he needed more challenging classes because he was extremely talented,” Hadfield said.
The student's academic counselor, Nhu Mackara, worked tirelessly to design a rigorous senior year schedule. But in addition to his class load, the student balanced significant personal challenges. Living with a family member outside Albuquerque, he commuted to Manzano daily and he worked weekends at his uncle’s auto repair shop to support himself.
Recognizing his potential, Hadfield introduced him to the QuestBridge program, which connects high-achieving, low-income students with top colleges. The application process was daunting, requiring extensive paperwork. But Hadfield was undeterred. She worked with district administrators to address transcript issues and guided him through the process.
“When he told me he wanted to work for NASA, I knew we had to aim high,” Hadfield recalled.
The effort paid off. Against all odds, the student was named a QuestBridge finalist and earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Notre Dame.
“Sarah’s support was life-changing,” said a colleague. “She didn’t just help him apply to college—she gave him a vision for his future.”
Hadfield credits teamwork for the success.
“It was a group effort,” she said. “So many people contributed to this outcome and it’s a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together for our students.”
Next year, the student will be on his way to achieving his dreams and Hadfield will continue to be a champion for students at Manzano. Her story is a powerful testament to the difference one counselor can make.