Luis Angel Rojas
M.Ed. in School Counseling
School Psychology and Counselor Education
- 2024, William & Mary, Master of Education, School Counseling
- 2020, Universidad de Alcalá, Master of Arts in International Education
- 2013, Syracuse University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
What kind of educational and professional experiences did you have prior to beginning this degree?
Prior to beginning my current degree in Counseling at William & Mary, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Syracuse University, where I specialized in Psychology and minored in Art Photography. I also hold an M.A. in International Education from the Universidad de Alcalá (Madrid, Spain). I have completed post-graduate specialist degrees in Methodology and Innovative Pedagogical Proposals at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Madrid, Spain).
As a student pursuing a master's degree in School Counseling, why did you choose this field?
I chose the field of counseling because I am passionate about empowering individuals through enlightening knowledge, essential life skills, mental health wellness, and social justice. My holistic approach to education aims to foster self-discovery, personal growth, and social responsibility, with the ultimate goal of making a lasting impact in the lives and institutions I serve.
What do you hope to be doing after graduation? In 10 or 15 years?
After graduation, my plan is to continue working in the field of mental health, with aspirations of being a counselor at an international school or university. Additionally, I aim to establish a practice where I can offer clinical mental health therapy services. Lastly, I am contemplating conducting research and undergoing a Ph.D. program possibly focusing on contributing to various fields, but most importantly empowering underrepresented populations by connecting mental health, education, and artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Why did you choose William & Mary and specifically your degree program? What sets this degree program apart from those offered at other colleges?
I chose to study at William & Mary from abroad instead of attending a local school in Madrid, Spain, because of its prestigious reputation as a "Public Ivy" and the unique opportunities offered by its hybrid graduate program in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling. The program's CACREP accreditation ensures the highest standards of classroom and clinical instruction, setting it apart from other colleges. The quality of peers, faculty, and staff at William & Mary is exceptional, providing a supportive and collaborative learning environment that I knew would greatly enhance my educational experience. Additionally, the comprehensive curriculum, which combines diverse theoretical perspectives with practical applications, is designed to prepare students to become licensed professional counselors. The flexibility of the program, with both online and on-campus options, allows me to tailor my education to fit my needs, while the focus on social justice within the curriculum resonates with my personal and professional values. All these factors combined made William & Mary the ideal choice for me, even if it meant studying from abroad.
What has been the most influential experience you've had so far in your program?
The most influential experience I had during my program was my time as a Social Justice and Diversity Fellow at William & Mary. This fellowship program is designed to equip students with the necessary tools to address issues of inequity in academia, their professions, and their daily lives. As a fellow, I had the opportunity to collaborate with other graduate students from different disciplines, providing a unique interdisciplinary approach to tackling social justice issues. The rigorous research skills, writing improvement, and exposure to the submission and editorial processes that the fellowship offered were invaluable to my academic and professional development. The mentorship and support from faculty, along with the opportunity to engage in meaningful research that can challenge oppressive systems and uplift marginalized identities, significantly influenced my journey in the program.
In addition to the unique opportunities provided by programs like the Social Justice and Diversity Fellowship, the School of Education at William & Mary offers a range of degree programs that are designed to meet the diverse needs of its students. The school is committed to preparing educators, counselors, and leaders who can make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. The faculty at the School of Education are leaders in their respective fields, and they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. The school also offers a variety of resources and support services to help students succeed academically and professionally. With its strong commitment to research, social justice, and community engagement, the School of Education at William & Mary is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a difference in the field of education.
