Professor And Dallas LPC Shows Transformative Power Of Education
Trudi Swedlund, a professor of English and speech communications at Richland College, is a Licensed Professor Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Mediator. She holds master's degrees in English from Southern Methodist University and Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas.
Why did you pursue a master's counseling psychology degree?
"There was a pay incentive given by Dallas County Community College District to go beyond the current master's requirement. The money I spent in getting the degree has more than paid for itself. I wanted to have more career options like counseling and the second master's gave me that."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"Most employers aren't going to look at the grade point average. Just get the master's degree and don't worry too much about the grades. Employers will look at employees who are willing to do more than the rest, to complete something they start. No knowledge is ever wasted; anything you ever learn is of value and nobody can take it away from you. Go back and pursue a master's degree to advance your career and nourish your soul. A master's degree gives you more choices."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"Time management. I was working full-time, teaching, grading papers and taking courses. I am a perfectionist and put a lot of pressure on myself to maintain a 4.0 average. It was tough but I am a life-long learner. I still go back and take graduate courses from time to time. In a cost benefit ratio, it's definitely worth the cost."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"The people you meet. There were endless opportunities to meet some of the most interesting and ambitious in graduate school. Education is transformative. It helped me to embrace diversity and take intellectual risks that I never dreamed possible. It gave me more choices. It opened doors to travel and participation in study aboard programs. It taught me how to research which I have been able to use in grant writing."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com