In a world where students face more pressure than ever to figure out their future, their present, and to sometimes reconcile their past, Jason Johnson stands as a beacon of guidance at Macomb High School. But Jason’s journey to becoming a school counselor isn’t the straightforward path one might expect. Before he was helping students navigate the complexities of high school and beyond, he was navigating something else entirely: maps.

Yes, you read that right. Jason Johnson started his professional career as a GIS specialist, spending his days behind a computer, mapping the world one click at a time. But while the maps he created helped people find their way geographically, Jason yearned to help people find their way in life. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” he says, reflecting on his transition from the private sector to education. And so, when Illinois changed the requirements, no longer mandating a teaching background for school counselors, Jason seized the opportunity to pivot to a career that better aligned with his passions.

After earning his master’s degree in school counseling from Northern Illinois University, Jason returned to his roots—literally. Though he wasn’t born in Macomb, his family hails from the area, making his move to the small town both a homecoming and a new beginning. Now in his 13th year as a counselor, with seven of those years spent at Macomb High School, Jason has become an indispensable part of the school community.

Jason’s work is multifaceted, reflecting the diverse needs of the 600+ students he serves. Whether it’s helping students with course selection, navigating the college admissions maze, or providing a listening ear for those grappling with personal challenges, Jason wears many hats. And he does so with a deep sense of purpose. “The role of the high school counselor is to help people—all educational stakeholders—whether it’s students, parents, guardians, teachers, faculty, or administrators,” he explains. In a world where everything seems to fall into a specific category, Jason is the go-to for everything that doesn’t.

But don’t let his serious demeanor fool you—Jason has a keen sense of humor and a knack for connecting with students on a personal level. He understands the pressures they face, particularly in the age of social media, where every post can feel like a judgment on their worth. “There’s a lot of pressure on students to try to make decisions about their future more than there was when we were growing up,” he notes, acknowledging that today’s students are often expected to have a plan before they even graduate high school.

Yet, even with these added pressures, Jason ensures that students understand that high school isn’t the endgame— it’s just the beginning. “The end game isn’t getting the high school diploma,” he emphasizes. “It’s setting yourself up for success after high school.” This philosophy drives everything he does, from individual counseling sessions to his work on the school’s counseling website, which he proudly describes as a “third counselor” for students, offering a wealth of resources at their fingertips.

Of course, being a school counselor isn’t without its challenges. With his colleague on maternity leave, Jason currently handles the caseload for students with last names beginning with L through Z, while a substitute steps in for the A through K students. Balancing the needs of over 300 students is no small feat, but Jason takes it in stride, relying on technology like the Xello software program to help students explore career options and college choices. “It’s like trying to drink from a fire hose,” he says, describing the overwhelming amount of information available online and the importance of tools like Xello in making that information manageable.

Jason’s dedication to his students is mirrored in his own family life. A father of two, he’s navigating the high school experience from both sides—his daughter is a senior with aspirations of studying architecture, and his son, an eighth-grader, dreams of becoming a herpetologist. “He loves to go out there and catch snakes and frogs and everything else we can find,” Jason says with a chuckle, proud of the unique interests his children have developed.

As Jason reflects on what makes Macomb special, he points to the community’s unwavering support for its schools. “Everyone is looking to support each other,” he says, noting that this sense of community is the secret sauce that makes Macomb a great place to live and work. But he also sees room for growth, particularly in engaging more community members who might not be aware of all the good work happening at the high school. Whether it’s retired professionals offering their expertise or volunteers stepping in to help with programs, Jason believes that with a bit of magic (and maybe a magic wand), Macomb could reach even greater heights.

In the meantime, Jason continues to be the steady hand guiding students through the often turbulent waters of high school. He’s a counselor, a mentor, and in many ways, a mapmaker of a different sort—helping students chart their course not just through high school, but for the rest of their lives. And as Macomb’s students find their way, it’s clear that with Jason Johnson in their corner, compass-in-hand, they’re on a solid course.