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This has been an incredible year. I feel insanely lucky to be where I am today (currently on summer vacation in Taiwan). I of course would not be here without the help of my friends, family, and those who have purposely or incidentally guided me down this path. So first and foremost, thank you. Thank you for encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone and take the leap into the unknown. Over the past year I have felt fear, excitement, loneliness, pride, growth, and incredible joy. The people I have encountered have made this a priceless experience. I have met some amazing teachers in Dubai who have opened my eyes to the endless opportunities while working abroad. I have met many magical children who day in and day out were able to put a smile on my face. The diversity of both the staff and students is unlike anywhere else on the planet. We have over 70 nationalities represented at Dubai American Academy! They have taught me a great deal, not only in the professional arena, but also on a personal level. I have done things and gone places that I had never dreamt of before. Oh the places you’ll go is absolutely correct. Greece, Oman, Spain, France, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan – check, check, check. Ride a camel, dune bashing, see the tallest and second tallest buildings in the world, snowboard in an indoor ski resort, go to the World Cup, go on an African safari, wrestle with lion cubs – check, check, check. How can someone do this on a teacher’s salary? Insane!
One of my best friends in Dubai left Canada for Taiwan 11 years ago after he finished college. He wanted to travel abroad and hoped that teaching English would fund his travels. With no credential, no money, and no contract, he set out into the unknown. Like me, it was very difficult at first. Feeling homesick and a bit nervous that maybe I made a mistake in taking that leap of faith. Having to adjust to the different climate, customs, faux pas, and not knowing where to go to buy specific things can be pretty draining. However, after a few months go by, a rhythm develops. Confidence builds and suddenly I am no longer an outcast, but someone who is able to go with the flow along with everyone else. A foreign country is no longer foreign. It feels comfortable. It begins to be known as a home away from home. My friend spent ten years teaching English to children and adults in Taiwan. He fell in love with the country, the people, and the friends that surrounded him. When he knew that he needed a change, he set out for a new adventure in Dubai. He just finished his first year teaching grade 3 and now has his teaching credential and Master’s in Education. Teaching abroad is truly a gift.
When I first came to Dubai I was not quite sure I would make it. I felt young, inexperienced, osolated, and a bit naive. In completing my first year as a professional, I feel wiser, more confident, and excited for what lays ahead. Oh the place you'll go!
Scott Laskey
PPS Graduate, 2009
With handing in the last assignments, completing finals, internship
hours, and the much rehearsed presentations, a sense of relief and great
exhaustion takes over my entire self. The reality of officially obtaining
graduate status from the Masters Program in Counseling, here at SSU,
quickly sinks in. My original plan of attack was to get an internship
within a district in which I could later see myself working, and in the
end, this had worked to my advantage. To my relief, upon graduation I
could relax throughout the entire summer, knowing that I had a job in
place for the upcoming school year of '07-'08.
While working at Sonoma
Valley High, I have come to realize how my internship experiences have
guided me in successfully transitioning into my role as a High School
Counselor, with much confidence and vision for the direction in which
I wish to tread. In attempting to follow the ASCA model, while aligning
myself with the overall school mission, I find myself with much energy,
and enthusiasm, which my colleagues, administrators, parents, and students
alike thrive.
I truly know that I have a gift to offer, the gift of
a mentor, a knowledgeable resource, and a heart of gold. I sincerely
care about each and every
one of my students, and in them I see characteristics that exemplify
vulnerability yet strength; uncertainty yet underlying goals, which
for many have yet to be discovered; lost, yet many will eventually
find themselves, within the larger population; a will, hope and vision
of their individual future endeavors. I am so grateful, and honored
to be a part of their lives, to witness such transitions, and to
be able to guide my students toward their individual successes. Going
to work, each and every day, is a delight as I know that I have the
potential, and opportunity to aid in such changes. I have arrived!
Manisha Hall
PPS Graduate, 2007
The Masters in Counseling Program at Sonoma State University has provided me with multiple employment opportunities. Through this program, I gained a firm base of knowledge to build upon. I created a working portfolio, which helped me secure a position at a local high school. I also developed the skills necessary to adapt to the complex environment of a school setting. I appreciated the opportunity to network and collaborate with others in the field. My current success is greatly due to the experiences I had in graduate school.
Matt Eustice
PPS Graduate, 2007
I always enjoyed being a grad student in the Counseling Department, but I didn't realize how much the program meant to me until I hear myself boasting about "my counseling program" and why it was/is so great. Maybe I am biased, but I do feel it was a perfect fit for me. I think with the supporting faculty and the coolest fellow grad students around, I was able to create a nice little bubble to survive some of the difficult grad school moments. I had to compartmentalize my life to survive my crazy schedule, and this little bubble turned out to be my refuge in many ways.
