Since I was very young, I have known about the fascinating field of counseling. My mom was a counselor. She loved working with her clients and helping them heal, find courage and sometimes peace. She worked with couples and families. Her passion and enthusiasm for her career showed on her face when she talked about her practice. Although she never divulged specifics about her clients, she would share that she had a great day and that it was a honor to work with so many unique individuals, no client or day was ever alike.
I was twelve years old when my mom died from cancer. I was devastated. I grieved and found solace in my family and my own counselor in high school.
Experiencing grief at such a young age, taught me a lot of things, such as life is short and precious so it is important to make every moment count. Over time the pain began to decrease and I began to live again thanks to help of friends, family, and my love for soccer.
I knew early on that I wanted to make a difference. When I was younger I never felt like I fit in so I went out of my way to help make sure that other kids did not feel the same way. In high school I started a support group with my friend for fellow high schoolers who had disabilities. I was diagnosed with a mild form of Cerebral Palsy that affects my right arm and leg. I struggled but had a sincere desire to become independent.
I am confident that my experiences have allowed me to develop many important characteristic traits such as adaptability, determination, perseverance, and self-efficacy.
My experiences with cerebral palsy have given me a deeper understanding of myself and I believe that I can relate well to people who have gone through similar mental and physical challenges.
I can honestly say from experience that I am a better person because of the obstacles that I have had to face. I get it.
At Clemson, I pursued a degree in Psychology with a minor in Recreational Therapy. It is my dream to become a counselor and make a difference in the lives of others. Throughout college I volunteered for Clemsonlife for the students who have intellectul disabilities and worked at Camp Burnt Gin in the summers for children and young adults with all types of disabilities.
After graduating from Clemson, I became a Registered Behavioral Technician. I worked directly with kids with autism to help improve their social skills and behavioral issues. My training prepared me with the skills to teach the students techniques to reduce ineffective behaviors. Working and applying my skills has been valuable. I got to see the children prosper and although its not easy, I loved seeing the results ( when they happen). Now I am a preschool teacher and I get to apply what I learned as a behavioral technician to the children at the pre school. Although, I am good at my position, I long for something more I want a career that is more focused on improving individuals mental health and well being.
