Inside the Program

Jamie Adkins 

Hiddenite, North Carolina 

I chose school counseling because I am dedicated to empowering the next generation through academic, social, and emotional support. As someone from a small rural town in North Carolina, I want to give back to students growing up with similar backgrounds as myself and be a resource for our students. I chose to continue my education at UNC Chapel Hill because of the accelerated program model, experienced faculty, and the opportunity to build a community within a small group cohort. I instantly noticed the dedication to preparing future school counselors and am excited to continue at my alma mater!

Candace Campbell 

Lumberton, North Carolina 

As a first-generation Native American college student, that grew up in a low-economy rural area, I have experienced many disadvantages that students in rural areas face. A few of these disadvantages include a lack of educational and mental health resources. This is one of the factors that has inspired me to pursue a career in school counseling. I work hard to motivate students and inform them about the limited resources that are out there, as well as encourage them to make their own. Additionally, I want to demonstrate to students that they can succeed despite the inequities they may encounter. The UNC-Chapel Hill school counseling degree will provide me with the skills necessary to become an understanding school counselor who promotes educational justice and fosters growth across diverse school populations.

Annie Clark 

Santa Barbara, California 

I aspire to become a school counselor to be part of a vital support system for students, just as I had in school. I have witnessed in schools how students get treated and dismissed if they are deemed a “bad” or “poor” student early on in their education. As a school counselor, I want to combat the disparities that result from those labels and help students succeed in their education and futures. I chose the school counseling program at UNC-CH because I believe the mission and goals the program is rooted in will best help me in my goals of becoming a successful school counselor and change agent in schools.

Julia Dow  

Lake Norman, North Carolina 

I have chosen to pursue school counseling because of my strong desire to form positive relationships with students, support them during struggles in and out of school, and to become a role-model students can depend on. I have always loved working with children, and through my experiences, I have seen how important a positive figure can be on a child’s development and wellbeing. Choosing UNC-Chapel Hill was an easy decision because of the faculty’s warmness towards candidates and passion towards their job as faculty, as well as their own research interests. I believe in this program’s curriculum, and that I will come out fully prepared and confident. Completing my undergraduate here also played a role in this decision, as I have loved being a member of the Chapel Hill community, a student in the School of Education, and a Tar Heel!

Bonnie Elingburg 

Raleigh, North Carolina

I have always wanted to be a child counselor – I love getting to know kids and supporting them in the awesome ways that they grow and change. I chose school counseling because I know a school’s special ability to see the whole child. Its ability to nurture the learning child, the developing child, and the social child all in one setting allows school counselors to support children uniquely holistically, and I am eager to join that team. In my search for school counseling programs, UNC Chapel Hill was a top choice because it gives me the opportunity to gain field experience in an elementary school through a full academic calendar year and fulfill CACREP requirements all within 14 months. After interviewing and meeting the faculty, current cohort, and seeing how overall collaborative this program is, I knew this was where I wanted to be!

Emily Gray 

Basking Ridge, New Jersey 

Over the years, I discovered how much I love working with children, and wanted to work within education. I have been so very lucky to have developed extraordinary bonds with many of the children I have worked with in various school settings. These are relationships I will cherish forever! After getting to intern with elementary school counselors on two occasions, I discovered my love for the profession and how fulfilling it was to me. My goal is to become a counselor my students will come to with good news, bad news, and everything in between. Beyond supporting individual student needs, I hope to inspire kindness and respect within my school community. I am so excited about the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill program because of the cohort model it uses. The 14-month cohort model allows its students to learn across the classroom, the cohort, and the internship experience. I feel learning with a group of students sharing such a strong desire to go into this field will serve to make us all better counselors. I am very excited to begin this graduate program and to learn more about the school counseling profession.

Emily Harrell 

Marietta, Georgia 

I chose school counseling because I have a passion for helping teens and emerging adults find their own identity, passions, and values to help them to better understand themselves and to make choices that reflect their values as they begin to have the chance to navigate their own lives. I chose UNC because I really like the tight-knit cohort model.

