Master of Arts in Counseling Student
What inspired you to pursue your graduate degree?
I have always found a strong sense of purpose in listening, offering support, and helping people to feel heard and understood. I am absolutely inspired by the opportunity to make tangible change in the lives of others, and being a guide in that process is incredibly meaningful to me. Pursuing a graduate degree in counseling has provided the foundation in developing the skills and knowledge needed to make this calling a career.
How has your perspective in your field evolved during your time in this program?
Early on in my education, I viewed counseling mainly as a process of applying techniques to help solve problems. However, through coursework, supervision, and practical experiences, I have come to understand that effective counseling is less about “fixing” the problem and more about fostering a collaborative, empathetic relationship that empowers clients to find their own meaning and direction.
What has been the most meaningful or impactful project you’ve worked on?
One of the most meaningful and impactful experiences I had during this program was my clinical practicum/internship experience, where I had the opportunity to work directly with clients in a supervised counseling setting. This experience allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice and truly understand both the responsibilities and rewards of being a counselor.
How did you balance graduate studies with your personal or professional responsibilities?
In an effort to balance graduate studies with my personal and professional responsibilities, I became very disciplined about setting boundaries. I began to dedicate specific hours to coursework, work responsibilities, and personal time. I made sure to be very intentional about these responsibilities, rarely overlapping, and having those boundaries in place allowed me to stay focused and be fully present in each area of my life. At the same time, I learned the importance of being flexible and adjusting when unexpected things came up.
What challenge during your program pushed you to grow the most?
One of the most significant challenges I faced during my program was the unexpected loss of my father during my second semester of graduate school. Experiencing such a profound personal loss while continuing the demands of full-time graduate school and full-time work was incredibly difficult, and it tested me both emotionally, professionally, and academically. Ultimately, though, experiencing such heavy grief has deepened my empathy and understanding of what clients may carry beneath the surface throughout their everyday lives. It has shaped not only my personal growth but also the kind of counselor I aspire to be, someone who leads with empathy, authenticity, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story.
How have your relationships with faculty or mentors shaped your experience?
The relationships I have with all the faculty of the MAC program are something I am incredibly grateful for. Through their support, I have been challenged to think more critically, reflect more deeply, and approach my work with greater intentionality. Beyond academics, these relationships also provided encouragement during more difficult moments in the program.
What advice would you give to someone considering this graduate program?
My advice to someone considering this graduate program would be to come in with an open mind and a willingness to grow, not just academically, but personally. This program will challenge you to reflect on your own experiences, beliefs, and biases, and that self-awareness is a crucial part of becoming a worthwhile counselor.
What does earning this degree mean to you at this stage in your life?
Earning this degree at this stage in my life represents both a personal and professional milestone that carries deep meaning. It reflects not only the time and effort I have invested in my education, but also the resilience it took to persevere through challenges along the way. My master's degree in counseling represents both an end and a beginning for me. It is the end of a long journey of education and hard work, but the beginning of lifelong learning and a purposeful and fulfilling career.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, my plan is to work as a counselor in Bucyrus, Ohio, where I can continue to contribute to meeting the community’s need for accessible and quality mental health support.