When beginning her undergraduate studies, Nichole Allen did so with great determination in the field of psychology. Along the way, she was inspired to change paths and pursue a degree in education. 1997年，她得了B.A. in Education with a focus in social sciences from 韦德体育app官网. 近二十年后, 在抚养了三个女儿之后, Allen decided the time was right to return to OU and finish what she started all those years ago.
Her choice to return to her alma mater was simple. Not only did she enjoy the size of OU’s campus, but the fact that the program was CACREP accredited made it a no-brainer.
“I have always been drawn to 韦德体育app官网 for its big college feel on a small campus,艾伦说. “… but the fact that 韦德体育app官网 has a strong academic reputation and their program in Counseling is CACREP accredited, made it undeniably the best choice for me.”
It was in 2020 that Allen completed her graduate work and earned her dual degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.
“The dual degree Master’s program in Counseling … provided the opportunity for me to combine my two passions; Mental Health Care and Education,艾伦解释道. “I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed School Counselor, which has proven to be a very meaningful combination over the past few years.”
Allen is now in her third year as a high school counselor at Stoney Creek High School.
“I work with a fabulous team of counselors and caseload of students ninth through twelfth grade,她解释道. “High school counselors these days still assume all responsibilities traditional to the role, but now necessitates a significant amount of social/emotional student support as well. My education degree and dual degrees in counseling have been vital in my role as a high school counselor, as well as in my part time role as a private practice therapist.”
在开放大学期间, Allen was heavily involved in the OU chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an academic honor society for counseling students, 教育工作者和专业人士.
“CSI has been an amazing resource for offering access to enriching and continuing education through webinars, 研讨会及演讲嘉宾,”她说。.
她拥有多个学位, Allen attributes much of her success to the opportunities and connections available at OU.
“开放大学提供教育, opportunities and connections which best equipped me for a solid launch into my career,”她说。. “No amount of classwork prepares you completely for the world of work, but combined with a mandatory internship, I felt assured not only that I was doing the right thing, 但我可以自信地做到.”
While completing her degree, Allen was enrolled in several courses with Professor of Counseling, Dr. 丽莎Hawley. Allen credits Hawley for having “taught not only from the textbook, 而且(做模特)也是一种存在方式,” which she explains is “important in this profession.”
The examples set by our parents can have a profound impact. It’s clear that the example Allen set for her three daughters has done just that. Not only are they following in their mother’s footsteps and earning college degrees, but two of the three have already earned degrees from OU and the third is currently completing her master’s degree at OU in a field none other than counseling.
当艾伦回到俄勒冈大学时, she had her mind set on the field of psychology and along the way was able to inspire her daughters to follow in her footsteps. One thing is certain, Allen has certainly finished what she started all those years ago.
For additional information on counseling programs available at OU, visit 奥克兰.edu/counseling.
2023年5月4日
詹姆斯·西尔维斯特里著
