From April 2, 2022, to April 2023, I underwent a year-long program in counseling techniques, spending the first six months studying counseling theories and the next six months assisting as a counselor at a counseling center. My role involved providing counseling to unemployed young adults, students with borderline intellectual disabilities, and high school students involved in bullying incidents. I also facilitated a program aimed at improving relationships for middle school students starting a new academic year.
One of the most memorable experiences during this period was conducting three counseling sessions with an unemployed young adult. Although three sessions were not enough to fully overcome his fear of trying new things or rekindle his motivation, I was able to gain his trust and open his heart through genuine concern and empathy for his current situation. As we progressed through the sessions, I observed small but significant changes in his emotions and expressions.
This experience taught me that meaningful communication is possible, even with individuals from vastly different backgrounds and personalities, as long as it is grounded in empathy and understanding. It also gave me the confidence to engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations with a diverse range of people.