Indy Hurun Ein 

Jakarta, Indonesia 

I am immensely interested in pursuing school counselling because I would like to build partnerships with school stakeholders to provide a positive environment for students to flourish. More specifically, this program will equip me with the expertise to deal with school bullying issues in Indonesia using students’ positive qualities and resources. I chose UNC-Chapel Hill since its emphasis on the strengths-based school counselling approach aligns perfectly with my prior research experience and future contribution plans.

Emily Kalec 

Dacula, Georgia 

I chose school counseling because of my desire to create a safe space for all students and to advocate for their academic, emotional, and social wellbeing. I believe in the impact a committed, knowledgeable, and compassionate school counselor has on the lives of the students they serve. I specifically chose UNC-Chapel Hill because of the strengths-based model the program follows, as well as the holistic experience the year-long internship provides.

Anne Lassiter 

Raleigh, North Carolina 

I chose school counseling because I believe all students deserve the opportunity to be in a safe educational setting that promotes both academic and social learning. My experience in an elementary school has shown me the importance of equity and I want to learn how to be a better advocate for students who are typically underserved. I chose UNC for the outstanding professors, small cohort model, and rigorous coursework all of which will prepare me to be a successful school counselor.

Carlee Lewis 

Apex, North Carolina 

I chose school counseling to make a difference in students’ lives and make school a better experience for them. School counselors’ jobs are essential to a positive school environment. I have worked with children for five years and enjoy being able to create bonds with them and lead them to a path of success. I aim to be the school counselor I wish I had. I am excited to continue my journey at UNC-Chapel Hill!

Sisley Luo 

Nanchang, China 

I want to become a school counselor to support students’ development and personal growth. Growing up in China, I have never had experiences with school counselors. I have never imagined that I could have an adult to confide in, and get advice from at school. This drives my passion to provide the guidance I missed. I want to listen to students, offer advice, and support them through challenges. I believe that children need a trusting adult at school. I chose UNC-Chapel Hill because they emphasize multicultural competency and strength-based approach, and its close knitted cohort model. I believe that this program will equip me with the skills to foster students’ development and build relationships with them.

Yoselin Martinez Figueroa 

Durham, North Carolina 

I chose school counseling because after being a part of a school counseling department, I instantly knew school counseling is what I wanted to focus on, so I advocate for students in need. I want to help students from diverse backgrounds and their families form a relationship with the school while helping amend the stigma attached to being a minority student. Also, as a Latina I want to serve as a staff member students can relate to and communicate with. I chose UNC-Chapel Hill because once you’re a Tar Heel you’re always a Tar Heel and I love the unique cohort model and year-long internship.

Jin Mun 

Orlando, Florida 

As I encountered many students who struggled with acculturation throughout my three years of teaching in South Korea, I observed that the stress on language barriers and cultural differences eventually influenced school life as well. Due to my similar experiences back in childhood, I realized that I want to support and encourage students who are undergoing acculturation on many levels—intellectually, emotionally, and socially. During the interview atUNC, there was a group discussion about a student who was having difficulties with a financial issue and a language barrier, and that’s when I was thrilled and intrigued by this program at UNC because I realized that the professional faculty could not only help me acquire the knowledge and skills required to be a successful school counselor but also lead me to a variety of perspectives and strategies for helping students with acculturation issues.

Guadalupe Ochoa Castro 

Durham, North Carolina 

I chose counseling due to my own struggles growing up with school counselors. As a first generation student, it was difficult to navigate the educational world. There were communication struggles with my parents and the school which created difficulties for me when it came to school. I realized how important it is to have representation in a school setting and I vowed that I would be that change I wish I saw growing up. I chose UNC Chapel Hill specifically because of their focus on diverse school communities. Diversity is something that is really important to me and I believe that this program and school will truly prepare me in my future goals.

