Roland Jennings
General background
I started undergrad at West Virginia University and really enjoyed the feel of a large school. I quickly realized that if I was planning to go to graduate school, then I ought to be more responsible financially. So instead of continuing to pay out of state tuition I decided to transfer to Salisbury University. I finished my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and went straight into the Master of Social Work program.
Why did you want to be a counselor?
Initially, I was on track to become an engineer, but quickly realized math and I do not get along very well. I took an AP Psychology class in High School and I became fascinated with the study of human behavior.
What is your favorite self-care activity?
I love running, but after developing a chronic injury that prevented me from running as much as I would have liked, I began searching for new ways for self-care. This search eventually led me to meditation. I find that meditation allows me to feel more centered and less reactive to what鈥檚 happening around me. I enjoy attending meditation retreats as well as spending time in nature, whether it鈥檚 simply cutting the grass or going for a rewarding hike in a previously unexplored location.
What is your best piece of advice for students who are struggling to reach out for help?
Often taking the first step is the hardest. Distraction and avoidance are very effective at coping with stressors. The problem is when distraction and avoidance become the problem 鈥� nothing ever gets solved and simply piles up over time. My suggestion would be to seek assistance before you鈥檙e to the 鈥渂reaking point,鈥� because it鈥檚 much easier to work through things before you鈥檙e feeling completely overwhelmed. I recently read a article that suggested that people who tend to be more successful are those that know when to ask for help, and then actually ask for help. None of us can do it alone