Ashley M.

Ready to take the next step?

A.C. School Psychology Bilingual Extension, Class of 2020
M.S.Ed. School Psychologist, Class of 2019

I chose to attend Brooklyn College because I wanted to receive the “out of state” college experience while still being close to home. I went to Brooklyn College for undergrad and decided that this was the community that I have been a part of that I loved so dearly, so why change and start all over in a different community. Ultimately, I went to an information session where Jennifer Milan, the clinical coordinator of the School Psychology/ School Counseling MSED program, was presenting and she sold me on the idea of applying for the graduate program at Brooklyn College. Their emphasis on embracing my bilingualism and multicultural background as a strength and asset to the field is what led me to the decision to attend Brooklyn College.

When getting a degree from the Brooklyn College School Psychology, Counseling and Leadership department, you graduate with a specific reputation. This College as well as the department produces a quality of students that employers want. Graduating and receiving this degree has prepared me for success because of the emphasis on academics, interpersonal skills and need for social justice advocates. This degree has paved the way for many opportunities to impact and assist the youth of today by providing me with knowledge and passion to ensure social justice within which ever community I work in. My career plans after graduation is to be hired as a full-time Bilingual School Psychologist. After gaining one year of experience under my license I plan on applying for a Psychology Doctorate program and furthering my education in the field of clinical psychology.

The faculty and staff have been amazing during my time in the program, but one specific faculty member has become a mentor that will always hold a sacred place in my heart, Professor Eliza Dragowski. Professor Dragowski not only helps you become the best person you can be; she genuinely cares about each of her students. She assisted me with a personal medical obstacle that I thought would delay my chances of completing the program. She stepped up and became my advocate which allowed me to take care of my medical needs while not becoming overwhelmed with the academic demands of the program. I was able to complete the semester with the rest of my fellow cohort, while still ensuring a full recovery. This is something that is not a part of her job description but embodies everything it means to be a professor, and I will forever be thankful for her support.

What I believe makes this program unique is the dedication. They must not only provide you with knowledge but providing you with opportunity to self-reflect. This program places an emphasis on not only academics but personal growth. To me this is the key that allows you to go from a great School Psychologist to an exceptional one. When people hear that you graduated from the Brooklyn College School Psychology program there is this next level of quality that people expect, not only knowledge but interpersonal skills that other programs may not empathize.

I would describe the community atmosphere as familial. After your first semester in the program you will feel like you have been surrounded by your cohort and faculty members for years. This program creates such a nurturing environment while still challenging you intellectually. This program allows you to gain knowledge but also undergo major self-growth that will mold you into an amazing School Psychologist. They support you academically but also emotionally. The faculty create this impeccable atmosphere for open communication and assist you in any way they can to make sure you succeed.

In graduate school it is easy to get caught up in academics and program requirements so being involved in student life is something I highly recommend. Finding a club that can keep you connected to your program and is also fun is highly recommended. In my 2nd year of the program I joined G.A.S.P, the Graduate Association of School Psychologist. This club gave me the opportunity to work collaboratively with fellow students and work closely with staff to plan leisure and professional activities which allowed the cohort to bond outside of the classroom.

My advice for incoming graduate students in the School Psychology/ School Counseling program is to communicate, be organized and be self-motivated. Communicating with faculty and your fellow cohort will be a crucial element to your success in this field. Communicating not only assist with knowing exactly what’s going on in the program to succeed but to build a sense of community and family that will last even after graduation. Organization will allow you to minimize the feeling of being overwhelmed by the work load. By practicing this skill in graduate school, it will become a major asset in your career as a School Psychologist. Self-motivation is what I believe is needed to be successful. The program does a great job at preparing you for this career. It is up to you to utilize those skills given to you to prosper and thrive in this field by constantly wanting to know more and grow as a School Psychologist.