Graduate Student Triumph: Sarah Thompson’s Journey to Success
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Sarah Thompson, a dedicated fourth-year doctoral student in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology at Marquette University, has recently been awarded the prestigious Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship. This distinguished award recognizes talented doctoral students who show immense potential to become socially responsible leaders both within the Marquette community and beyond. Sarah is one of only seven students to receive the fellowship this year, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey.
Her research, which explores how parents can offer social support to their children who have experienced bullying, is not only groundbreaking but is poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of counseling psychology. Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, leadership, and dedication, all qualities that have propelled her to achieve such an esteemed honor.
Research Focus: The Power of Social Support in Overcoming Bullying
Sarah Thompson’s doctoral research is a qualitative study focused on the crucial role of social support provided by parents to children who have been victims of bullying. Bullying is an issue that affects children and adolescents across the globe, and the long-term emotional and psychological effects can be devastating. Social support, particularly from family, has been identified as a powerful intervention that can protect against these harmful effects. However, Sarah’s research aims to delve deeper into how parents can effectively provide this support, and the barriers that often prevent them from doing so.
Motivation Behind the Research: Conversations with School Social Workers
Sarah’s motivation for pursuing this topic comes from her own experiences and conversations with school social workers. During her interactions with professionals in the field, she learned about the many obstacles that children face in obtaining the support they need after being bullied. Many of these barriers are related to a lack of resources, inadequate school systems, and difficulties in communication between parents and schools. Sarah realized that there was a gap in understanding how parents can be better equipped to support their children through these traumatic experiences.
By focusing on the role of parents, Sarah’s research aims to bridge this gap and provide practical strategies that families can use to support their children. She believes that by helping parents navigate the complexities of bullying and its aftermath, her work can foster stronger family bonds and, ultimately, promote better mental health and well-being for children who have been victimized.
Schmitt Fellowship: A Recognition of Leadership and Promise
Receiving the Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship is a significant achievement for Sarah. The fellowship is awarded to doctoral students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, scholarship, and a commitment to contributing to their community. It offers recipients an opportunity to focus on their research while continuing to develop their leadership skills through specialized programs, discussions, and collaborative projects.
Sarah was nominated for the fellowship by her faculty members in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology in recognition of her diverse leadership experiences, both within the university and in the broader community. She has actively contributed to the department in a variety of ways, including coordinating student involvement during interview days, mentoring new students, and participating in curriculum reviews through the department’s racial justice committee.
In addition to her contributions within Marquette, Sarah has also been involved in several leadership roles outside of the university. She has collaborated with the Wisconsin Psychological Association in strategic planning and attended a national leadership conference. These experiences have helped Sarah develop the skills necessary to become a leader in the field of counseling psychology.
The Importance of Leadership: A Personal Reflection
Sarah reflects on her time as a Schmitt Fellow, saying, “The award has given me the opportunity to focus on my graduate research projects while also helping me develop as a leader. It’s a privilege to be part of a community that is committed to fostering growth and social responsibility.”
For Sarah, the fellowship is not just about academic recognition—it’s also an opportunity to continue building her leadership abilities. As a Schmitt Fellow, she has participated in discussions and readings designed to help fellows become strong leaders. The fellowship also includes a group project, where fellows work together to contribute to the Marquette community. These experiences have not only enriched Sarah’s academic journey but have also allowed her to form important professional connections with other like-minded individuals.
Advice for Future Schmitt Fellows: Seize Every Opportunity
Sarah’s advice to other students who are interested in pursuing the Schmitt Fellowship is to embrace opportunities whenever they arise. “Say ‘yes’ to opportunities that present themselves,” she advises. “You never know where it might lead. Saying ‘yes’ allows you to take on new responsibilities, make an impact on your community, and develop connections that will help you professionally.”
Sarah’s own journey is a perfect example of how saying “yes” to new opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth. Throughout her time at Marquette, she has consistently taken on leadership roles, contributed to her community, and actively sought ways to improve the lives of others. This proactive approach has not only helped her achieve academic success but has also earned her the recognition she deserves.
Beyond Research: Sarah’s Commitment to Community Engagement
In addition to her academic and leadership pursuits, Sarah Thompson is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She serves as an election worker, ensuring that local elections run smoothly and fairly. Additionally, Sarah is an active member of several grassroots organizations that focus on creating an equitable and just democracy, such as Wisconsin PERSISTers and Supermarket Legends of Milwaukee. These organizations aim to address systemic issues and provide support to marginalized communities.
Sarah’s involvement in these groups reflects her belief in the importance of social justice and advocacy. She is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to create positive change in society. By participating in these organizations, Sarah is not only contributing to her community but also developing valuable leadership skills that will serve her well in her future career as a counselor and social change advocate.
Balancing Work and Life: A Well-Rounded Approach
Despite the demands of her doctoral program, Sarah values the importance of balance in her life. When she’s not conducting research, attending conferences, or engaging in community work, she enjoys spending time with her family. Sarah finds joy in reading and cooking with her loved ones, activities that help her relax and recharge. This well-rounded approach to life helps her maintain a healthy balance between her academic, professional, and personal responsibilities.
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Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Sarah Thompson’s journey to success is an inspiring one. Her research on social support for children who have been bullied promises to make a lasting impact on the counseling field. Her leadership, both within Marquette and in her community, demonstrates her commitment to social responsibility and her potential as a future leader in the field of counselor education.
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Sarah’s story is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, graduate students can achieve great success. Her future is bright, and her journey is one to watch as she continues to make a difference in the world of counseling and beyond.
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