When Becky Sands
walked across the stage and received her bachelor’s degree, she knew her next
step would be a master’s in counseling. She had earned her B.A. in psychology
and sociology at Huntington University, but a class with Dr. Jerry Davis is
what truly uncovered her passion and desire for a career in counseling.
“Dr. Davis
emphasized HU having a program that provides an extensive range of theoretical
training while integrating the Christian faith perspective,” Sands said.
“Finding a program that prepared me to intertwine my faith into my future
career was an important factor in deciding where to continue my education.”
Having
professors take a special interest in the students’ success was also integral
in the decision making process for Sands. She knew at times larger universities
struggled with providing the personalized touch HU’s faculty strive to offer. “I
knew the professors at HU would be investing their time and energy into
advancing my future counseling career.”
Sands
was tempted to go to school in her home state of Pennsylvania but reconsidered
when she learned that Indiana has some of the strictest requirements for
licensure. “Choosing
Huntington University provided a mobility and flexibility that was a huge
aspect of my choice,” said Sands. “If I ever needed to move for my future
endeavors, the process would be easier because of the higher requirements in
Indiana.”
Since
graduating, Sands has worked part time as a home-based supervisor at the Youth
Services Bureau in Huntington, Ind., and at Wieland and Associates in Fort
Wayne, Ind., as a mental health counselor and psychological testing technician.
“The
exposure provided through the on campus counseling center provides
irreplaceable preparation for the tragic stories that walk through your door
every day,” said Sands. “The Lifespring Counseling Center provided the
opportunity to practice the skills I learned in the classroom and apply them to
real-life situations.”
Huntington’s
graduate counseling program seemed to be a perfect fit for Sands. “I love that
the degree I earned at Huntington University has prepared me for a variety of
jobs in the counseling field.”