On Wednesday, August 15th, 2018 I landed at Logan International Airport with two suitcases and a purse. The past fourteen years of my life in sunny California, were uprooted, stuffed into luggage, then launched across the United States, courtesy of American Airlines. I initially felt a lot of anxiety surrounding my transition into life at HGSE, especially as a member of an underrepresented group; however, I entered my program with an open mind and the expectation that I would have to get comfortable being uncomfortable this year. I had no idea that choosing PSP would make the goal of expanding beyond the realms of my comfort zone such a reality; the nature of the Prevention Science and Practice/CAS in Counseling Program and its students helps set the stage for this type of growth to occur.
PSP appeals to individuals who share a passion for supporting K-12 students academically and socio-emotionally, both in school settings and community organizations. During the program, students design an intervention plan that addresses the ways in which risk and protective factors impact child and adolescent development. Applicants can choose from three strands to investigate these factors: prevention research, prevention practice, or counseling. Since we are all invested in mental health and wellness, it comes as no surprise that we take steps to create a strong support system amongst ourselves. One community circle during orientation started it all.
PSP is one of the only programs at HGSE that holds a two day pre-orientation before our school wide orientation (hence why I arrived so early to Cambridge). Considering the fact that my cohort members and I were all complete strangers twenty-four hours prior to our community circle, I do not think that any of us could have expected that we would feel safe opening up and sharing personal stories with one another. Once you share tears with people, you are pretty much linked for life! That evening, we took the T to Sacco’s Bowl Haven in Davis Square for candlepin bowling, stove oven pizza, and more bonding time. While it was a little awkward for me as an introvert to push through so much small talk, I am proud of myself and us as a whole for at least trying to get to know one another, despite how differently we self-identify. Since bowling, we have organized a cohort potluck as well as a happy hour in the Square.
In keeping with the trend of tasty food and lively conversation, we launched the first of our monthly PSPizza gatherings last Tuesday in Kohlberg Lounge. PSPizza serves as a space for cohort members to take a quick break in between classes, socialize with friends they may not get to see regularly, and eat some delicious -and free- food. As PSP is the only Ed.M. program that offers a second year exclusively to counseling students, it also gives first year students the opportunity to talk to second year students about their practicum sites. All in all, the PSP community works to create spaces that allow students to feel more welcome at HGSE.
As the days become colder and the sun sets earlier, we find warmth and comfort in connection. If you’re looking for positive vibes at HGSE, simply look for someone in PSP. We definitely put the “hug” in HGSE!
Blog written by Naj Turner. Photo provided by Naj Turner.
Hey, I’m Naj! I’m in the Prevention Science and Practice Program- Elementary School Counseling track. I came to HGSE from Los Angeles, CA, but I’m a native of Freeport, IL by way of Marietta, GA. I graduated from UCLA in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and two minors in Education and Afrikan American Studies. Before HGSE, I served as a youth advocate through mentorship programs and access projects targeted towards inner city high school students. I love to write creative journals and listen to music in my spare time. In the future, I hope to direct films that raise awareness for mental health in K-12 schools as well as become an amazing elementary school adjustment counselor.
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