by Alexander Jasion, ’17, B.A. Psychology, '20, M.S. Clinical Professional Counseling
Nearly 5 years ago, I opened my acceptance letter to Loyola University Maryland. It was a cold March day, and I remember standing dumbfounded as I had been accepted to the school of my dreams. I looked forward to beginning this journey, but the prospect of deciding what I wanted to do for the rest of my life was daunting. I had no idea what I wanted to do. I considered becoming an accountant, like my dad and uncle, and I enjoyed my high school psychology class. I thought the latter was more interesting, so I decided to give it a try. Ever since my first class on campus, I knew I made the right choice. Every professor was so passionate about their respective studies in psychology. I was exposed to countless schools of thought and given a strong foundation of knowledge that I use every day in my graduate studies. Two of my favorites, Dr. Marianna Carlucci and Dr. Samantha Rukert, held such compelling lectures that I found myself reflecting and doing research outside of class. The faculty and staff in the psychology department are incredibly passionate and show a genuine desire to help students succeed.
When I graduated in the Spring of 2017, I once again found myself unsure of my future. I was not sure if I wanted to commit to more school or to find a job like many of my peers. Unable to decide, I took a job in the financial industry about a year ago as a data analyst. As I worked, I began to realize that furthering my psychology education and becoming a clinician was the path I wanted to follow. I knew of Loyola’s reputation, so I applied to their program.
Being a Clinical Professional Counseling master’s student at Loyola has been a different experience than my undergraduate studies. The papers are longer, chapters are denser, and the material is more demanding. Being surrounded by other students who share my passion and have a desire to help others is worth the effort. I am still in first semester of the program, but I could not be happier with the decision that I made to return to Loyola.
At both eighteen and twenty-three, I turned to Loyola University Maryland. When I was unsure and more sure than I had ever been. I know it can provide the same environment and care to incoming undergraduates.