Graduate Student Spotlight | Harriet Caesley

I moved to the U.S. to be an au pair. However, before I moved to the U.S. I was working in mental health, and I always knew I wanted to continue my education in mental health, as unfortunately you can’t get very far with just a bachelor’s degree in psychology. 

In terms of why I chose to pursue counseling in the U.S., the simple answer is that the U.S. is more advanced in counseling than the U.K. Mental health counseling is not legally regulated in the U.K., and thus, the training opportunities are more limited. Mental health is a universal concern, and so any skills and knowledge I learn in the U.S. can apply, to a degree, to anyone I work with regardless of whether that is in the U.S. or the U.K.

I like to consider myself as the human version of the yellow pages for graduate students. Graduate school is very demanding, with the majority of students often having other jobs and responsibilities, so there may be situations where students require extra support but are unsure of who to see or where to go. This is where I come into play, as I help students find the necessary support so they can succeed on their graduate journeys.

Hood’s program is CACREP approved, which is crucial if I want to try and work in the U.S. after graduation, and it also means that the skills and knowledge I am developing meet professional standards. The cost of the program is very competitive, which is vital in these times, and there is also the opportunity to get a large amount of field experience before graduation. Before I applied, I spoke to Professor Shaine, and she was very personable and welcoming, which I think is crucial in faculty members, especially in the counseling program.

In my time in the counseling program, I have so far developed a strong foundation in knowledge and have begun to learn the necessary techniques which will prepare me for practicum and internship. I understand from peers that the support and supervision from faculty at Hood aids in a strong development of counseling identity and prepares individuals well for the working world. As the graduate student success coordinator, it was originally quite overwhelming knowing that I am one of the first points of support for around 800 graduate students at Hood. However, my supervisor, colleagues and previous GSSCs have made this role manageable and are always ready to support me with whatever questions I have. Over time, I have built up my confidence in the role, which has allowed me to develop a greater appreciation for graduate students in general as well as all the staff in higher education who endeavor to create an enjoyable learning environment.

In general, I have just enjoyed meeting the other people in my course. We’re all there for the same or a similar reason, but we’re all very different people, which makes it so exciting and wonderful.

You’ve got to take it easy on yourself. Graduate school is a big commitment and there is often a lot to juggle, so you have to give yourself some grace. Being an international student can be lonely at times, with lots of feelings of culture shock and homesickness, so definitely reach out to peers and advisers so you’re not dealing with these issues by yourself. At the same time, embrace the experience of living in a new country. Not everyone has the luxury of studying and living in a new country, so try to enjoy it as much as you can. Say yes to new experiences, meet new people and soak it all up.

Inspired by Harriet’s story? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, including clinical mental health counseling.