Because I had already had an educational background, I thought to apply for the PPS degree, but I decided to apply for the MFT program. I thought the MFT would provide more job opportunities, and if not, maybe it would serve as some form of personal therapy (there is something therapeutic about this experience, in some odd way). I eventually graduated and did find many new encouraging job opportunities, however they all believed in a ridiculous work schedule. I needed to return to the educational work force and enjoy a saner, European work style (aka summer vacation). Most American institutions have this crazy idea of two weeks vacation or maybe three if you have some seniority, so I began remembering why I initially wanted a PPS degree. Perhaps I am of an odd species who really enjoyed my previous high school teaching experience, so my new plan was to be a high school counselor. Some schools want the official PPS, but a MFT-oriented degree may suffice for some school settings, and some experience always helps. I found the job I was looking for, and I am happy to say that I am still very pleased with all the decisions I have made thus far.
Point of story, I felt very prepared for the job market with our curriculum and internship experiences, and I have a job that utilizes the knowledge I attained and the experiences I was witness to. If I could do it commuting from the east bay to SSU, pregnant and eventually parenting three kids, and working part time, you can too. Sometimes (ok, many times) I felt as though I was flailing about, but it must've worked, because I think I made it to where I was hoping to land. Suerte con todo!
Darci Kosmal
MFT Graduate, 2006
Prior to beginning my studies in the Masters in Counseling program at
Sonoma State University, I was working in a social work-related
capacity with high-risk youth in a wilderness setting. Here I learned
that if I was going to be effective in my work then I would require
the clinical skills necessary to address the special needs of
populations similar to this. My two-year experience in the Masters in
Counseling at Sonoma State provided me with the clinical training that
I needed to continue my work as a therapist in the healing profession.
Sonoma State's program is unique with its small class size,
its
dedicated faculty, and its holistic approach to treating the whole
person. The cohort of students that shared in my training experience,
coupled with my professors challenged me to develop both personally
and professionally. One of the program's many gifts is its community.The
program's milieu provided a safe and supportive environment where I developed
as a therapist. The friendships I made with my fellow
peers and now colleagues, continue to fuel me as I work in the
community.
Since graduating in 2006 I have gained a position working
for Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco within their Chemical
Dependency Recovery Program. Here I work with a high level of acuteness
and often with dually diagnosed individuals. I call upon my skills
gained at Sonoma State daily, providing crisis counseling, individual
and
group therapy to chemically dependent individuals. While working as a
professional in this field I continue to meet others who have also
attended the Masters in Counseling program at Sonoma State University.
I am often am struck by the unique demeanor of a fellow graduate. The
therapists that this program helps develop and individuals that it
attracts are compassionate, hold a holistic approach to their work, and
are dedicated to the healing profession. I am grateful for the
learning experience that I had while in the program and would
recommend it to anyone interested in this rewarding field.
Dylan Ross
MFT Graduate, 2006
My original career goals as a student in the Masters in Counseling (Marriage and Family Therapy program) were to become a licenced MFT and private practitioner after graduation in 2004. However, as I continued to take classes and talk with my professors in the Counseling Department, I discovered a strong interest in the integration of academic theory and research into practice and intervention. Relatively quickly, my goals expanded beyond practitioner training to include doctoral study and hopefully a university-based academic and counseling career. With superior mentorship and guidance from the faculty at SSU, I applied to doctoral programs. I am about to enter my fourth year in the Counseling Psychology doctoral program at the University of Oregon. In this time, I have completed several additional years of practicum training; fulfilled additional course requirements that supplement my education at SSU; been involved as a research assistant on several projects; presented at several national conferences; and I will be completing my dissertation research on adoption and transracial adoption issues in counselor training programs. I am also currently employed as an instructor and supervisor of undergraduate students at the University of Oregon, and a crisis counselor at our local community college. In two years I will earn my Ph.D., and although it has been hard work, I am endlessly grateful for the training and mentorship I received at SSU. I often reflect on how well the quality of education, training and mentorship prepared me to pursue a doctoral degree and a future career as a licensed psychologist.
Emilie Cate
MFT Graduate, 2004
The Masters in Counseling Program at Sonoma gave me the opportunity to develop professional relationships with future colleagues, exposed me to the breadth of professional experience available in the field of counseling, and helped me to hone in on my ideal professional environment. Now in my fourth year as a high school counselor at Terra Linda High School in San Rafael, I am very much enjoying the dynamic and always-challenging nature of my position; whether facilitating student-teacher communication, working with administration to address systemic concerns/deficits, helping individual students with the travails of adolescence, working with administration and parents to bring in much-needed programs, advising parents about preparation for college or other post-secondary options (ad infinitum!), I feel very satisfied with my decision to become a school counselor, and with the preparation afforded me by the faculty at Sonoma.
