Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.
This year, faculty in the Counseling and Development program have selected Kayla Vaughan as the Outstanding Student in Counseling and Development (School Counseling Program). Congratulations, Kayla!
Q & A with Outstanding Student in Counseling and Development (School Counseling Program), Kayla Vaughan:
What academic accomplishment are most proud of?
Finishing my Master’s degree is definitely the academic accomplishment I am most proud of.
What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason?
Chase Dreams Not Boys student organization, Student Government, Leadership Education & Development (LEAD) Office, UNIV Courses & Programs, and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to work full-time as a school counselor at either the elementary or high school level (I’m still torn between the two!)
What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student?
My favorite memories in CEHD are the Counseling and Development program orientations I was able to be a part of with Chi Sigma Iota. I loved these events because it was so exciting to meet the new students in the program and answer their questions.
What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)?
One piece of advice I have for CEHD students is to really take time to think about your “Why”. Reflect on what lead you to the program you’re in and the short and long-term goals you have for yourself. When school gets overwhelming, I hope that gives you the motivation you need to keep moving forward!