I graduated from Bladensburg Senior High School in 1983 and entered the United States Marine Corps. I served for seven years and once I was discharged, I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. In 2001, I enlisted in the United States Army National Guard where I served as a Military Policeman in the 29th Military Police Company. After serving a tour in Baghdad, Iraq with the 115th Military Police Battalion, I was honorably discharged in 2004.
Upon my return home I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After four years in treatment at the VA Medical Center in Baltimore, I became interested in helping my fellow veterans and applied for a job with the Way Station, Inc. in Baltimore. I worked as a Veterans Employment Specialist assisting veterans with career counseling, benefits, and employment services. While working at the Way Station, Inc. I decided I wanted to return to school to pursue a degree in psychology with a goal of someday becoming a Counseling Psychologist. With the assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation Program, I was able to attend Bowie State University where I earned my Bachelors of Science degree in psychology in 2013. Shortly after graduation, I returned to Bowie State University to pursue a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology.
While pursuing my graduate degree at Bowie State University I had the opportunity to take classes at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). I was so impressed with USG that I decided to return to the USG campus to complete more coursework in counseling psychology.
A few other reasons I chose to take additional classes at USG:
- I have been able to utilize resources that are not available on my home campus such as extended library hours and updated computer labs
- Course-sharing classes that allow me to complete credits towards obtaining a Certificate in Addictions Counseling
- Services now available to graduate and professional students, such as reserach help from the Center of Academic Success and resume help from the Career and Internship Services Center
After I complete my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, I would like to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology and start a private practice in counseling, as well as become a professor in higher education.