Master’s student in Higher Education Administration at Boston College
In 2016, I found a black hole in my stomach, and it would always appear at certain points in time, and suck my insides up, and other times, I wish it would take my physical being with it.
I was a first year student at my college and I knew I was different from everyone else. I was Black, a student on scholarship, and a student who knew I was not the typical student in my undergraduate institution. Knowing I was on the outside and on the margins, I often felt out of place. When feeling this way, I eventually internalized it as truth, and when doing so, the blackhole in my stomach that just kept reappearing, had a name — Imposter Syndrome.
I would sit in my class as the only Black student, sometimes the only student from public school and really consider if I belonged in this space studying The Odyssey. The once vocal, bubbly student who was not shy in the slightest was now stoic, and it can be attributed to the blackhole of imposter syndrome. As I went through my first semester of college, I called home once, crying, and my sister told me, “If you were not supposed to be there, you wouldn’t now, shut up.” In hindsight, she was of course right, but I did not believe her. She didn’t go to college, how could she know?
I went into college very timid that my life and my experiences as a Black person really only existed in my head. Frankly, I was slightly embarrassed of where I came from and what I experienced because of circumstances growing up. I quickly found people who validated those experiences, I also learned that those experiences made me one of a kind and if I can’t embrace these parts of myself that play a major role in who I am, then do I give people the privilege of knowing who I am? My experiences brought me to college. They helped me along the way. They remain super important to this day.
The black hole was slowly subsiding. I found places to be authentic, and to rant, and to feel valid in my feelings and my entities and all parts Sean.
Even though my experience was tough, I am incredibly grateful for it. Like I mentioned earlier, every experience I have brings me to where I am now. College is a hard time for everyone, but when you add extra layers of isolation and marginalization it can be tougher. Obviously, you’re surrounded by people who live completely different lives from you, and something will happen where you feel out of touch or excluded and then you’ll feel it — you’ll feel like you’re not good enough but we cannot allow imposter syndrome to win. You are more than just your skin, more than just your class, more than just your experiences.
You belong in every space you are put in, even if it’s a blackhole that you need to call your sister over.
Sean Richardson
Master’s student in Higher Education Administration at Boston College. Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Public & Community Service from Providence College, received May 2020. Originally from Pawtucket, RI.
Masters Student, School Counseling, San Diego State University
The big questions many high school students are tired of hearing are “where are you going to college?” and “what is next, after high school?” For some, it may seem that there is only one option, whether that is a four year university which we are told is our best option or community college which may appear to be the only affordable option. The truth is that there are many post secondary options including four year colleges (in person and online), community colleges (to complete general ed requirements then transfer or for a certificate program), vocational training, and apprenticeships. So for those who are unsure of what is next or unclear about your options, we will touch on each of these options.
Attend a four year college/university.
In person attendance at a four year college. At a four year university the goal is to obtain your bachelor’s degree in four years, though this can depend on a variety of factors. At a four year college you will complete your general education requirements, as well as courses in a certain major. After obtaining your bachelors you can go into the workforce or continue your education (i.e. law school, medical school, and a variety of other Master’s and Doctoral programs). For those who want to enter the workforce after graduation, you can enter the specific career field in which you obtained your degree (example, if you obtained a Bachelor’s in Biology, finding a career as a Molecular Biology Research Associate). It is possible to also enter into a career field that is not in line with your degree, some positions have the educational requirement of a bachelor’s degree, regardless of major.
Online degree program. You can receive your bachelor’s degree by attending online classes. Various online programs also allow for more flexibility and taking breaks, so students can work part or full time while completing your degree. Though students do lose out on the social aspects of in person attendance, such as living on-campus, joining extracurricular activities, attending on campus events, and meeting with peers and faculty in person. Online degree programs may also be eligible for financial aid, as long as you meet requirements (relevant article). It is also important to make sure that it is an accredited institution, to ensure your degree is recognized by potential employers or future graduate programs.
Attend a community college.
You can go to community college first in order to complete your general education courses, then transfer over to a four year university to complete and obtain your bachelors. A big pro to this option is the cost, as community colleges are more affordable. Other’s might be that you can stay close to home, explore your options in terms of areas of study at a lower cost than at a four year college, flexibility, etc. A con to community college can be the difficulty in staying on a two year time path, due to a variety of reasons such as difficulty in obtaining pre-req courses, confusing transfer requirements, unable to attend full-time due to work or family obligations, etc. If you are interested in this route it would be important to communicate with your academic advisor & the transfer center at your community college to ensure that you are on track and eligible for transfer. Here are additional tips to transferring successfully.
