Personal Narrative: My Experience As An Admissions Counselor

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science & Policy Minor in Management in May 2016. During my four years at Clark, I’ve gained in depth knowledge of racial, environmental, and social justice issues in and outside of the classroom.

Louisiana Tech University gave me experience working with many different types of people. I have an excellent track record of service to students and faculty. I diligently handle confidential student information and serve individuals ranging

In 2013, I graduated from Mount Olive College with a Bachelor of Science is Clinical Psychology. As an undergraduate I did my internship with the state of North Carolina – Vocational Rehabilitation at WorkSource East in Goldsboro, NC. I am currently in a counseling training program at East Carolina University where I am working on obtaining my Master’s in Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling.

Outside of school with the connection of Crispus Attucks I have obtained experiences by participating in variety of programs such as: Center of Leadership Development, TeenWorks, and an internship with the Domestic Violence Network. Additionally I have a big sister from the program Big Brothers Big Sisters who works in the business field. My involvement in all the programs has influenced me to select a career in the business field such as International Marketing.

I tried not to be irritated with Ronnie she had made numerous appointments and had broken them all. I don't think it was because she didn't value my time. It was possible she just didn't regard time at all. I greeted her in the front lobby of the Arvada School of Massage Therapy. She seemed mixed with emotions; like she had a lot on her mind. I took her into my office, and as I pulled out the enrollment paperwork, I looked up, and as Andrea passed by her old office which I now occupied, she smiled at me. I smiled back.

It was by accident that I became a student services professional. My undergraduate experiences started in the College of Business and ended in Family and Child Studies. After some self-evaluation and events out of my control, I decided Business was no longer what I wanted to do. The very moment that changed it all for me was shortly after my mother became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and I finally met one of the families she was advocating for. There was an instant connection with one of the teenage daughters. Things clicked for me once I realized she was looking up to me as a role model. I was always drawn to experiences that were holistically oriented so I spoke with my advisor to see what other avenues I could take. At that time, I was introduced to Family and Child Studies which led me to venture into a Bachelors of Science in Marriage and Family.

My College and Career goals include graduating college and getting a job. I wish to attend the University of Alabama. I plan to major in occupational therapy or speech therapy. After I graduate with my bachelor's degree I wish to get my master's degree. After I finish my schooling I want to receive a job that allows me to provide for my family. I wish to receive this job in my degree's field. After receiving this job I wish to improve to reach a leadership role.

My name is Kalaya Staples, and I am a Senior student here at The Fort Valley State University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree. I am an Augusta, Georgia native. My current position is SGA Business Manager. In addition, my campus involvement includes; Student Government Association, Student Ambassadors, Peer Educator, Campus Activity Board and Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Science. Incoming Freshmen

I have had many jobs that could be labeled as both an occupation and a profession. Profession is defined as a job with prolonged training that allows continuous use of cognitive knowledge, there after bringing significant service to the overall community. The profession I chose was a financial aid counselor, because I was employed in that capacity for 10 years. I have always seen it as a profession, but after reviewing the definition of profession I am unsure. We will review the duties of a financial aid counselor, the different components of profession and how it impacts it, and the role it plays in the hierarchy of needs in order to understand was this a profession or just an occupation.

My degrees from the University of Tennessee (BS, MS) and Lincoln Memorial University (Ed.S) have led to various professional opportunities. In addition to teaching English at the middle and high school levels, I worked for the Gibson County Department of Human Services (child abuse and neglect/monitored federal programs for compliance). After going through a divorce, I needed a change in location. I moved to Fort Lauderdale and took a position as a contract procurer for Goodwill Industries of Broward County and as a travel reservationist for Eastern Airlines at the Miami airport. When the airline folded, I returned to teaching English in a Fort Lauderdale high school.

In 2010, I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree from University of Phoenix. I began the journey towards my Masters degree in Counseling in

I live in Chesapeake, Virginia (Eastern Time Zone) and I am a retired federal employee. In my previous career, I worked in logistics and finance. After retirement, I decided to pursue my passion for helping others. I did a lot of volunteer work for non-profit organizations and found there was a real need for people with business and financial experience. So, I used my skills to help a lot of disadvantaged people. This resulted in me seeking additional education to become an Executive Director of a non-profit organization. I am pursuing a degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management.

Before my experience in my College Readiness Program, I pictured going into college a completely different way. I now feel prepared and excited to move into a dorm and be a responsible young adult.

After graduating from Luther College, I spent a year interning in the study abroad and international admissions office and concurrently had my first experience in Residence Life as a small hall manager. After that, I landed my first full-time position in Residence Life at Luther and I am definitely enjoying the experience. I am considering graduate study in the near future, looking at higher education as a potential area of study. I am hoping that presenting and attending the UMR-ACUHO conference will give me some direction or topics to start thinking about further.

Do you believe that your role as a therapist will end at the end of the day or will it be present in your personal life also?