I am a recent graduate of Bridgewater State University class of 2011. I successfully completed the School Counseling program.
I chose to complete my graduate program by creating this capstone portfolio project which is a culmination of some of my best work throughout the program. It serves as proof of the accomplishments that I achieved and shows my personal growth, where I've been, where I'm at and where I am planning to go in the counseling profession.
Being a career changer I find my transferable skills to be valuable, effective and respected especially now in an exciting time of new technology, diversity and expanding opportunities. Additionally, these skills along with the attitudes of leadership, advocacy and collaboration, which lead to systemic change, are concepts of the ASCA National model and the foundation to my participation in an effective school counseling program.
In working with students and having four children of my own, two of them college graduates, I understand the challenges they face at every developmental stage. I plan to guide students to be successful in whatever they desire. I believe that every child has an equal right to an excellent education regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, physical abilities and socioeconomic status.
I have committed my life to advocate for children and adolescents. I will empower students to assess their abilities and interests so they can develop appropriate academic, social/personal and career goals to be successful. Additionally, in my mission to support students, I plan to guide and educate them on their own path in and outside of school that prepares them to become productive, well adjusted adults that will contribute to society in a positive way.
LaTonia A. Pettie-Simpkins