Why did you choose Walden University?

Choosing Walden University was an easy decision for me. The emphasis on social change and becoming a voice for disadvantaged populations while developing essential skills to become an agent of social change caught my attention. Before Walden, I wasn’t aware of social change. Now, I value and appreciate the altruistic components Walden integrates into the curriculum and know that obtaining my degree from this university ensures that I will receive the necessary training to impact the local community positively.

What has been your favorite class at Walden (to date) and why?

COUN 8135 Clinical Supervision has been my favorite class because it presents an opportunity to teach and guide master-level students entering Practicum. I enjoyed discussing the importance of multiculturalism and the value of identifying appropriate strategies when faced with ethical dilemmas. There are many grey areas in counseling, so it was vital to inform clinicians in training about potential situations they might face in their sites or careers.

What have you learned about yourself so far on your academic journey?

I have surprised myself various times throughout this journey. I realized this quarter that I am more resilient than I recognize. There were times when I could have quit, but my resiliency abilities rescued me each time.

Who is your academic, professional, or personal mentor? Why has this person been so important to you?

My Walden academic advisor is my mentor. He is unaware of this, but he has been an essential individual throughout this journey. He has been consistent with his motivation and encouragement from the day we met. He is always upfront about things and listens. I am very grateful to have him on this journey with me.

What is a fear or anxiety you had about starting school that you no longer have?

I had a lot of anxiety about understanding the content and surviving a doctoral program. Admittedly, my confidence was low entering the program. Now, I can confidently say that I have grown a lot in various ways thanks to this academic journey, and my anxiety is at an all-time low.

Why did you want to be a peer mentor?

I remember entering the CES experiencing the imposter syndrome and questioning whether I had made the right decision. Because of the resources, staff, faculty, and peers at Walden University, I overcame existing barriers and started to believe in myself. As a peer mentor, I want to help students combat the imposter syndrome by equipping them with valuable strategies to make their academic journey educational and enjoyable.