My desire to love and mentor children really began in 2012. My family had recently been approved to adopt through the Department of Human Resources. As such, we attended an event where foster families and adopting families could interact with one another. There I met two sweet foster children who I immediately loved and who, surprisingly, also trusted me. In that one evening I was struck by their resilience, but also by their needs which would have to be met by the grace of others. The experience touched me deeply and shaped my plans for the future. I knew then my calling was to serve children in some way.

 

Immediately, I began pursuing and instigating ways to serve children in the community so as to gain greater experience with how to love and help them. I also started researching possible jobs in the field. After much contemplation, I decided upon school psychology as it would allow me to interact one on one with children, build relationships, and help them practically in many different areas of life. Since then I have been blessed with a great many opportunities to grow and build relationships with amazing children.

 

I chose to major in Human Development and Family Studies for my undergraduate degree because it focuses on helping children by learning about their development and interaction with those around them. This more holistic approach excites me and has allowed me to interact with children more purposefully and enthusiastically. I have also been amazed with how I can help my friends and family around me using what I’ve learned about communication and healthy living. I believe my 4.0 GPA proves just how dedicated I am to my major and life goals.

 

Moving forward I have secured a place in the Ed.S School Psychology program at The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, beginning in the Fall of 2018. After visiting there for interview day, I am confident that they are the best fit to prepare me for practice in the field. As for where that practice will take place, I am currently open to going anywhere and working in any environment. However, I have a particular interest in under-served populations, particularly rural communities. I am excited to go wherever the need is greatest and continue my adventure in enhancing the lives of children.