Graduate Shares Insight On Education's Challenges And Rewards
Stephanie Wright recently earned a master's degree in counseling psychology from Texas Woman's University. She shares her insight on earning a master's degree.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"I decided to pursue a master's degree in order to become a counselor. This had been a long-term goal of mine since I was 14 years old after taking my first psychology class, and listening to our teacher explain how therapy had changed the lives of many of the high school students she treated. One-on-one interaction has always been important to me and using that interaction to facilitate growth has always been fascinating."
What would you tell someone considering pursuing a master's degree?
"I would tell these individuals to seriously consider their options in regards to different schools, and to also research what kind of population you would want to work with, as it could influence your choice in school. Speaking from my graduate experience, I love that my program included a psychology of women course, as well as a course studying violence, trauma, and abuse. I would also encourage these individuals to make sure they have a strong support system, as well as a healthy amount of self-care, because graduate school can be incredibly stressful."
What was your biggest challenge you faced while pursuing your master's degree?
"I would say that one of my biggest challenges was learning how to balance schoolwork, practicum experiences, personal life, and self-care. That balance was not immediate for me, and it is still something that I have to actively work to achieve."
What was your biggest reward?
"My biggest reward was definitely using my education to facilitate personal growth in the lives of people who need new or better tools to be the best version of themselves. I was given an amazing opportunity to work with victims of crime and domestic violence, and those are valuable experiences that have shaped who I am as a person, and as a future mental health professional."
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
