Monica Harps-Wilson
National Counseling Group
Norfolk, VA USA
"Go for what you know and what you have set your heart to. Do not allow others to discourage you."
Career Roadmap
Monica's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Education, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Booker T. Washington
Bachelor's Degree
Criminal Justice/Sociology
Old Dominion University
Graduate Degree
Human Services Counseling
Regent University
Certification
A.A.S. Paralegal Studies/Legal Administration
Tidewater Community College
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a School Based Mental Health Professional:
Bachelor's Degree: Counseling Psychology
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
2007 Gave birth to my son (@ 36)
2.
2009 Went back to school (@ 39)
3.
2017 Went to grad school (@ 46)
4.
Finished grad school (@ 49)
5.
Beat clinical depression (Ongoing since 1998)
6.
Attempted suicide "survivor"
7.
Finished ODU (started in 1988, finished in 2003)
8.
Still striving currently...
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
(Self-defeating talk): grad school is expensive, don't do it You already have two degrees that have not benefitted you, why go back to school AGAIN?!!! (From others): You're in school, AGAIN??!!
How I responded:
Just go for what you know and what you have set YOUR heart to. Do not allow others to discourage you, (mine came in the form of a parent even). Stick with your gut!! Do not allow SELF to get in the way. Seek help, support, resources, mentors, etc.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Financial in the form of having to get student loans, which I now may NEVER pay back in full while I am alive. Not making enough money to support my child and myself.
Seek help from a therapist, school resources, your church and GOD!!!