 1. What are you doing now?
I am a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state of Tennessee. Our goal is to help people with disabilities prepare for employment which can lead to meaningful and satisfying careers. My future goal is to enter a Master’s Degree Program in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of TN Knoxville in the fall of 2011. This degree will help me better serve the people of Tennessee.
2. How did UTM’s Psy Prog help achieve what you have become?
I had so many great psychology professors at UTM and each brought his or her own unique outlook and teaching method with them. I am grateful that I was able to take a wide range of psychology courses that allowed me to experience all different areas of our discipline, everything from psychology of women to abnormal psychology to physiological psychology.
However, it was the ABA class that opened doors specifically for me. It helped me to channel my interest in the field of psychology into a career. I would have never known how rewarding the field of psychology was without signing up for that class.
I was then able to gain valuable experience working at the local Children’s Treatment Center, an ABA clinic that deals with children with autism. I was employed there for 3 years after graduating. In addition, volunteering for many different programs allowed me to find my niche.
3. What advice would you give students who are interested in becoming UTM psychology majors?
Volunteer for as many things as you can! Don't only be a part of things that interest you, but also things that you aren't sure about. You might be surprised what you find out about yourself when you take a chance. Volunteering will allow you to find your niche in the field of psychology and hopefully a successful career. |
