What year will you be finishing your program?
I will be finished with my program Spring of 2020.
How has the program impacted you?
The program has greatly impacted my life in several positive ways but I will only share the most significant changes in my life. First, the program has ignited my ability to use my voice, role and identity to be an advocate for marginalized groups. The program has enhanced my ability to really actively listen to individuals, not just in counseling sessions, but with everyone. I can clear my mind from outside interferences and really just be with my family without worrying about a to-do list or what's going on next; a skill I did not possess before entering this program. Lastly, the program has opened my eyes to the ins and outs of the educational system in the United States as well as how a school psychologist can impact the system is positive ways.
What do you plan to do when you graduate?
When I graduate I intend to get a job as a school psychologist in a local school district. I hope to use this role to advocate for students, consult with teachers and appropriately follow the law outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Act, 2004.
What do you want people to know about Saint Mary's and the program you are in?
I want people to know that St. Mary’s truly does prepare us as professionals to enter our roles right after completing the program. The Counseling Department supports, listens and advocates for it’s students. The environment allows an individual to make mistakes and then learn from those mistakes. It’s a learning community that values the process.
How did the scholarship assist you in accomplishing your goals?
Receiving the scholarship allowed me purchase textbooks so I could access the material taught in class. Also, it allowed me to get to school by ensuring I was able to pay for the additional gas to get to school. It’s a 45-minute commute from my home.
Why do you feel people should give to our scholarship funds?
People should give to our scholarship fund because there are individuals, like myself, who want to be successful while pursuing higher education. There are financial barriers stopping that from happening. The cost of tuition is going up and the federal government has a loan cap per semester. Scholarship opportunities allow students to obtain funds for school without having to take out additional government or private loans.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
If I had a superpower it would be mind control. I would want to use it to shift the mind of those who still hold bias about groups of individuals. I want to use the superpower to truly change the views of individuals so we can all be equal and have equal opportunity to be successful.