My Journey to Counseling: From Curiosity to Career as a Counseling Student
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by how things work in life. From a young age, life sciences piqued my interest, and I always found myself drawn to understanding the connections between things. I’ve always been a curious person, eager to explore the "why" behind what I see around me. As a child, I thought the world was structured, like a well-organized machine where things just “were.” But as I grew older, I started to realize that life isn’t quite as neat as I once thought. I learned that even adults are figuring things out as they go along, which shifted my perspective on the world.
This change in outlook led me to ask more significant questions: Why are things the way they are? Little did I know I was unknowingly diving into the concept of social constructs. This curiosity about human behavior led me to the world of social sciences, where I found psychology to be the perfect field to explore. For me, psychology is the bridge between the biological life sciences and social sciences, providing a way to understand how people work biologically while accounting for social influences. So, during my undergrad years, I dug into concepts like neuroplasticity—how our brains can change and adapt—which drew me in. This sense of curiosity and the desire to understand change sparked my interest in counseling, particularly in the idea that we might be able to help others influence positive change through evidence-based interventions.
Alongside this academic interest, I’ve always been told I’m a great listener. People often shared with me how much they enjoyed talking to me and how they felt better by the end of the conversation. This ability to connect, to provide someone with a space to be heard and understood, felt like a superpower. It made me realize I could combine my natural curiosity about human behavior with the desire to help others heal. And so, counseling became a career I wanted to pursue.
While I’m still in the process of my studies, I’ve also had the opportunity to gain experience in professional training in the corporate world. This background has honed my skills as an educator, helping me break down complex concepts into understandable parts. Communicating is a valuable skill in counseling, where you need to guide clients through sometimes tricky topics and help them understand and process their emotions.
As a counseling student, I’m following my heart and leaning into my strengths. My goal is to help others become the best versions of themselves and empower them to show up fully for their families and communities. Some people need a supportive environment to grow and heal, while others may benefit from someone challenging them to spark change. I want to be able to do both—offer support while encouraging growth and advocate by furthering research for the quiet voices that often go unheard, particularly when it comes to underserved populations.
That being said, pursuing a career in counseling is challenging. The path from undergraduate studies to a graduate program and eventually becoming a licensed counselor is rigorous. As a counseling student, I’ve learned that this field requires dedication and resilience. The amount of work, from maintaining academic standards to gaining practical experience, is immense. But I also understand why the process is so demanding—mental health work is essential, and it requires counselors to be well-prepared, knowledgeable, and capable.
I’ve faced challenges throughout this journey, especially in staying organized and balancing my personal, academic, and financial responsibilities. It’s difficult, but I’m hopeful and excited to continue this path. I can’t wait to meet my future clients and make a positive impact in their lives.
As a student in this field, I suggest that anyone considering a career in counseling ensure that the program you choose sets you up for licensure in your state. Ensuring that your time and effort will lead to something tangible, like the ability to practice legally, is essential. If you can, find a mentor or someone already in the field who can guide you through the process and help you stay on track. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. It’s a long road to becoming a licensed counselor, but remember to take it one step at a time. Breathe, drink your water, and remember to care for yourself. After all, as future counselors, we’ll need to show up as our best selves for our clients.