Hometown/country: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Major/Minor: Master of Education in School Counseling
Favorite/Most challenging class: My favorite classes were the additional classes that I took so I can apply for my license in mental health counseling after graduation. I really enjoyed these classes because they were challenging, incredibly interesting, and mental health is simply one of my passions.
Favorite memory of SPU: So many! I loved serving in several leadership positions on campus. Being a part of the School of Education and working there was one of my favorite parts of being a student at SPU. It provided many opportunities and I gained experience organizing some major international conferences, as well as being the editor for On Point e-newsletter for SOE faculty, staff, and alumni. Another favorite memory of SPU is that I served as president of the Chi Sigma Iota – Sigma Phi Upsilon chapter. CSI is an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence in counseling. In this role, I organized a variety of events at SPU for school counselors and educators on the topics of restorative justice, safety in schools, cancer and counseling, teaching for black lives, and education for excellence, diversity and respect.
Biggest life lesson learned during college: The power of community. Being in several leadership positions, I loved bringing the community together. It was also great to be a part of the SPU and SOE community. I couldn’t have accomplished it all without that feeling of community and the support it brings.
Plans after graduation: Sleep! No, in all seriousness, after graduation I am planning on obtaining my license in mental health counseling. I am also very fortunate to have been hired as a school counselor for the 2019-20 school year! Plus, I am planning on traveling and exploring different cultures before I go back to work.