On Dec. 28, guidance counselor Alinna Stake had her third child, a baby boy. She went on maternity leave a few weeks prior to the birth, and is expected to return in May.

The news that a counselor would be leaving at the height of the college application season would normally have struck fear into the hearts of many seniors, but Satake, anticipating her leave, made extensive preparations so as not to leave her students in the dust.

“It was a little bit nerve-wracking at first; I don’t have a private counselor so I really rely on Ms. Satake’s advice and guidance,” senior Sasan Saadat said, who has had Satake as his counselor since his freshman year. “But for the space of time that she was present she was extremely helpful and efficient.”

Satake took extra measures to ensure that her students would be in good hands before she left, meeting with students to smooth out any issues before her leave. 

“I just want to assure all my seniors in particular that fear not, all your letters will be sent in a timely manner before I leave,” wrote Satake in an email to her senior students.

Mary Bernal, who is replacing Satake while she is on leave, says that Satake was very efficient in completing her work before she left.

“[Satake] did a whole lot to prepare for her maternity leave,” said Bernal. “For instance, she already met with every single one of her juniors to make sure they know what classes they want to take senior year.”

In addition, the other counselors were more than willing to provide help to those students who needed it.

“When it comes to the deadline information or occasional guidance I need through the process, I feel comfortable going to any of the other more than capable counselors or Mr. Safine for help,” Saadat said. “So although I miss her humor and always-charming sarcasm, her absence has been well-coped with thanks to our other awesome counselors.”