Bronco Spotlight: Ayla Ludwig
Master of Arts in counselor education, 2019; Certificate in holistic health and wellness, 2018
Career Counseling Intern and Student Engagement and Success Graduate Assistant at WMU
As a graduate assistant I teach an academic recovery course to students at WMU's College of Health and Human Services. I also work on student success initiatives such as Bronco Brain Break. In addition, I function as an academic coach for CHHS students. As a career counseling intern I teach a career development course for students at WMU, which focuses on preparing students for the world of work. I also perform career counseling for students seeking assistance in career and academic major decisions. In addition, I perform IMPACTeX Navigator interpretations for students who chose to take this career assessment tool as a way to further their career development.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
By far the most rewarding thing is working with students. I love being able to help individuals achieve success in academia as well as make progress towards their future goals. I really love helping others! The most challenging part of my work is figuring out how to work through difficult situations a student may be going through. It takes a lot of careful consideration to find out what resources and help will work best with a student in a unique academic or personal situation.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
I got really involved with my field during my master’s program and many of my experiences helped develop my professional identity. The Holistic Health and Wellness Graduate Certificate helped me discover my passion for this area. Because of my experience in the certificate program, I decided to become a holistically focused mental health professional when I enter the work force. I am looking forward to furthering my knowledge with more classes and training in holistic health in the near future. Also, my instructors and many of my peers were great sources of motivation and support in my counseling master's program. I was challenged, motivated, and inspired by many of the people I was surrounded with, and that really helped me to develop my dedication to the mental health field.
What advice would you offer students to help them decide on a career path?
Go out and have as many experiences as you can. College provides a great opportunity to get involved with like-minded people that really help to sculpt your interests and where you want to go with them. Join a registered student organization (RSO), volunteer in the community, help a professor with research, or take a class that is totally new for you. All of these things will help you develop your personal and professional identity.