Blog week 10

            For this blog I felt that it would be most relevant to reflect on the most recent assignment, the case study. Thus far, I believe that this project has been the most helpful in solidifying the theories we have been studying over the course of the past several weeks. While interviewing my subject, I remember feeling certain “lightbulbs” go off with certain statements she would make. For example, in response to one of the interview questions, she stated that in order for someone to be truly happy and peaceful in their life, they have to have a certain amount of cohesion between who they are as a person and the career they choose to work in. Of course, as soon as she made this statement, Holland’s Theory of Vocational Choice started ringing in my head. From there, it was interesting to see how other aspects of her life could possibly fit this theory. I even took her personality characteristics and her current career and provided some potential Holland codes. This was extremely helpful to me because I was able to see how a particular theory looked in action.

            The second part of this project I found helpful was the portion of the paper where I analyzed other theories and how they would apply to my subject in areas that the chosen theory did not. In my case, I believe the trajectory of my subject’s career was definitely influenced by her life experiences. For example, she adopted her two children. As a licensed professional counselor, one her specialties is now working with adoptees. In this case, Holland’s theory would clearly not be applicable. This part of the project was important because it solidified some of my beliefs I wrote about in prior blogs. It is vital that we recognize that incorporating a holistic view in seeing how these theories apply to people will allow us to be most successful. Not one theory can encompass an entire individual.

            The final reason I enjoyed this project was more personal. I chose to interview a professor at Millersville whom I admire. She went to Millersville for undergrad as well as grad school, works as an LPC in supported private practice, and is an adjunct professor. In many ways, I admire her journey and would love to follow in her footsteps. It was both helpful for this class, but motivating and helpful on a more personal level.