Matt Moore
PPS Graduate, 2004
Life after SSU program for me includes working as a school counselor
in a dual immersion elementary school here in Sonoma. I was hired full
time in 2004 and implemented/ran a comprehensive counseling program.
I took time off in 2005 because of pregnancy and having twin babies-
who are now 20 months J . I worked half the year in 2006 as a high school
counselor under ab1802. It was a very cool experience because it's completely
different than elementary school. This year (2007/2008) I decided to
only work 2 days a week back at my original site- Flowery Elementary,
and continue strengthening the counseling program. I job share w/another
counselor and it's perfect for my life situation right now, b/c I want
to be with my kids but keep my foot in the counseling/educational world.
I would love any students to observe me/my school too!
Anne Marie Sebastiani
PPS Graduate, 2003
I graduated from Sonoma State University in 2003 with my Master's in
Counseling. I am raising four sons. It was challenging studying
around them during graduate school. One of my sons attended the
preschool on-site at SSU which was a gift for me as a student. The
pre-school made it easier to go to school and complete my internship
hours at Sutter VNA & Hospice. Since my graduation, I have
been earning my MFT Hours in a private practice setting.
Currently, I
specialize in infertility counseling and infant and pregnancy loss in
my private practice. I facilitate a support group for couples participating
in IVF treatment for infertility and provide individual support for couples
in my private practice as well. People going through the challenges
of infertility can be very isolated and having a place to talk about
their feelings can help alleviate some of the pain and anxiety regarding
treatment choices.
I also work with couples seeking ovum donation. Choosing
to build a family by using egg donation needs careful consideration as
well as time to explore the many issues and feelings involved in this
decision. Egg donation can be a wonderful option for many families. I
provide a supportive environment that allows recipients and donors to
explore a fuller range of the feelings and issues regarding this hopeful,
but complex family building option.
Zoe Lockert, MA, MFTI
MFT Graduate, 2003
I began my studies in the Counseling Department
in 1997, after first attending another graduate school, which I was
very disappointed
in. The Counseling Department at Sonoma state University provided me
with not only a first class education in the field of counseling,
but it also
provided me with a solid experiential foundation to be a counselor!
I learned how to be present with many different people and the situations
that they brought.
In addition, my peers were just a pleasure to spend
time with, building some life long
friendships, and there are some instructors who have remained favorites
of mine. Currently, I work as a community college
counselor and Instructor (at the community college level, counselors
are faculty) teaching
course in Effective Study Habits, Group Process, and Alternative
Therapies. I work with students for academic, career, or personal
situations,
and
I enjoy the combination. Also, five of the counselors on our staff
graduated the Counseling Department at SSU.I plan to take my oral
exams for my MFT license in Oct
2002 and open a private practice at the beginning of next year.
The areas I focus on are Somatics (mind-body connection), Sandplay
therapy
and Bereavement,
especially for people who have lost loved one to suicide.
In addition,
I continued on in my education and have just about completed
my dissertation for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.
Finally, if it wasn't for the first class educational and experiential
foundation
that I received in the counseling department at Sonoma State
University, I would not have developed the skills necessary to work
in a college
setting,
attain a psychotherapist license or continue on with my education.
Brian Jensen
MFT Graduate, 1999
I look back and think, "I can't believe that I really went to school
to do school counseling and I am actually doing it! Life after the Counseling
program is really stimulating and sometimes lonely. Going through the
program was fun, social and hard work. There was so much support and a
sense of cameraderie I doubt I will find in the workplace! That is not
to discount the benefits of the real work. There's the paycheck and the
professional status, there's personal growth and partnership with fellow
workers. But, I can't help thinking that even with all that good stuff
there is a part of me that would still love to be sitting in an unattractive
looking room, eating and talking with people I have learned so much from,
people I have so very much in common with. I will always miss a part of
what I had during the Grad program. Working as an elementary school counselor
feels different than I thought it would. As I said to someone earlier
this week, "there is no way anyone could ever get bored or tired
of doing this work, it holds variety and balance. There are very serious
moments mixed with very silly moments. I am so utterly gratified when
I see improvement in people's situations and very frustrated when I don't.
This type of work is so me! I waited a long time to be able to say that.
Jo Anne Bressick
Graduated May, 2001
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