Practicum Students

As a future counselor, I would reinforce the importance of community as a way to promote social engagement and connections. With all the recent events happening in the world, I find there to be a lack of collectivism. I would encourage this promotion through community gatherings. I can envision how group counseling with those facing challenges may find this connection to be beneficial in growing and connecting with others. I can also see how one's advocacy skills can be implemented to help promote social engagement and connections. Advocating for those individuals who may be affected by these global challenges can bring on that collectivistic community and help build strong connections. I find volunteering for those who need assistance can be a way to help those affected by challenges, but volunteering also helps one feel connected to the community and themselves.

Considering the recent challenges globally (i.e., COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, etc.), how are you as a CHS student planning to promote social engagement and connection as a future

We are entering a time when we are constantly facing different social challenges. Mental health concerns rise with those social challenges. As graduate students in the school counseling major at the University of Scranton, we pay close attention to these social challenges and how they impact our lives. We will continue to update our knowledge and perspectives in different areas that will help us to provide quality service to the public. As future school counselors, we are concerned about our students' mental health and overall wellness. We believe that students reach their maximum potential when they are healthy, both mentally and physically. We also want to focus on other factors related to maintaining students' well-being, such as family dynamics, sexual orientation, and other cultural factors.

Brown, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Zhiran Jack Li School Counseling