Eileen Taveras' journey from rigid certainty to unexpected clarity reveals how letting go of the “plan” can open the door to more meaningful, purpose-driven work.
At A Glance
Alum
Eileen Taveras
Undergraduate Program
BA in Psychology, Binghamton University (2019)
Program
MA in Bilingual School Counseling (2021)
Professional Pathway
School Counseling/Student Success
Trading Tunnel Vision for a Wider View
In the middle of a busy school day, a student musters the courage to walk into Eileen Taveras’s office. These moments are where her work begins. As a bilingual school counselor, Eileen helps students and families navigate academic systems, build confidence, and find a path forward.
Before finding her footing, Eileen navigated the world with the specific, quiet weight common to first-generation college students. Without a family blueprint to follow, she leaned into a protective "tunnel vision," a narrow focus on a singular professional destination that left little room for the unknown. This earlier path was defined by a tension between the desire to succeed and the fear of wandering off course.
A Widening View
The internal landscape shifted during the MA in School Counseling program, specifically within the high-pressure environment of the Group Dynamics course.
Tasked with leading her peers through a live session, Eileen encountered the "immersive experience" of real-time human friction. The challenging conversations that surfaced in that room were not just academic exercises; they were catalysts that forced her to abandon her script and engage with the group's unpredictable energy. This specific moment at NYU dismantled her rigid expectations, replacing a narrow career lens with a sprawling, transformative sense of purpose.
The gift of this tension served as a bridge, allowing her to weave together a professional identity that draws from her entire history rather than just a single title. By remaining deeply connected to the university’s network and the wisdom of her mentors, she transitioned into a role where she now helps others navigate their own non-linear journeys. She has traded the safety of the "tunnel" for the impact of the wide-angle view.
Give yourself the space to explore yourself and your interests while in the program. Refrain from tunnel vision and keep an open mind to paths you may not have originally considered.”
Advice for Students
For the prospective student standing where she once did, Eileen offers a reflection on the power of the open mind. She suggests that the true value of the program lies in the corners and paths you might not have originally considered. By releasing any predetermined map, you allow the Steinhardt experience to transform your perspective, ensuring that when you finally lead a room of your own, you do so with a heart as open as it is prepared.