Alumnus: Courtney Graham
Never did I believe that an internship would change my perspective on so many aspect 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 experience significant financial struggle, always knew where my next meal was coming from, and never doubted my 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 approached to counseling.
Upon attending my practicum site I was able to see, hear and experience different parts of people’s lives. I had full intention on observing and sitting in on counseling session with teenagers full of angst that were struggling with everyday problems life 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 girls 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.
Courtney Graham
UNF Psychology Alumnus
