What year did you graduate?
2020
Undergraduate College/University
Keuka College
Undergraduate Major
Social Work
What was the best class you took as an AP student?
The best class I took was the group dynamics course as this provided a safe space to bring awareness to the importance of group counseling. This class was also most powerful as it was "brought to life" when we were able to travel for the immersion experience. This allowed us to students to use all of the skills we learned and apply them to our class group projects. This experience was amazing. I have to add that the Counseling Theory course was also very important as these theories and techniques will be used to continue practicing as a new counselor.
What was the most influential part of your experience in your program?
The most influential part of my experience was the immersion experience.
Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
I'd share that this program is wonderful, especially in that there are real testimonies about specialties of mental health, and many staff that went on to do great work after going to this same program and graduating. I'd add that education is definitely a great move for future students, and to be mindful of all of the options including electives, majors/minors, and the path from Associate Level to Masters level. Lastly, if the Masters degree is the goal (or even a bachelors degree), networking and resources are definitely worth looking at for each semester.
What was your first job after you graduated?
Health Care Housing Specialist, Trillium Health
Do you have any advice for people interested in a similar career path?
I'd advise seeing if your internship site is hiring. I'd add that applying for counseling jobs while in the program is advised to secure a job, especially if you are interested in obtaining licensure after graduating. In my current role, I have created a proposal to add counseling to my job as they are creating a new program. I'm also applying for jobs that will take an LMHC applicant.
Counseling philosophy.
Counseling provides support and guidance through the lifespan. My research has allowed for supporting this claim through defining holistic wellness and the connection to family dynamics. My research also surrounded systems thinking. My further research and training are built around my goal to become a marriage and family therapist.
Did you get licensed?
No