Student Profiles: Alma 'Rosie' Solis
Major: Rehabilitation Counseling
Are you a first-generation college student?
Yes! I am proud to say that I will be the first in my family to have acquired a post-secondary education degree.
Why did you pick UTEP?
Prior to the existence of the Masters in Rehabilitation Program at UTEP, students who were interested in this particular field were required to take MRC courses by means of an online university. I must admit that I am a student who prefers the collaboration and social experience of face to face courses. Therefore, although online courses are offered in this field with other institutions I appreciated having the option to complete my degree by getting the full classroom and university experience. The MRC department is comprised of both faculty and students who have a diverse background and level of experience in Rehabilitation Counseling and to be honest there is nothing more beneficial than receiving hands on instruction from individuals who are well versed in this field.
What sparked your interest in rehabilitation counseling? What is special about this kind of work?
I have had the privilege of working with the State Vocational Rehabilitation Program for the last 18 years, four of which have been serving in the capacity of a Rehabilitation Counselor. Rehabilitation Counseling in my opinion is a noble and necessary profession that supports a population of people that are widely underserved. People with disabilities account for more than 12% of the US population and have largely been unrecognized as a population for public health attention. Empowering people with disabilities to live independently and contribute to society is both socially and economically beneficial. As a Rehabilitation Counselor, you have the opportunity to take an active role in making an impact on the lives of people with disabilities by providing direct services and support that can lead participants to attain long-term gainful employment. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your clients succeed at achieving their goals and knowing that you played a role no matter how small in making a positive difference in their lives.
Please describe your most meaningful experience professionally and personally during your time in the MRC program.
What was most meaningful to me as part of my experience in the MRC program was having the opportunity to share my personal experiences and what I have learned with other students in the program. Program participants are close and tight knit. There is a strong sense of comradery among faculty and students which lends itself to create a comfortable atmosphere conducive for learning. Successes are shared amongst everyone and students grow by hearing about and sharing each other’s real-world experiences.
What are your career aspirations?
I plan to take my passion for Rehabilitation Counseling a step further by aspiring to enter the world of academia by becoming a college professor. I hope to remain working as Rehabilitation Counselor in order to remain relevant in the field and stay abreast of how the program evolves over time while simultaneously working as a part time educator. I hope to inspire other students to consider the field of Rehabilitation Counseling by sharing my knowledge and experience in the field and imparting the importance that this field has on our community. The MRC program is an essential component to promoting the voices and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.
What advice would you give to a student thinking about studying rehabilitation counseling?
I strongly urge students who are interested in the field of counseling, who are eager to engage in public service and who have a passion for helping others to consider the MRC Program. Graduates in this field will find rewarding career opportunities here and throughout the country that will allow them to serve as advocates and ambassadors on behalf of the disabled population. There is no work more rewarding than work in which you can truly say you helped to make a difference in someone’s life.