Alexis Gleason, a 2015 Bethany graduate, is an M.A. Counseling Psychology student at Bethel University.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU • • • I love to see people grow and take charge of their own lives and happiness. It is fulfilling to help others grow in all areas of their lives to find peace and acceptance.
HOW YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE • • • Once I complete a M.A. I plan to go on for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Ultimately, I would like to do a combination of counseling and teaching at the college level.
HOW BETHANY HAS PREPARED YOU • • • The Bethany faculty are amazing; they genuinely care about their students and want to see them succeed. Not only do faculty members take the time to learn more about their students, but they also invest time into them, by making sure that the students are doing everything they can and should be doing to achieve their personal, academic, and spiritual goals. Even though I graduated a few years ago, I still remain in contact with a few faculty members and they are still genuinely interested in my life.
Academically, I was challenged at Bethany. As a student I worked very hard and was held to a high standard. At the time it was very stressful. Today, as a graduate student, I am so thankful for the academic rigor of the Bethany psychology program because I am more than prepared for the course work that graduate school requires.
I traveled to China in 2016, as an alumna! I graduated fall 2015 and traveling to China with Dr. Wosmek a few months later, was the perfect way to end my Bethany experience. The trip was totally outside of my comfort zone and taught me to not only appreciate the Chinese culture, but also American Culture.
I interned with a group of Chinese international students from United International College and I served as a teachers assistant and a residence assistant. This experience challenged me to be aware of my own actions when working with others from a culture very different than my own.
I participated in the “I’m Called” research project with Dr. Wosmek. As a graduate student, this research experience has set me apart from other students. Professionals enjoy hearing about research, especially original research, and they respect individuals who can dedicate themselves to a research project.
WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST • • • The people. The faculty and staff are genuinely caring and kind. Not only do faculty and staff care about your academic achievement, they care about you spiritually, which is a unique aspect of Bethany.
ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS • • • Take advantage of every opportunity. Apply for internships, take hard courses, do research projects, join a club. Although it seems like a lot of unnecessary work those are the things that you will miss the most and prepare you for life after Bethany. The four years you spend at Bethany will go so fast, enjoy every second of it and take advantage of every opportunity