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I am currently a graduate student in the Counseling program at 91��Ƶר�� College and am specializing in the School Counseling track. I am also an alumna of 91��Ƶר�� College, having completed a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Criminal justice with a minor in Psychology.

I am currently in my final semester and am completing an internship at , under the supervision of Ms. Kathleen Klecan. I plan to graduate in May 2020.

Currently, I serve as the Graduate Student Representative for the (MSCA) where I assist with developing the Graduate Student Seminar, planning the MSCA Conference, and promoting the organization to other graduate students in Maryland.

I was honored to be selected as the Spring 2020 "Sally Oros Graduate Counseling-Thanatology Scholarship" scholarship recipient for academic excellence, and am currently in the process of being inducted into 91��Ƶר��’s Chi Sigma Iota chapter.

Finally, I work part-time here at 91��Ƶר�� with Campus Safety as a Switchboard Operator.

I knew during my final year at 91��Ƶר�� College that I wanted to explore my psychology minor and how I could make a positive difference in the lives of children and adolescents. While my major was in law and criminal justice, I really wanted to focus on helping the next generation whether that be in the school system or via the justice system.

After speaking with my undergraduate advisor, I began to explore the role of a counselor. I liked the idea that a counselor is a support to and advocate for the individuals they interact with.

As I was beginning to explore various counseling programs, I learned that 91��Ƶר�� College had just opened both a clinical and school counseling program pathway. I knew immediately I wanted to apply to 91��Ƶר��’s program because I had previously enjoyed my time and experiences at 91��Ƶר�� during my undergraduate career. I knew that I had flourished in the small class sizes and the sense of community that 91��Ƶר�� provides.

As I continued to explore and interact with the faculty of the program, my interest in attending 91��Ƶר�� for graduate school only increased. I loved how supportive and interactive the faculty were, and how they were just as excited for me to begin this new chapter in my life as I was.

Yes! I can personally vouch that 91��Ƶר�� College does a fantastic job at connecting students with professional opportunities.

My program faculty helped with both my practicum and internship placement. 91��Ƶר�� provides opportunities for us to network by hosting multiple events within the counseling profession, like the graduate seminars for the Maryland School Counseling Association, and screening interviews for the .

I also want to give a special shout out to my professor, Atiyah Smith, Ph.D. She has done an amazing job and pushed us to develop professional identities through all types of opportunities. She has hosted speakers in class, such as Linda Diaz who helped push legislation for Senate Bill 719, also known as . She has kept us informed of scholarship and conference opportunities where we can network and continue to develop professionally.

I love the community that 91��Ƶר�� provides. One of the things that stood out to me when attending 91��Ƶר�� College is the support I felt from both faculty and my peers in my programs.

I felt seen and heard during my time at 91��Ƶר��, and felt that I mattered in what I had to share. When I succeed both my classmates and professors are there to cheer me on and celebrate with me. The inclusion I feel is one of the biggest reasons I love 91��Ƶר�� College.

The ACA is the which is the world's largest organization representing professional counselors.

I was on their website and saw that they were accepting submissions for their Graduate Student Awards of Excellence. The purpose of these awards is to recognize and reward graduate students preparing for careers in the field of professional counseling. One of these awards is the “”. This award's purpose is to recognize graduate counseling students with exceptional insight and understanding about the school counseling profession.

This year's theme was a 500-word essay on the effectiveness of school counseling that is directly tied to student outcomes. After speaking with my internship professor, Dr. Smith, I decided to submit an essay. I hadn't planned on being chosen but decided to submit something anyway as an opportunity of building my professional identity. Around a month later I received an email stating I was awarded First Prize!

I really want to take this moment to thank my 91��Ƶר�� scholarship donor and professors in supporting and pushing me towards professional development and success.

I don’t know that I would have submitted anything without my professors encouragement and involvement in my professional development.

Inspired by Samantha’s story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn about 91��Ƶר��’s Counseling graduate programs  and scholarship by clicking .

Read about fall 2019 91��Ƶר�� College Sally Oros Counseling scholarship recipient, Rhiannon Bennett.