Why I Want to Become a Counselor Even Though I Speak Differently

My name is Ashley, and I was born with cerebral palsy. I am in a wheelchair and use a communication device to speak, but I don’t let these challenges get in the way of living life to the fullest. In fact, I am in college studying psychology, and I will graduate in December with my Bachelor’s degree.

A few years ago, I realized I had a dream of becoming a counselor. I knew I always wanted to help people, but I didn’t know how because of my disability. Some people who know I want to go into counseling question my ability because of my communication barrier. The way I see it, God made me this way because He knew I could enrich people’s lives by showing my determination and not letting my obstacles hold me back from what I want to do in life.

Over the past few months as I’ve been preparing for graduate school, I learned how challenging counseling will be, and there are some people who have doubted my capabilities. Since I’m human, I began to listen to those doubts, and wondered if I made the right decision to become a counselor. However, ever since I discovered the profession, it’s all I ever wanted to do. I know I am going to have a harder time in this career field, but what keeps me going is when people tell me I made an impact on their lives. I don’t know how it’s going to work out, but I will become a counselor, and I won’t let anyone stop me from turning my dream into reality.

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