Strong Graduate Programs with Marissa
Segment #4 from Our Lady of the Lake University
Transcript
Let’s all meet Marissa. A fourth year doctoral student majoring in counseling psychology from Beeville, Texas. She’s here to share how OLLU is equipping her to serve her community. OLLU is renowned for its diverse student body, particularly, its strong representation of Hispanic students. Marissa, tell us how OLLU has helped you become proficient in Spanish and, in turn, help your community. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. And hi everyone. As an aspiring psychologist, four years ago, I began looking for a doctoral program that would prepare me to serve people near and dear to my heart. My search led me to Our Lady of the Lake University. OLLU develops strengths-based practitioners through live supervision and countless opportunities. More importantly, OLLU offers the only program I could find with a certification in psychological services for Spanish-speaking populations. Since I live in a community with a large Spanish speaking population, I wanted to become proficient in the language and the nuances that come with it. This is my fourth year in the doctoral program, and it has been illuminating and awesome. As a graduate student, I have spent seven semesters working with clients under live supervision at our program’s training clinic. The clinic is known as the Community counseling Service, or CCS. At CCS, I have worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds, and I provided therapy and assessment services to couples and families. The experience has strengthened my skills as a clinician and taught me how to collaborate with team members. It has led to multicultural discussions with my cohort members and professors. After I graduate, my indispensable training will set me apart, and my new skillset will help fill a void. There are few bilingual professionals in the community that I call home, and there are many hurting people who don’t have access to Spanish-speaking professionals. Thanks to OLLU, I’ll be able to fulfill a longing and bring bilingual services to a population in need. That’s all I have. Wings up. Back to you, Alex.
– Marissa, you’re absolutely right. The skills you’re acquiring now will undoubtedly propel your career. We can’t wait to see all the places you will go in life, and fantastic job helping those in need. Thank you for sharing your story. That was amazing.