Graduate Program: MS in Counseling and College Student Personnel (CSP)
Shenley Diaz is an admission counselor at California Lutheran University, and she expects to graduate from her master’s program in May 2024.
Why did you decide to pursue an MS in Counseling?
I identify myself as a first-generation, low-income, and student with a learning disability. Having these identities has made my college experience more difficult yet I felt the need to break through the barrier that I was faced with. I have acquired so much knowledge of the undergraduate and graduate system I would love to continue to pay it forward to current or incoming students in similar situations. Pursuing an M.S. degree in counseling is allowing me to achieve this goal. I do not want to gatekeep any information I have acquired about the education system. I know how difficult it is to apply to college, seek financial resources, and find support systems.
Why did you choose Cal Lutheran’s program?
I wanted to be surrounded by culturally proficient professors who would challenge my way of thinking to become a more well-rounded person.
During my admission Interview for the graduate program, Dr. Tillapaugh showed interest not only in my academics but also in my physical and mental health. This truly meant the world to me and solidified my decision to commit to the program.
I also had a mentor who was a professor at Cal Lutheran who highly recommended that I apply to Cal Lutheran.
What types of support and resources are helping you complete your program?
Without a doubt, the faculty and staff at Cal Lutheran have been my biggest support system! Many of them serve as my mentors and believe in my capabilities even if I cannot see them myself. This is the reason that I am passionate about helping students succeed in higher education.
How does the program help you achieve your goals?
As I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in college counseling, the program continuously pushes me to pursue cultural proficiency. I use my acquired knowledge and skills to be culturally sensitive and welcoming towards different ethnicities, religions, genders, gender identities, social classes, mental and physical abilities, faiths, and spiritualities.
Also, the program has provided me with tools how to be open to new perspectives and insights of others to support diversity, equity, and inclusion work at Cal Lutheran.