Lauren Struck

B.A., University of Tampa

As a graduate student at UWF I have had many opportunities to work on campus. Since entering the program I have worked as a Graduate Assistant to Dr. Joan Duer. By working with faculty I have been able to build personal relationships that have assisted me in my coursework and in my journey into the counseling field. I have had opportunities to learn a great deal about ethics and different treatment modalities, as well as having a person I could trust to ask advising questions. Also, I have worked in the office as part of the Federal Work Study program. This placement puts me in the center of the Psychology department, where I interact with the entire faculty and assist with important departmental projects. I have assisted with interviews for graduate applicants and organizing and securing student files. This interaction with both students and faculty has put me at an advantage over students who are not able to have such interaction. Plus, through these close relationships, I feel I am better able to advance academically and professionally. In my final year of studies I have been fortunate enough to have a very flexible work schedule, which has allowed me to maximize my time at my internship site. Not having the stress of matching two different schedules and balancing responsibility has been a great relief. Working at UWF has been helpful during my time as a graduate student and I would recommend it to all prospective students.

email: lbs11@students.uwf.edu