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Sarah Bachert , '25

Sarah Bachert portrait

How far along in the program are you and what is your work experience?

I am about to finish my second year in the program -- completing practicum now and looking into an internship for the fall. My anticipated graduation date is December 2025. 

I'm working as a graduate assistant for Dr. (Kevin) Wilkerson and the Counseling and Human Services Department, and also as a barista at Starbucks.

What factors led you to choose Scranton for your master's degree?

I transferred here my sophomore year in undergrad and changed my major to psychology. Once I learned about the CHS minor, I picked that up! I loved the minor and all the courses I took through that, so I quickly changed my graduate school plan from school psychology to school counseling. I interviewed with Dr. Wilkerson and learned about the amazing counselor training center and the opportunities to be a graduate assistant, so once I got my acceptance, there was no question if I would be staying or not. Knowing some of the graduate professors from some of my undergrad courses also lead me to knowing this would be a great program with caring professors who valued my future career!!

What are some of your favorite aspects of the program? 

I love the hands-on experiences and course work. We had to complete an advocacy project during a Professional Issues course, which allowed me to get more involved in the community. I also just love the professors, and the knowledge and experiences they share with us every single day makes us all better future counselors and people in general.

How has the program prepared you for your future profession so far?

Although I am going into school counseling, I also feel that I have extensive training and knowledge to attain licensure in addition to working in a school. The counseling skills course has prepared me with useful skills and knowledge for becoming an empathetic and thoughtful counselor. Within my practicum experience, I am learning what it is like to have a case load and clients who I meet with every week. Every client is so different in their own way and has given the opportunity to learn and grow as a counselor! 

What would you like a prospective student to know about this program?

They should know how caring the professors and staff on the counselor floor are. Whether you go here for undergrad or are starting here fresh, the professors are so welcoming and want you to be here. They are understanding of all our lives and work with you to complete this degree at whatever pace you feel is comfortable.

Favorite moment or memory from the program so far?

One of my favorite parts about this program is being a graduate assistant on the CHS floor. This opportunity has allowed me to become so close with other graduate students in addition to the professors and staff on this floor. Being a GA has allowed me to work on THIS school counseling webpage and also sit on the school counselor search committee, which are two experiences I did not anticipate, but value now that they have happened.

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