Why I chose Loyola's Master's in School Counseling program

Brenna LaRose, a Baltimore, Md. Native, graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelor’s in family sciences and a double minor in psychology and human development. In 2015 LaRose received her Master’s in School Counseling at Loyola University Maryland. For the past five years, LaRose has been a school counselor at St. Paul’s School for Girls.

What were you doing professionally before you enrolled in Loyola’s school counseling program? 

After college, I started working at an investment firm in Baltimore City. I stayed at that job for five years and was able to save money to attend graduate school. Working at an investment firm may seem completely unrelated to my pursuit as a school counselor, but it helped me grow both professionally and personally. Professionally, I learned a great deal about interacting in a work environment, client service and management, as well as the importance of health and wellness in the workplace, which I feel all contributed to my strengths as a school counselor. Personally, it made me feel more ready than ever to return to school and solidified that counseling was the right career path for me.

What inspired you to pursue a career in school counseling? 

I have had a lifelong interest in health and wellness. Growing up as an athlete, I learned that mental health is just as important as physical health. I gained a lot of self-awareness as an athlete, whether it had to do with confidence from winning a game or anxiety from a difficult practice.

Why did you choose Loyola? 

I chose Loyola because it has a strong, accredited school counseling program with a great reputation. Many of my counseling supervisors and mentors who I have worked with over the past seven years are Loyola graduates and have felt they received a solid educational foundation while attending Loyola.

How did Loyola’s school counseling program help you in your career?

Many of my professors, including Dr. Jenn Watkinson, have remained my close contacts. After receiving my Master’s in School Counseling, I continued my education at Loyola in pursuit for my Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I could not have earned my license without the guidance and support from Dr. Watkinson and the continuing education course offerings at Loyola.

In the future, LaRose would like to use the skills she’s acquired through her education and experience to work in private practice with children and adolescents.

Interested in being a student in Loyola’s Master’s in School Counseling program? Learn more about the admission process and how to apply.