As the Fall 2023 semester ends, the weather outside isn’t as frightful as one may think for this time of year. With only a dusting of snow on the ground and temps consistently staying in the mid-30’s to low 40’s, and more sunny days than usual, the MSU campus has quieted down while students travel back to their respective homes, and the holiday break is upon us.
While all is quiet for now, the fall semester was certainly all hustle and bustle as usual around campus. The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities was no exception to the busyness and was honored to have two practicum students—Heerak Choi and Sydney Kroll—be a part of our team to help continue RCPD’s mission of maximizing ability and opportunities for all MSU students.
Each of these graduate students shined within their respective practicum roles and through their efforts, they each gained more experience and left with appreciation and gratitude for the opportunities to serve MSU students. Read on to learn more about their role and time spent with RCPD:
HEERAK CHOI; BOND PROGRAM
Q: What was your undergraduate degree in?
I obtained my bachelor's degree in Counseling Psychology and Social Work and master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. I am currently pursuing my doctoral degree in Rehabilitation Counselor Education at MSU.
Q: Explain what your practicum work was about. What were your goals?
I have been involved in the BOND (Building Opportunities for Networking and Discovery) program at RCPD working with undergraduate students with autism spectrum disorders. My goal was to help students academically and socially thrive in the campus environment.
Q: What did you enjoy most about working with RCPD?
I enjoyed meeting students individually, participating in social events, and collaborating with staff at RCPD. Specifically, I felt rewarded and fulfilled when I witnessed students' academic and social growth throughout the semester.
Q: What has been the most important thing you have learned while working here?
I learned and experienced that one size does not fit all for everyone. All the students whom I have been working with performed at different levels academically and socially and their needs were unique. I had to create a personalized plan to provide students with their need-specific support. For example, one student needed more support in his/her classes, and another student needed more support in the social aspect of his/her life.
Q: What will you take with you from this experience?
One takeaway that I will carry from this experience is the attitude to honor each student's unique profile. At every moment that I meet with a new client, I will remember he/she/they come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and needs and meet where they are.
Q: What are your future plans?
I will graduate next year, 2024, and plan to stay in academia while actively involved in practice working with students.
SYDNEY KROLL; ABILITY ACCESS SPECIALIST – TEMPORARY CONDITIONS
Q: What was your undergraduate degree in?
I received my undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in writing from Alma College.
Q: Explain what your practicum work was about. What were your goals?
Throughout my practicum, in collaboration with and the guidance of specialists, I primarily worked in supporting students with temporary or new conditions, as well as aiding students who were seeking out additional resources or accommodations. My goal was to help students achieve more equitable opportunities in their education and employment.
Q: What did you enjoy most about working with RCPD?
I have enjoyed my experience here at RCPD, and one aspect that I enjoyed was interacting and collaborating with everyone here. Everyone has been very supportive, and I have learned a lot from them.
Q: What has been the most important thing you have learned while working here?
Throughout my experience here, I have learned a lot that will help in the future. One specific thing that I learned was that every student and every situation is different, and their perspectives and needs are all shaped by their unique experiences, backgrounds and more, and this shapes how you can help and interact with them.
Q: What will you take with you from this experience?
The impact, helpfulness, and support of being able and knowing how to consult with everyone, as others may have suggestions and experience that you could learn from and may help you in each situation. On top of this, the knowledge, skills, and experiences I have gained from my time here, as these will help shape and improve my future in the rehabilitation counseling field.
Q: What are your future plans?
My future plans involve completing an internship experience working for the State of Michigan, and to continue to grow and learn more about rehabilitation counseling through the rest of my program and beyond, based off my experiences and all I have learned so far.