As an old African proverb wisely states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I have grown to apply this proverb to my counseling approach with students. I believe that it takes a network of caring and supportive individuals to help children and young adults identify their potential and ability to define their own idea of success and happiness. I am genuinely passionate about dedicating my life’s work to being a positive force in the lives of others, while encouraging the development and collaboration of holistic support systems.My educational experiences have contributed to my need to examine the multi-dimensional and multi-systemic influences that contribute to people’s thoughts, belief systems, and behaviors. More so, how these influences can be understood and examined to provide students with the resources they need and to help them develop a sense of self-efficacy. My experiences in Johns Hopkins University's School Counseling Fellows Program were pivotal in preparing me to be a leader within the educational system and advocate for my students.My past volunteer, work, and personal experiences have shaped the way I approach a counseling relationship today and the kind of techniques I am drawn to. I have nine years of full-time experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in some capacity, whether it was with primary or high school students, students in community college or at a university, or teenagers in a transitional living home. Each experience has taught me many valuable lessons that I apply to empowering, encouraging and supporting students on a daily basis.