Community colleges also have certification programs for those interested in a short term program that prepares students for specific fields, such as bookkeeping, child development, computer information systems, IT technician, fire academy, medical assisting, welding, etc. In these certification programs, you will take only the courses required to enter that field. This is also eligible for financial aid through FAFSA.
Attend a vocational training program. Vocational training prepares students for employment in a specific field. You will end the program with a certificate and the skills necessary to begin your career in that field, without having to take additional general education courses. These can take anywhere from a couple of months to 2 years, typically. Vocational schools can train you in truck driving, welding, cosmetology, phlebotomy, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc. Some vocational training programs are also eligible for financial aid through FAFSA.
Find an apprenticeship. If you are interested in getting into the workforce and learn by doing while on the job, an apprenticeship might work for you. Jobs like masonry, carpentry, drywall, HVAC, machinist, and more can be obtained through apprenticeship. You can find apprenticeship programs in your area here. It is important to look into these opportunities and make sure that they are currently accepting applicants and you meet educational and other prerequisites (such as HSD/GED, possible classes you may have to take, entrance exams, having a driver’s license, etc.). It is also important to note that you may also have to take some classes while doing on-the-job work, pay may start off as low as minimum wage, and they can also last anywhere from one to six years.
The important thing to remember is that there are multiple paths and options for everyone. While in high school and even after, for those re-evaluating their previous choices, look into each of these options and see which will best help you reach your goals. If personal and social growth aspects are important to you in a post secondary option, in person attendance at a four year or community college might be the best option. If you prefer to focus on your career and finish quickly, a vocational program might be best. If you want to start working in your career field and learn on the job, apprenticeships are a good option. Whichever path you choose, make sure it is informed and will lead you down your right path.
M.A. in Counseling in Educational Settings at Rowan University
What inspired you to want to become a school counselor?
When I first entered my undergraduate studies at Rensselaer, I faced a lot of unanticipated failure with my academics and subsequently a lot of social-emotional exhaustion. Thankfully, as I came into new learning opportunities and eventually the role of a Resident Assistant, I had the opportunity to work under an amazing supervisor (and a certified counselor) that was able to normalize this turbulent journey in self-development.
My supervisor actually helped readjust my sense of self and purpose by introducing me to two major things: community conversations and guided self-reflection. In my brain, I probably knew that college was tough in some way for every student, but it was hard for me to accept this after failing to meet the expectations I had set for myself in high school. Thankfully my supervisor understood that the best way to process such knowledge would be through experiential conversations, so he began to introduce me to college groups and mentors that were willing to share their own chaotic journeys in navigating higher education. Through these conversations, it really became clear to me that there were other individuals who had come before me to Renssalear and had to navigate the same ordeals–and they still managed to find amazing success in their lives!
But even beyond that, my supervisor worked with me individually to help develop a reflective mindset necessary to find that success. And I mean, he had me reflect on everything! My classes, my relationships, even my hobbies. And it was thanks to that level of reflection that I came to the realization that my choice to pursue a major in physics wasn’t motivated by a love of the science, but instead by a love of the educational environment that had fostered said courses in high school. In reality, it was probably this process of reflection and expanding my worldview that ultimately led me to pursue my degree in counseling. He also helped show me that not only the resident halls, but the entire university could be an amazing opportunity for holistic development if I just saw it as one big learning opportunity. And at that moment, I couldn’t help but think that, “Wow, this guy has the coolest job in the world.”
What is the biggest challenge you faced in your own educational journey?
I think the biggest issue that I’ve struggled with would be the opportunities. I know that sounds like such a first-world problem, but it’s true! Within the counseling-domain alone, there are so many incredible specializations and problem areas that one could choose to support. Developing trauma-informed practices, normalizing the integration of SEL content, and even developing new systems of multicultural support. These are all areas that I want to explore both personally and as a professional, but it just feels like there isn’t enough time in the world. Thankfully, I’ve also learned to rely on my peers and colleagues.
