Emerging Leader - Ajitha

"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination. Today we have abundant opportunities to utilize our strengths and passions, do things we enjoy, and connect with people we love. Tomorrow might bring a world of exciting new possibilities, but today, wherever we stand on our journey, can be an adventure in itself." ― Carl R Rogers

I am from India. My passion for the Humanistic counseling approach began as a new doctoral student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. It was there that I was introduced to the Texas Association for Humanistic Education and Development (TAHEAD), a humanistic division established in Texas Counseling Association (TCA). It felt welcoming to me as my personal and professional values intertwined with the mission of TAHEAD. So I became involved and met like-minded people while developing leadership skills. I am a counselor education practitioner with a relational pedagogical approach; I view my students from a holistic lens and facilitate open communication. My desire to be part of the Association of Humanistic Counseling (AHC) supports my connection with passionate humanistic counselors and counselor educators from different states.  

I had a great welcome at AHC!  Initially, I had a chance to review the bylaws and attend a couple of meetings. Dr. Mark Scholl mentored me as part of the emerging leader program offered by AHC. I enjoyed this opportunity as he was kind and knowledgeable; we met once a month via Zoom. He is passionate about the humanistic approach. I presented with him at AHC virtual conference in June 2021. Moreover, I was able to take time and attend the webinars hosted by AHC; I enjoyed the recent session 'Counselors and the Climate Crisis: An Opening Conversation.' 

I teach the counseling diverse populations class at Texas A&M University-Commerce; I have observed that students always highlight the similarities among cultures irrespective of the uniqueness and validate the key constructs of Carl Rogers, Alfred Adler, and other humanistic counselors. I enjoy being a counselor educator as I could witness those future counselors are grounding their counseling interactions through a humanistic lens. 

I want to be part of the community to encourage compassion and authenticity among the world's people. Recently I noticed individuals reflecting as the pandemic left most of us to ourselves; I had a few conversations with colleagues and students who had stated they have a new perspective towards life and how they have flourished being resilient and compassionate. 

This past year, being part of AHC reminded me that we are a welcoming organization and encourage new professionals. I want to take this experience with me to share with my students and colleagues to be part of AHC and ACA and immerse in the learning opportunities provided.