Abby Perotti 

Portland, Connecticut 

After working professionally in various fields of education, I wanted to pursue a career in school counseling so that I can promote holistic wellness in school aged children and help to create a foundation for students’ educational success. I chose UNC-CH for its renowned program and commitment to diversity and inclusion, which aligns with my values and career goals. When I first visited the Chapel Hill campus, I felt immediately at home and eager to contribute meaningfully to my new community. I also really liked UNC-CH’s close knit cohort model because I am from out of state and wanted to feel connected to fellow students and offer mutual support through the program. I’m excited to become a member of Chapel Hill’s vibrant community and to support students with diverse needs and backgrounds to champion their academic and personal achievement.

Taylor Pierce 

Durham, North Carolina 

I chose school counseling because I realized I wanted to work with kids to help and support them to be the best person that they can be. In high school, I had a wonderful counselor that helped apply for colleges, and also was someone I could confide in. Having a trusted adult in school can sometimes make it better and I would like to be that outlet for students. I chose UNC-Chapel Hill because after reading that there is a focus on rural schools, it moved me to apply. I feel this program will provide me with the quality knowledge I will need to become a great school counselor.

Deirdre Preston 

Durham, North Carolina 

I chose school counseling because I aspire to support and increase confidence in the lives of young students. I appreciate the value of having adult mentors who make you feel seen and heard, and I hope to be that person for those who may not otherwise have that. Working as a school counselor will allow me to combine my background in psychology with my teaching experience in elementary schools. UNC Chapel Hill will provide the opportunity to learn from insightful and passionate faculty, with a perspective that seeks to foster students’ strengths.

Rachel Reynolds 

West Jefferson, North Carolina 

I grew up in a rural area where mental health challenges are common, yet resources are scarce. I quickly picked up on this problem and became passionate about mental health, and knew I wanted to have a career where I could help lessen this inequity one day. I chose school counseling because it combines my passion for mental health with my love of working with kids! I believe that every child deserves to have someone in their corner, and I envision myself being this advocate and safe person for my future students. I chose UNC-Chapel Hill because of the accelerated pace, cohort model, and social justice lens. My time in the School of Education as an undergraduate ultimately solidified my decision, as I knew this program would best prepare me for my future as a school counselor.

Maddison Ridgill 

Greensboro, North Carolina 

I chose school counseling because of my passion to see students excel in their academics, but also beyond. From a young age, I noticed my love for working in a school and interacting with students. However, in these interactions, I noticed that students did not always feel supported in their education or had things going on outside of the classroom that hindered their education. This led me to become passionate about mental health and helping students foster resilience. This led me to the occupation of counseling. However, I still loved working in a school setting and did not like the idea of students having to go out of their way to find me. I then found school counseling to be the perfect intersection between these two desires. I decided to attend UNC Chapel largely because of the professors. I went to UNC Chapel Hill for my undergraduate degree and have had the pleasure to take classes with some of the professors in the school counseling program already. These professors led their classes with empathy, knowledge, and curiosity. In already learning from and growing relationships with some of these professors, I wanted to continue my education with them. With these professors, I know that my education is in good hands. I also chose UNC-Chapel Hill because of the program’s focus on strength-based counseling. Too often students are discouraged because there is only a focus on what they are struggling with. Instead, this program teaches counselors to focus on the strengths that students already have, encourage them in these strengths, and foster growth from there.

Hayley Rosewall 

Elizabeth City, North Carolina 

I come from a family of educators and have followed that same passion myself. I have worked with children in multiple capacities, but found my path as a counseling intern at the Hill Learning Center. I felt I could empower students while simultaneously advocating for them. As a UNC undergrad, I knew Chapel Hill was the place for me. No other program could compare to the amount of support I’ve received from professors and quality of education at UNC’s School of Education.

Katie Self 

Elicott City, Maryland

I decided to pursue a master’s in school counseling because I want to provide support and guidance to children in order to help them succeed. I have chosen UNC Chapel Hill because the mission of the program aligns with the goals that I have for myself as a counselor. I am looking forward to learning how to effectively promote the development of students and promote educational equity within schools.

