Amanda A. Williams, a graduate student in the Counseling Program with a concentration in clinical mental health, recently attended the Virginia Counselors Association (VCA) Leadership Academy as one of their 2024 Pete Warren Fellows.
Read more about her experience and the advice she has for students considering similar professional development opportunities.
How did you find out about the VCA Leadership Academy?
“A member of the counseling faculty shared this opportunity with me, believing it would be a great fit, and I instantly expressed my interest. I’m passionate about personal growth, and I saw this as a perfect chance to further develop my leadership skills, while also learning more about the Virginia Counselors Association (VCA)!”
Fun fact: Lakesha Roney was Amanda’s professor during her first semester in fall 2022, and Shekila Melchior was Amanda’s practicum professor this past summer!
What were the highlights of your experience?
“Some of the highlights of my experience included forming new friendships with fellow emerging leaders and current VCA chapter and division leaders. We collaborated closely and were welcomed with open arms. I particularly enjoyed the deep, genuine conversations we had, where we explored ways to continually assess our values and intersectional identities. Together, we discussed how to use our positionality for good, serving our clients and communities to the best of our ability as counselors.”
How did networking impact your perspective on counseling?
“Networking has been instrumental in helping me establish connections in the counseling field by allowing me to ‘put a face to a name’ and truly get to know these individuals. We connected on both personal and professional levels, recognizing that our relationships open doors for future collaboration, referrals, and ongoing guidance and support. By sharing common goals, visions, and interests, we have become accountability partners in our field, fostering a strong sense of community.”
How has the Counseling Program at George Mason shaped your career goals?
“The Counseling Program at George Mason University and the opportunity to attend the VCA Leadership Academy have inspired me to connect with my inner self, both as an individual and as a professional. When we are in tune with ourselves, we can genuinely connect with everything we are a part of. As a result of these experiences, I have learned to trust my inner voice and clinical judgment, which I believe will continue to guide me on my journey ahead. I am excited to continue building relationships with professionals in the field and dedicating myself to serving our community in my career goal as a clinical mental health counselor.”
What advice would you give to fellow students considering similar opportunities?
This is your chance to get involved in the issues that shape our field. Use your voice and skill sets to make a meaningful difference!
Amanda Williams
“Seize these opportunities! Network, network, network! This is your chance to get involved in the issues that shape our field. Use your voice and skill sets to make a meaningful difference! Students bring invaluable insights, experiences, and contributions that are essential. We need you!”
What advice would you give students considering joining our counseling program?
I encourage you to connect with current students, ask questions, and reach out to our staff before starting the program!
Amanda Williams
“The counseling field is one of the few careers that truly invites deep reflection on who you are and what your values are. Take the time to clearly identify your reasons for wanting to join the Counseling Program and ensure that you are aligned with your true self. This program is INCREDIBLE; it has profoundly changed my life. In this program, you will be challenged and supported in ways you never imagined, but you must be willing to be open-minded, vulnerable, and take initiative when things feel uncertain and uncomfortable. That is where growth begins. The faculty and student experience are designed to foster a learning environment that prepares you for your clinical practice. I encourage you to connect with current students, ask questions, and reach out to our staff before starting the program! Each day, I discover new meanings behind the phrase “trust the process,” and your experience will truly reflect that!”