Graduate Student Spotlight | Levi White ’23

I began my undergraduate studies at Frederick Community College (FCC), then I transferred to Hood after graduating high school. After taking an introductory psychology course, my interest in psychology piqued, and I ended up majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology. I took a graduate-level counseling course my final year of my undergraduate studies, which confirmed my interest in the counseling field. Following my undergraduate graduation, I began my graduate coursework in clinical mental health counseling at Hood.

My personal experiences have shaped my interest in counseling, but several influential professors also played a key role in guiding me toward the field. I first remember my introductory psychology professor at FCC sharing counseling case studies with such compassion and clinical insight that it sparked my curiosity. Later, in my undergraduate counseling course with Professor Megan Shaine, her supportive feedback reaffirmed that this was the right path f or me. Throughout my graduate program, each professor has modeled the advanced qualities of an effective counselor, inspiring me to cultivate those qualities in myself. While I’m still growing both personally and professionally, I feel genuinely supported by the remarkable faculty in this program, and I am deeply grateful for their guidance.

The Counselors for Social Justice Conference was an incredible first conference experience. Traveling to San Juan with my peers and presenting my research on supporting transgender clients was both exciting and deeply meaningful. Sharing my work with other justice-oriented counselors fostered a strong sense of community and collective purpose. I left the conference feeling inspired by the passion and insights of others, and I continue to integrate what I learned into my work with clients to promote inclusivity and equity in the counseling space.

Working with Professor Shoemaker was an incredibly formative experience. Her mentorship challenged me to think critically about advocacy and to approach counseling through a social justice lens. She modeled how to combine research, compassion, and clinical skill to support marginalized populations, particularly transgender clients. Through our collaboration, I developed greater confidence in my ability to integrate advocacy into clinical practice and to use research as a tool for promoting equity in the counseling field.

Hood College supported my academic and personal development by providing a learning environment where I always felt encouraged and challenged in meaningful ways. The faculty consistently modeled compassion, clinical competence and cultural responsiveness, which pushed me to deepen my self-awareness and strengthen my counseling skills. I also benefited from small class sizes and close relationships with professors, which allowed me to receive individualized feedback and mentorship. Beyond academics, the program emphasized personal growth and reflection, helping me understand my own values, biases and strengths as a developing counselor.

I found many courses in the program to be especially meaningful in shaping my development. In particular, Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling (with Professor Shoemaker), Affirmative Therapy for LGBTQ+ Clients (with Professors MacShane and McKelvie) and Trauma and Crisis Interventions (With Professors Shaine and Messinger) were foundational to my growth. Each course offered its own unique impact, and I strongly encourage future counseling students to take Affirmative Therapy for LGBTQ+ Clients and Trauma and Crisis Interventions as electives.

Above all, my clinical experiences at Washington Psychological Wellness and the NeighborHood Counseling Training Center (NCTC) have been the most transformative, allowing me to apply my learning in real-world settings and deepen my identity as a developing counselor.

My biggest advice for a student considering Hood is to fully take advantage of the support, mentorship and community that the program offers. The faculty are genuinely invested in your growth and will challenge you in ways that help you develop both personally and professionally. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback and build relationships with your professors and peers, they become some of your strongest resources.

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