A Letter To The Counseling Faculty of My Graduate Program

To the Counseling Faculty,

You were not sure how I would be able to be successful in your graduate program because I used a communication device and had physical limitations.

You had concerns about how I would keep up with the fast pace of the courses because I need more time to complete coursework that were to be done during class.

It is no surprise that I was not like the other students in my cohort, but you still accepted me into your program.

During my time as an undergraduate, I did not realize the hurdles I would endure if I were to be accepted into your program.

Naively, I believed that I would be able to do everything that was to be expected of me solely by using my cell phone’s speaking app, but I was wrong.

It was not until the program director and another faculty member opened my eyes to the fact that I needed to change how I communicate, if I wanted to be an effective counselor.

I also realized that I was damaging my body by using my phone to speak, and I thank you for that. 

Although you were aware of these setbacks, you continued to work with me and made sure that I was aware of the potential obstacles I would face.

In the world of disability, it is easy to only focus on a person’s limitations and believe that they cannot accomplish their goals, especially in education and the workplace, but I never developed that feeling when I was learning about the counseling program.

When I received my eye tracking communication device, my world changed for the better.

I was able to speak at the same rate as everyone else, better explain my thought processes, and show the world my intelligence, even though I do not speak verbally, and I owe it all to you.

The counseling profession does not have many therapists who use technology as a means of communication, but that did not seem to matter, considering the aforementioned concerns.

Instead you took a chance on me, and hopefully, I have surpassed your expectations of me. 

One of the requirements to potentially get into your program was to have an interview with four faculty members.

Due to my transportation struggles at the time, I was afraid that I would be late to the interview. Therefore, it was decided that it would be done via video conferencing.

When we got started, the instant messaging component, in order to type my responses to questions, was not functioning. I immediately panicked because I did not want to make a bad first impression on you.

However, you allowed me to use my cell phone, even though I was not sure how you would be able to hear me.

After it was over I was sure that I did not get into the program. The following Monday I received an email stating that I was accepted into your fine program.

I had a feeling of shock and gratefulness because I was starting my journey of becoming a counselor. 

I have experienced an abundance of challenges throughout my time as a graduate student, from technology issues to nearly dropping out due to financial circumstances, but you continued to support me and made sure that I knew that I had a place in the program, despite my disability.

In a little more than a year, I will, hopefully, be graduating and working towards licensure as a counseling intern.

The real world is much different than academia, as far as inclusion, but you taught me more than counseling skills.

You taught me that I can succeed in this field by perseverance and believing in myself.

I am slowly learning that I do not need to be perfect to help clients and it is all because of you. 

I will be forever grateful for your willingness to accomplish my dream. I will do my best to make you proud in my future endeavors. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

Ashley Mohesky

My name is Ashley Mohesky, I was born and raised in Texas. I have a neurological disorder called Cerebral Palsy. I am currently working on my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, in order to be a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas. For my practice, I plan to specialize in mental health for people with chronic illnesses, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and parents who are raising children with special needs.

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