Hi, I'm Ashley Lore and I'm a graduate student at Appalachian State University in the Professional School Counseling program! :)My early personal circumstances and experience as a first-generation college student taught me the importance of understanding and rooted within me a passion for helping others, especially throughout their educational and personal journeys. This passion has driven me towards many amazing opportunities and helped guide not only my career and professional choices, but also the actions and decisions I make each day. Some highlights of my professional experience include my work as a Front Desk Assistant Manager throughout the majority of my undergraduate career, which instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and showed me the importance of not only being a good leader, but allowing others the chance to lead by being a good follower. The non-profit organization with which I interned in undergrad showed me what working in school systems and giving back to the community is truly like, outside of the college setting. By creating resources and advertising and initiating events and projects, I was able to help bring thousands of middle and high school students one step closer to college. Finally, I've worked in multiple roles with two closely connected programs that support first-generation and low-income college students towards success. My work in these programs, from being a social media intern during freshman year to now working as a Graduate Assistant as mentor and academic coach, has allowed me to give back to students and programs that helped me find community at App State, while giving me the opportunity to develop counseling and leadership skills. I recently graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.A in Psychology and a B.A. in Spanish & Hispanic Studies, as well as a minor in Gender, Women's, & Sexuality Studies. With the knowledge gained from these experiences, I plan to use my understanding of Spanish language and culture alongside my passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion as a tool for connection with my future students. This experience, alongside the counseling knowledge and practice I'll gain in my graduate program, makes me eager to begin my future as a high school counselor. You can contact me anytime by emailing loreal@appstate.edu!