My Future Plans

      As the end of my college career is quickly coming to an end, a common question that is being asked to me is, "What are your plans after college?". Honestly, I have a lot of ideas but, no concrete plans as of now. I got accepted into a graduate program but, I realized that I need to take some time off and focus on my health and get that into check before I move forward with my education. I plan on, in the future, being a counselor for Veterans with PTSD. Majority of people who want to go in this direction tend to join a branch of the military. I will not be taking this route. I plan on getting my Masters in Military and Veterans Psychology and working for the Disabled Veterans of America. I already have a connection with them due to my cousin, who is my inspiration for going in this direction, actively participating in this organization because of his PTSD from being in the Army. 

     I have, from the very beginning, complained about my field experience because it was not in my field. Honestly, I still am upset that it was not in my field and has nothing major to do with my future. The one thing that it has taught me is to be confident in my work and in myself. Having the opportunity to work very closely with the Program Director of a teen center has shown me how much work actually goes into it. Sadly, it also has shown me how much work is pushed to the side. Their main focus is the students and this will be the equivalent to the importance of my clients. 

    I am looking forward to having the opportunity to help Veterans in need seeing that they have done so much for us. Having the experience first hand, with my cousin, I am able to make connections and get to know my field before actually being into in completely. Looking back on Freshman Stefany, in August of 2013, I have changed so much. I originally wanted to be a Physical Education teacher but, that did not work out. Then, in August 2014, I changed my major again to Sports and Exercise Studies thinking that I would work at a park district. Due to injuries, that did not work out as well. Finally, in my second semester of my Junior year, January 2016, I finally found my calling in the Psychology program. Honestly, I wish I started out in this program because since I joined I have had so much personal growth that words cannot even begin to describe. Throughout this journey, I have grown so much in my faith and in my confidence. I cannot wait to see what the future has in hold for me and how far I will go.