Apr 15, 2010 21:52
I was one of five students in my cohort of about 25 students who was nominated as an Outstanding Student in School Counseling. My program decided to determine the recepient of this award in a unique way this year. First, the faculty narrowed it down to five students, and then asked each of us to prepare a one page biography of our achievements at USD. Then, our cohort will vote on who they deem to be the Outstanding Student. I'm nominated with some of my closest friends from my program, so just being recognized in this small group is enough for me. Amy, Emily, Katie, and Shelley are equally amazing and impressive women, and I am so grateful to be in the same cohort as them.
Anyway, for me, for you, for the world to read, here are my accomplishments...well, as they relate to graduate school and counseling specifically (meaning, my work in Res Life is not reflected here):
Achievements in research and academic work within the program
-San Diego City Schools Action Research focused on elementary absenteeism and attendance interventions (“Be Here and Achieve”). We presented an updated poster at CASC in November.
-I also have an interest in grief counseling, which I’ve come to research and learn more about through various assignments in this program, most notably in Group Dynamics.
Achievements in service to the School Counseling specialization and the Counseling Program in general
-Within Chi Sigma, I have been our First-Year School Counseling Representative and now currently Co-President. I joined this organization to get involved in SOLES and meet new people, and it has really helped in getting to know the CMHC cohorts. I think that we’ve done a better job this year in bridging the gap between the two programs and providing opportunities for socializing and some networking.
-I became the Counseling Program Representative for SOLES Graduate Student Association (SGSA) to further support the Counseling Program and make sure we had an active, strong voice in SOLES. I’ve really enjoyed working with this student organization because it has helped me to bring awareness of other programs and events throughout campus back to our Counseling cohorts. It’s also helped me to advocate for all of us, especially in negotiating funds for SGSA grants and scheduling events so that it works with our classes.
-Given my leadership in SGSA and Chi Sigma and “Tech Queen” role, the Co-Directors made me SGSA/Chi Sigma Iota Liaison and Technology Coordinator for CS3. So, the emails I send out and helping people set up computers and presentations are now official CS3 duties too. :)
Achievements in leadership development within the cohort and/or the Counseling Program and/or the School Counseling Specialization
-My own personal leadership development has taken place primarily through my service to Chi Sigma and SGSA (see above). It’s been a very rewarding experience representing School Counseling and Counseling in general to the rest of the SOLES community.
-I was named “Tech Queen” for various events and classes over the past two years. (I’m just waiting for the tiara to make it official.)
-I have been an active mentor to three first-year school counseling students this fall.
Achievements as a part of clinical instruction, in particular your experiences in field placements
-In the fall, co-facilitated a Grief Group for an average of 7 9th-12th grade girls. I also found a speaker for a presentation about intolerance and discrimination throughout the world.
-This semester I have run two Study Skills Groups, one for 7th and one for 8th grade students. I’m reviewing pre- and post-tests to assess the effectiveness of my groups. I also developed and taught Learning Styles Lessons to approximately 100 students.
It's hard listing accomplishments like this, and being "competitive" with your best friends. But that's just like advocacy in a way, right?
Anyway, my comprehensive exam was turned in on Monday, as was my research paper. The National Counseling Exam is in 35 hours. Woo hoo. It'll be over in less that 40 hours! Even better! then I just have to do one more videotape, 3 Learning Outcomes, create and presentation a workshop on CPS Reporting for Teachers, write a Consulation Record Report, and write a few case conceptualizations. The end is near!! Just 37 days until graduation!!!!!!