Carlos A. Torres

Student

Hi everyone,

      I am a Mercy College student attempting to achieve a Mental Health/Counseling degree simply because I am a driven individual with a huge passion to help others overcome their stumbling blocks in the physical realm, or any psychological aspect, that may need professional attention. (I must include that my original occupation of choice is psychology and somehow, following others advices, I am doing mental health, but I have resolved to change my major from counseling/mental health to psychology, soon). I was raised by a Christian mother who taught me good principles about humanity, my fellow man, and my responsibility for those in need of help. I was raised in a poor community where neighbors get to share almost everything as an act of loving care for the next person. Although I have experienced difficulties during my own personal development, my mother's teaching never departed from my personality. After a few years away from school I decided to come back to finish my dreamed degree.

     In reference to areas of interest within my academical journey, psychology has always been my passion. In all reality, my plans were to go for a Psychology degree, and after a thorough investigation I found out that with a Counseling degree in Mental Health, I can serve within my communities, in the same manner I would with a Psychology degree. Simply, I love been there for others when, they most need an attentive ear, and an emphatic approach with a non-judgmental attitude. Why do I feel the need to help others is attached to my personal experience during times of needing an "open ear."  Although I feel very optimistic about achieving my goal, after passing my first level in the counseling program, I have experienced that it takes a lot of work, with a lot of material to read/learn from, and assignments to do. 

     To conclude, taking and passing the CPCE is a very important step towards achieving my goal. Although I decided and made a little change in my journey and goal, it was necessary due to the fact that as an adult student taking the shorter route works for me well at this present time. Helping others became a learned behavior and guided me to make the choice to come to school to become a certified helper. Although having witnessed that to achieve a degree in counseling takes a lot of work, the challenge has made me stronger and wiser. The CPCE is a very important commitment that requires hard work in order to keep up with the study schedule. I would try my best to stay up to date with every study material, and this way when I pick the exam date it is because I will be ready for it. Thank you all.

Truly,

Carlos Torres