Isra Siddiqui 

Raleigh, North Carolina 

My decision to pursue a Masters in School Counseling was driven by my desire to comprehend students within their unique developmental contexts and to empower them to the best of my abilities. I am dedicated to acquiring the skills necessary to assist individuals in overcoming various challenges by merging my theoretical understanding with practical implementation. The accelerated nature of UNC’s program appealed to me, offering the opportunity to immerse myself in school counseling theories and immediately apply them. I eagerly anticipate contributing to an institution dedicated to embracing diversity and aspire to contribute to the education of future counselors, drawing from my own experiences and identity.

Kailey Thompson 

Reedsburg, Wisconsin

I have decided to pursue a career in school counseling so I can continue to make meaningful connections with the students I work with while helping them solve and grow through the problems they face. I am passionate about creating a safe environment in which all students feel comfortable and heard. I chose UNC Chapel Hill’s School Counseling program because of the strong support system embedded within the program. Between the tight-knit cohort, dedicated faculty, and site supervisors, I knew I would be supported and prepared throughout my journey of becoming a school counselor.

Chau Trieu 

Greensboro, North Carolina 

I chose school counseling because I would like to help break the stigma in mental health. Mental health is a taboo topic, especially among students of color. I want to make a difference in students’ lives so that they are not afraid to speak about their emotions, thoughts, and anything they want to discuss with me regardless of their cultural background. I want to help provide support and help their emotional, social, and personal development while exploring their strengths and career goals. I chose UNC because the program has multiple attributes that make it stand out to me, such as supportive staff/faculty, diversity, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments. The innovation UNC includes in its teaching and learning helps create new perspectives and experiences that help enrich students’ academic careers. Not to mention how welcoming and passionate the faculty was, I knew UNC was the school for me.

Leah Weaver 

Goldsboro, North Carolina 

Through my diverse positions in the education field, my mission has remained the same- helping students. After working alongside school counselors as an admissions counselor, I knew this would be the right path. I chose UNC because of their racial framework class guide, cohort classes, and their commitment to preparing counselors to be advocates in their school.

Anna Weinstein 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

I chose school counseling because I wanted to pursue a career that I would find joy and fulfillment in. I enjoy helping others, and I look forward to being able to make a difference in the lives of students. I am passionate about education and that everyone should have a support system. I chose the UNC program because I found the application and interview process to be very effective and organized. I also spoke with faculty, who were prompt to answer questions and show support.

LaChelle Allen

Yanceyville, NC

I have a passion for working with students who live in poverty in rural communities. I understand the importance of exposing them to endless opportunities through education and helping them heal from trauma. I have chosen The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to further my education because I believe that the program is aligned with my values as an educator and will prepare me to become a well-versed school counselor.

Chris Behring

Danville, CA

I’m pursuing school counseling because it will allow me to utilize my top strengths to make a significant impact in people’s lives, giving me greater fulfillment from work. I chose UNC because this program will further develop those strengths and reduce weaknesses, giving me a greater chance of success as a certified school counselor.

Kofi Boateng

Durham, NC

I chose to pursue school counseling because it is the bridge through which students reach their socio-emotional, mental, and academic goals. UNC is the best fit for me because the program’s cohort and staff are intentionally helpful every step of the way. Having like-minded people around me who uphold excellence is what this program provides, and I am grateful to be a contribution to the mission.

Micaela Campbell

Winston-Salem, NC

I chose school counseling because I believe all students deserve a safe and equitable learning environment. My passion lies in building relationships with students and empowering them to follow their dreams. UNC-Chapel Hill’s values of equity and affirming every student’s wholeness align with my own values. Additionally, the amazing program faculty and cohort model cemented that UNC Chapel Hill will mold me into the school counselor I aspire to be.

