Certified Rehab Counselor Essay

Growing up with an older sister with disabilities I have personally witnessed the struggles that she faces in her daily life. My sister struggles to walk and has many physical and mental impairments that make it difficult for her to sustain a job. As a result she has experienced depression and a sense of hopelessness because of her limitations. I know that becoming a Certified Rehab Counselor (CRC) would allow me to learn how to help individuals like my sister cope with the effects of their disabilities.
Seeing firsthand the limitations that my sister has and the profound impact that disabilities have had in her life, have played a major role in my decision to pursue this prestigious program. Living with a person with disabilities has demonstrated

to me the need for Certified Rehab Counselors in our community. As a result, I feel I have special connection with this program and I understand the qualities that one requires to be an effective Rehab Counselor. I am a good fit for this program because helping people is something I have a great passion for.

Learning from my sister’s struggles I have seen the compassion and support they need so they can overcome their situation, becoming a Certified Rehab Counselor would allow me to learn the proper strategies and expertise to practice something I have always wanted to do.
If accepted into the Rehabilitation Counseling program I would like to conduct my own research. From my undergraduate experience in learning from wonderful professors such as Dr. Amy Weimer and Dr. Liza Talavera I learned that by doing research one learns a deeper appreciation for the discipline. This is why I would love to conduct my own research because it would allow me to develop a better understanding for the discipline itself. I would like to focus my research in how employment opportunities help people with disabilities self-esteem. If perhaps this enhances their overall well-being, such as health improvements. I would like to work with Dr. Rene Gonzalez as some of his research interests are in employment outcomes for people with disabilities, which could really help me get some insight into my particular area of interest. Being part of an internship would be an opportunity that I would like to have. Perhaps I could gain

experience from a health care setting or volunteer in recreational facilities. Getting an internship opportunity in the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) would be great way for me to gain hands on experience into the process of helping families and children improve their quality of life. Learning from and being mentored by this faculty in Rehabilitation Counseling program will prepare me well to be successful in our community. If given this opportunity I plan to graduate in a timely fashion and take the CRCC examination to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. However, I do plan to return to The University of Rio-Grande Valley to further my education and earn a PH.D in Rehabilitation Counseling. My long term goals are to continue to do research in the field learning more about effective ways to help people with disabilities. I would like to write a book as well on awareness on struggles that people with disabilities face in their daily lives. Many do not understand people who have difficulty time adjusting to their new life style because of a disability. By publishing a book, I feel can change people’s perspective on this matter. I would like to be employed here in the Rio Grande-Valley perhaps working for Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services helping our local community.
This is why I ask for your consideration in giving me an opportunity to continue to flourish my educational career. This profession is something I strive to be everyday. I know I have the skills to succeed in this field. If you give me this chance you will accept a student who will excel your expectations and will make this prominent program very proud.