Graduate Students

As a CHS student, have you experienced a “cannonball moment” that has influenced your decision to be in a helping profession?

My “cannonball moment” came when I was convinced to work as a counselor at Chestnut Lake Camp. Prior to this experience, I was studying psychology and planning to pursue a career in research. However, when I got to camp, everything changed. I had never had a chance to work with kids before, but I found it to be incredibly rewarding. Early on, it was the fun and camaraderie that I found most valuable. However, as my time at camp progressed, I began to reflect on just how empowering it was to be both an advocate for and a mentor to the kids I worked with. To see how profound an impact I could make in the lives of others was a feeling unlike anything I had ever experienced professionally. I found a level of connection and personal growth that had been missing working in a research lab. It was a feeling I needed to capture moving forward. This drove my decision to make a career change to a helping profession and is what led me to study school counseling at The University of Scranton. I am grateful for the push I had to dive into this field, and credit my camp experience with opening my eyes to a career path that I find truly satisfying.

A cannonball moment occurred to me after I left the military. I learned more about the difficulties that Veterans have been experiencing such as mental illness, substance abuse, and suicide. I found a purpose in wanting to help Veterans overcome adversity. Ultimately, I found great meaning in the service of helping others.

Several years ago, I experienced the loss of two friends whom I looked up to; these friends were authentic individuals who spread joy wherever they went. Their losses took a toll on my mental health for a long time and the tragedies their families experienced broke my heart even further. It was through these losses that my desire to help others grew beyond what I could have ever imagined. My purpose is to use these experiences to connect with others genuinely and empathetically. While it is unlikely that I will pursue trauma work, my goal is to continue to care for others by using my experiences and training in the CMHC program.