In early 2022, I opened a private practice. In 2023, I also entered the world of community mental health, working in homes, schools, and wherever else I was called to serve, to help those battling severe mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders. And in 2024, I received my full counseling license and transitioned my solo practice into a group. I also decided to secure my CAADC – having found a passion for substance use counseling along the way – as well as an NPT-C certification. What I’ve learned thus far from this experience extends well beyond my clinical knowledge. More than anything, this was a journey of personal growth. I learned to practice persistence while putting on my research hat and challenging myself fully, even during a time when I was most vulnerable and had lost so much confidence. This career change was nothing sort of life-changing...no, life-saving...even though it was difficult to navigate for some time. And now I get to help others, often in their most vulnerable moments. There is nothing more rewarding.