Student Ambassador: Carter Cockrell

 

Hi prospective students!

My name is Carter, I completed the master’s in psychology (online) program, and I am currently a second-year student in the counseling program with dual emphases in Substance Use and Addictions, and Health and Behavioral Medicine. I chose William James College because of its professors’ commitment to meeting their students where they’re at to support them, and the school’s emphasis on social justice and diversity issues. Throughout my time at this school, my professors and advisors have been there to help me navigate a range of challenges, not only those more typical of adulting and graduate school but also those unique to my journey. Above all, the amount of support from, and the commitment of, my professors, advisors, and peers have characterized my experience and helped me develop closer and closer to the person whom I strive to be.

Another key characteristic of WJC is its emphasis on experiential learning. There is no amount of rhetoric that can compare to what I’ve gained from not only my own experiences in the field but also those of my peers and professors. And I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to focus more on my professional development than on meeting rubrics or rote memorization. Instead of worrying about my grades, I have been able to focus on applying what resonates most with me in classes to my field placements, and on bringing the same from my field placements to my classes.

Coming into the program, I was not at all certain about my clinical interests. Part of what has made my experiences so meaningful this past year has been the opportunity to explore and clarify my professional interests. And being able to share my interests with my peers and colleagues, and to work on projects with them around those shared interests, have been incredibly validating and fulfilling experiences. Whether in counselor education, neurodiversity, transition-age adults, or within my emphases, there has been no shortage of common interest among my peers, and working with them has taught me more than I could have possibly gained from any textbook or publication.

In thinking about advice for prospective students, I would encourage them to take advantage of the opportunity to explore, clarify, and discover their professional/clinical interests. There may not be a better time to do so than the two years of field placement integrated into the program. I would also encourage them to connect with their peers, both within and beyond their program. WJC helps their students feel connected to one another, providing a sense of shared journey despite the wide range of backgrounds and professional interests. Building on this, it could not have been more accurate when our program director told us that our classmates and professors will all eventually be colleagues. This provides a unique opportunity to develop our professional networks from the ground up, built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared experiences, and commitment to the field.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns, and I wish you all the best of luck in your pursuits. Take good care!