Tell us about your academics and affiliations.
Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Florida ‘17
Program:
Master of Education and Education Specialist in Marriage and Family Counseling (Expected graduation ‘20)
Affiliations:
Chi Sigma Iota, Beta Chapter, University of Florida
Florida Counseling Association
Florida Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (FACES)
Florida Association of Marriage and Family Counseling (FAMFC)
What does this award mean to you?
Overall, it gave me the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized leaders in the counseling field. Attending the annual Florida Counseling Association conference equipped me with skills in topics such as responding to trauma after school shootings, gatekeeping in the counseling, sex trafficking, Bowen family therapy and so many more related to professional pursuits as a Marriage and Family Therapist. As I traveled back to the University of Florida, I began to get enthusiastic about discussing and collaborating with those in my program, enhancing their knowledge from what I absorbed at the convention. Being sponsored by the Florida Association of Counselor Education and Supervision at this event created a partnership that can impact my future and the College of Education as a whole, creating more statewide integration with this division.
How do you hope to impact society?
Although as a counselor in training I have no clue where my career will take me, I hope to simply use my personal and professional skills to the fullest and help others do the same. With my experience in professionalism, inclusion, and empathic practices, I plan to work with individuals or families in need of systemic therapeutic intervention, incorporating a holistic view of the client(s). My impact will include providing empathy, unconditional positive regard, insight and applicable coping skills for all future clients in my professional career.
What advice would you give to someone interested in coming to the UF College of Education?
If I left someone with any piece of advice, it would be to never miss an opportunity to learn more about a person in your cohort, class or program. Learn their perspective, their interests, their skills and their faults. Knowing more about your peers leads you to know more about yourself and creates a climate of collaboration and progress. Whenever you feel like you’ve mastered the art of your profession, try engaging in one interaction where you are the primary listener. You will take something away from it that you were not aware of before, developing you as an individual.
