MY INFLUENCES

I have had numerous influences in life that have influenced my career path in mental health. One thing I would like to mention is that I have experienced and lived through situations that have geared me toward the mental health field.  These experiences have prepared me for the field more so than specific "individuals" did throughout my life. 

The first person I would like to acknowledge is my grandmother.  Unfortunately, she recently passed away in 2014, at the beginning of my time here at Liberty. Sadly,her death has been one of the hardest things for me to deal with and has shed some light on what population I would like to work with in the future.  My grandmother was my second mother.  She saved me literally from going into foster care after my mother died from cancer.  I ended up living with her and she put me back in school where I belonged.  Before my mother died I was homeschooled because she was so sick and I needed to be at home with my family.  My grandmother believed in me and she saw my full potential.  She was so proud of me and came to every sports event and she acknowledged every accomplishment I ever achieved.  After my mother died I was broken and hurting and my grandmother put me in counseling.  At first, I hated every minute of it.  But down the road counseling helped me see the light of day in cloudy storm. After high school she made me apply to college and I told her that I wanted to help people.  I then majored in psychology and graduated and applied for grad school.  She believed in me so much that she sacrificed everything for me to go to Liberty to pursue my degree. I know she would be proud of me for getting this far.  She has influenced me to work with the elderly population and adolescents.  She always told me, " everyone always needs someone neutral to talk to". 

The second person I want to mention is my best friend Kim.  I have known her for more than 10 years and we talk to each other every day.  She has been there alongside of me through all my major life events.  She has seen me at my lowest moment and has done everything in her power to lift me up. God works through her to show me the way. I am beyond blessed to have her in my life. Kim has been my cheerleader since day one and she has pushed me to continue to get my degree even when I swore up and down that I wanted to quit.  She knows how big a heart I have and has always told me that I am extremely empathetic.  She also says that I am one of the most intelligent people she has ever met.  She really tries to keep me on track with school and my career so that I don't loose sight of my goals.  When my grandma passed away she was right by my side crying and holding my hand.  She loves me and she believes in me and what I can do. She told me just last week that she would do what ever it takes for me to not give up and keep on trying.  I can't thank God enough for putting her in my life.  I know that I could call her at any time of night and she would do whatever it takes to encourage me and support me.  She has imprinted herself on me for life. I began to notice that she imprinted on me when she told me that my life experiences allow me to bring more than a book knowledge to the counseling session.  I am able to relate to others in special ways and I can use my experiences to guide me through the counseling process.  I know that where ever I end up in life she will always be there cheering me on.

The final person I want to mention is my dad.  My father is so dysfunctional it is not even funny.  I love him to death but he is the main reason I want to be a therapist.  I am almost positive that my dad has severe anxiety and other problems.  Sadly, my father does not believe in counseling.  He has told me that it is a waste of time.  I have heard him say these things my entire life and with all his issues,he has neglected to seek mental assistance.  I watched my father take a downward spiral into his own imagination and it has caused him to have some pretty unpleasant issues throughout his life.  I was able to witness what happens to someone who does NOT seek counseling or psychiatric services.  I always hoped he would get help and I know that I have the faith that God will guide him in the right direction. My fathers weakness has showed me that counseling can help and if one does not seek help, your emotions can destroy you entirely.  I hope that I can one day help someone who has gotten to a bad place.  I want to help people see the light and realize their importance and how the Lord works through them everyday. This is why I want to be a counselor.