Katie Carder

Frederick, MD

I chose school counseling because I know this career path would allow me to mentor and work with students which I have loved doing in my previous job of being a high school color-guard instructor. My experience coaching has taught me skills such as patience, leadership, and time management that I will use for the rest of my life. I have gained so much by working with my students which has inspired me to pursue this career. I chose to be a part of University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill’s School Counseling program because the mission statement, and the program objectives align with my personal goals of becoming a school counselor. UNC-CH will foster my leadership and communication skills that will be critical to educate my students in my future career. I fell in love with the program during my interview and I loved being able to meet with the faculty and learning how UNC plans to guide me into becoming a successful school counselor.

Graceson Clements

Charlotte, NC

I chose school counseling because it is critical for students to have a trusted adult figure who will advocate for their diverse social, emotional, and academic needs. After working in the Research Addressing Violence in Education (RAVE) Lab during my gap year, I have realized the importance of working with students in the school context to make a positive impact on their lives! I chose UNC Chapel Hill because I am confident this program will equip me to be the best school counselor possible while utilizing a strengths-based approach to working with students.

Zion Douglas

Chantilly, VA

I chose school counseling because I believe every student deserves a chance to succeed despite any barriers in their way. I want to advocate for students and help them develop resilience and grow as they walk through life. My goal is to spark and empower their potential and help them discover the many strengths they hold as individuals. In addition, be someone that makes students feel seen, heard, and supported as they pursue their academics and individual goals. Chapel Hill will help me achieve this dream with the Strengths-Based approach and diversity in professors so that I can be an inclusive, effective, and sustaining counselor.

John Frazier Jr.

Boston, MA

The reason I chose school counseling is that I have a deep appreciation for the impact a counselor can have. I have that appreciation due to my experience with amazing counselors who profoundly impacted me. As for why I chose UNC Chapel Hill, it gives me the best opportunity to learn from fantastic faculty while also learning in the field and taking the skills we learn in the classroom and applying them in practice. It is such an essential role within all levels of education, and I believe it is what I am best suited for.

Owen Guerrero

Creedmoor, NC

I have spent my entire life in North Carolina. The reason I chose school counseling for the career I wanted to pursue was my desire to help others. In this I wanted something that aligned with my values and that I have a personal connection to so I would feel motivated to continue doing said work. I want to be able to die and leave a legacy I am proud of, I want this legacy to be primary remembered as a mentor and helper. I decided UNC Chapel Hill was the best path for me to continue my education and reach my career after talking with the faculty and participating in the interview. With the values of the program posted on the website, I wanted to be able to hear how the program was spoke about and personal research was talked about. I was able to see that with the language used it was emotionally charged with passion and love for the work that is produced. This sold me on the program, and I knew if the offer would come my way I would happily accept.

Adela (Shan) Han

Beijing, China

I chose school counseling because I want to provide social, emotional, and career support to young adolescents in school. Working with kids has always been my biggest dream, and as a current middle school student teacher, I firmly believe students should feel the classroom and school could be their safe space, so school counseling would help me to achieve my goal. I chose UNC-Chapel Hill because the program provides intensive classwork and ample field placement opportunities.

Jaclyn Lankford

Raeford, NC

I am more inclined to say that school counseling chose me. While I have always had an interest in counseling, the need for individuals like myself to enter the counseling field became more evident to me in my more recent years in education. Working with students in the past two years has highlighted needs that I feel are of utmost priority. Frankly speaking, I’ve noticed that in some places we lack counselors who look like me. In every facet of their lives students need to see individuals who look like them, who live lives like they do and who they can identify with. I chose UNC Chapel Hill because the education and opportunities that I will receive here are top tier. UNC celebrates diversity, believes in inclusion, and shares many of the values that I feel are important in an educational institution.

Dawson Leviner

Rockingham, NC

I chose School Counseling because I want to support and encourage students to pursue their goals and be the best version of themselves just as school staff did for me throughout my K-12 educational journey. I chose UNC-Chapel Hill because of its commitment to holding itself, its staff, and its students to a higher standard. The UNC-Chapel Hill School Counseling graduate program staff (as a whole) is passionate and dedicated to the field, with a rigorous accelerated program that supports and prepares their students in becoming the next generation of School Counselors.

