Courtney Graham
Never did I believe that an internship would change my perspective on so many aspects of the life I had been living.
Before attending the practicum site, as well as the class, I never thought about much outside of my bubble. I come from a family that has not experienced significant financial struggle, always knew where my next meal was coming from, and never doubted that I would get an education. In short, I have been very privileged but didn’t realize how much I had to be grateful for until my practicum experience. Since attending my practicum I feel as though I have changed my outlook on life, adjusted my attitude toward cultural differences, and explored many theoretical approaches to counseling.
Upon attending my practicum site I was able to see, hear and experience different parts of people’s lives. I had full intentions of observing and sitting in on counseling session with teenagers full of angst who were struggling with everyday problems like peer pressure or struggling in school. I then realized that children of a variety of ages and cultural backgrounds were dealing with the heaviest situations I had ever come across. I watched a teenage boy cry because his absentee parents didn’t guide him with prioritizing school. I heard a fourth-grade girl speak the word “incarceration” and fully understand what it meant. On the other hand, I was able to hold a high school girl's hand and tell her someone cares about her and is proud of her. I was able to watch a family support system in action by helping a young girl overcome self-harm. In this practicum experience, I gained understanding.
This experience changed my college career. It has prepared me for future endeavors in regards to patients, clients, and having the ability to connect with someone I never thought I could. Professionally, I have grown to adapt to people’s behaviors, grasp their wants and needs, and provide them with the best support I could as an undergrad student. My supervisors allowed me to have real experiences. They provided me with ample knowledge of the psychology field through shadowing opportunities, group therapy sessions, being apart of a dynamic team, and most of all learning to work for a good cause. I will be forever grateful for this experience as an undergraduate student and am thankful for the opportunity.
Stephanie Timboll
Stephanie graduated from the University of North Florida psychology program in 2009. After graduation she briefly joined the corporate workforce before going back to school for her Masters in Professional Counseling. She is currently completing her internship hours and will have earned her M.S. in Spring 2018. She is completing her internship at PACE Center for Girls in Jacksonville, Fl. PACE is a non-profit organization working with at-risk youth in Jacksonville and throughout Florida. PACE provides girls and young women opportunities for a better future through education, counseling and advocacy.
Stephanie is also on the Board of Directors for Empower Women Leaders. A non-profit that brings education, training skills, and resources to women and children in Liberia West Africa. Their current project is constructing a school for children orphaned by the Ebola crisis in 2014.
Her future plans include becoming a licensed mental health therapist, continuing her work with disenfranchised populations and continuing her education by earning a PhD related to her field.
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