I have confidence that my peers are competent and curious enough to explore the various need areas of educational counseling, I also rely on them for their diverse skill sets and the approaches they bring to the profession. For example, one of my close peers excels in audio and music mixing and has begun to incorporate said skills into his own therapeutic practices. Recognizing that hip hop therapy is growing into a larger mainstream practice, I’ve reached out to him on a number of occasions to advise or deliver music-based therapy interventions for the students in my urban school district. Transforming a rap cypher into a group counseling session was something I never could have imagined on my own; but thanks to the ingenuity and innovation of my colleagues, my students are beginning to see the beneficial opportunities of such creative counseling practices. Also, through my own graduate experiences, I now understand that the profession is constantly growing with individuals who will leave no stone unturned.
What is one thing you would tell your younger student self now?
If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to “value your connections.” I can’t count the amount of personal growth and accomplishments I’ve made in the past year alone through the support of the connections I have made in the educational profession. Almost every day I’m talking to a past mentor, a professor, or a peer about some new topic in therapeutic practices and it has made my career that much more fun for me. I only wish that I had started said conversations earlier so that I could’ve expanded my worldview even more!
I think the best method to start these conversations begins with remembering that your peers and professors are also often excited about the revelations occuring in the field of education. Through just small expressions of curiosity or interest, conversations can expand exponentially and eventually lead to greater insight into new practices in the field. I accredit my entrance into my upcoming doctoral program as the result of said conversations. I had only asked a few professors about their opinion on trauma-informed or how to tackle ACEs and suddenly I was immersed in exciting conversations of educational neuroscience and neuropsychology!
If you wrote a book about your educational journey, what would the title and chapters be?
The book would have to be called Exploring a Diverse & Exciting World: One Step at a Time. It would definitely be a long book, starting out with chapters like “Growing Up in the Absolute South” and having exciting chapters in the middle like “Discovering Humans: The New Science,” where the reader learns that I actually first entered college as a physics major. And while there was a lot of eagerness in exploring the domains of our assessed reality through a scientific process, I also knew in my heart that I wanted to pursue a career based in education and social interactions. And for some time, I thought that was the trade-off: scientific studies or social-based, field work. But as I began to delve into the studies of my graduate program, it became clear to me that the counseling profession is much more than just conversations and group sessions. The entire field is a meld of social sciences, assessment, and innovation. Counseling has so many different avenues of research from psychopathology to the neurobiology of trauma. My preconception that it wasn’t something I can explore in research has since then been blown away! Another middle chapter would be “The Lumberjack Got Lost Wandering through Beijing.” But the most important part is that the book never has an ending!
What message of encouragement would you give to first generation students trying to figure out their postsecondary path?
Don’t be discouraged because the path isn’t clear. Unfortunately, between modern political matters and social justice reforms, many first generation students don’t realize all of educational and career opportunities before them. But once again, don’t be discouraged. That’s why we are here. Whether it be in the form of a school counselor, an admissions counselor or even a reliable teacher, we are here to support you as the resources necessary to identify what steps you should be taking to achieve your own personal success. As long as you know what your destination is, we’ll assist you in finding the right path.
From your perspective, what really works in college advising, access, and success?
From my experience working in a college-advising environment along with my own experience as a student, I think one of the greatest motivators in achieving success in college is short-term goals. Often as students we are too caught up in our end goals: getting a degree, getting a job, and getting rid of college debt. But long term goals also typically bring dissatisfaction when we realize that we are still a distance away from achieving that success. Instead, short term goals like passing an exam or nailing an internship interview often provides us with the type of success that sustains greater motivation. So when working with students in a higher ed setting, I think it is really important to identify and emphasize these small, attainable victories.
Zachary George Short
Zachary George Short is a professional school counselor, who is incredibly excited to work in an innovative and inclusive educational system that puts excellence at the forefront. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for his undergraduate, where he was able to obtain a Bachelor’s in Philosophy with a concentration in Mathematics & Pedagogies. He is about to obtain his CACREP-accredited Master’s in Counseling in Educational Settings from Rowan University.
Through his academic experiences, he has had the opportunity to take on a number of exceptional educational roles including: Resident Director of an international-student dormitory, GED Tutor for a private state-prison, and TEFL Instructor for a primary school in Beijing. But ultimately, his passion has always been in the therapeutic endeavors of school counseling. From early childhood and elementary programs all the way to higher education facilities, he has had the amazing experience to develop holistic, support programs attuned to students’ development and academic needs. And he is always eager to gain more experience.
Through his research experiences and independent studies, he has sought to develop alternative, intervention methods for addressing trauma in K-12 populations. He would find it amazing to further explore the positive-growth opportunities associated with adversity. As such, he is excited to also announce that he will be starting his journey in pursuing a PhD in Educational Neuroscience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Fall 2021.