Kayla Means

Clarksburg, WV

At the start of my senior year at WVWC, I fully intended on becoming a marriage and couples’ counselor, but after interning at the Buckhannon Upshur Middle School counseling center, I realized the correct path for me is School Counseling. I found myself falling in love with the atmosphere of the middle school. Now coming to the end of my four years I’m excited to start my career. I chose UNC because the 14-month school counseling program will put me on a fast track to starting my adult life, and fully prepare me to be the best school counselor I can be!

Maria Mileti

Columbus, OH

I chose school counseling because it allows me to combine my passions of both education and mental health awareness to support students and help them grow into the best versions of themselves. I chose UNC for the unique accelerated pace and the tight knit cohort model.

Julia Norvid

Glen Ellyn, IL

I chose school counseling because it combines my passion for mental health advocacy and working with students. I knew UNC Chapel Hill was right for me because its program has a large emphasis on social justice and the strengths-based approach. I also liked the idea of being at a big school while still having close relationships from being in a cohort.

Bria Ooley

Bloomington, IN

I chose school counseling because I have a passion to help children understand their feelings and behaviors, grow from their experiences, prioritize their mental health, and feel supported during crucial stages in their lives. I am also very enthusiastic about increasing accessible mental health resources for the Spanish-speaking population, and schools are a great place to provide these resources. I chose UNC Chapel Hill because of the program’s emphasis on culturally competent practice in diverse schools. It was very important to me that I found a school that prioritized these aspects of treatment and had a staff member that could help guide me through treatment for the Spanish-speaking community.

Manuela Perdomo

Dacula, GA

I chose school counseling because of the experience I gained as a substitute teacher. I found that it was my dream to be able to not only assist my students with their academics, but to be an emotional pillar they could come to and count on at their school. Being a Latina student, I also wanted to ensure that I was advocating for all my students and their mental health no matter their background. This led me to choose UNC due to the program’s clear dedication and objectives that focus on both advocating for and working with diverse students and communities.

Victoria Plyler

Salisbury, NC

I chose school counseling because I want to help all students identify their strengths, access resources, and achieve their personal, social-emotional, and academic goals so that they can live healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives. Through school counseling, I hope to be an advocate and change agent in schools who forms meaningful connections with students and helps them find their voice. I chose UNC-Chapel Hill because of the program’s close-knit cohort model, the program’s focus on strengths-based counseling, and the opportunity to engage in a year-long school-based internship.

Grace Pottorff

Atlanta, GA

I decided to pursue a career in school counseling because I want to be the person students feel safe coming to with their problems and the person they are excited to talk to about their successes. I am passionate about helping students see their value and empowering students throughout their academic careers. I chose the School Counseling M.Ed. program at UNC because of the passionate and supportive professors, the tightly knit cohort model of study, and strengths-based counseling approach.

Marissa Spears

Orlando, FL

I chose school counseling to support the development of students by working with them to achieve academic and social success, provide the resources they might need, and encourage their future aspirations. I have always been passionate about youth development and building positive relationships with students. UNC Chapel Hill was the best school for me to pursue these passions because of their hands-on internship program which gives me the most experience working directly with students.

Cole Stanley

Hillsborough, NC

Before deciding to become a school counselor, I worked as a teacher here in Orange County. In that role, I realized the aspect of my job that brought me the most joy and fulfillment was working with kids to develop the skills they need to succeed and grow academically, socially and personally. Put simply, I think kids are awesome and I love helping them do awesome things! I am a double Tar Heel, having attended as an undergraduate, and I chose to apply to UNC a second time because this program has the reputation of producing counselors who create excellent and equitable counseling programs at their schools.

Joseph Ziegler

Chicago, IL

I chose school counseling to help prepare students for success. Throughout early development, students face all kinds of adversities and I want to give them the tools they need to come out on top. I chose UNC Chapel Hill because I believe that through the year-long internship alongside my course work, I can refine my counseling skills to better prepare me to reach my goals.