Date of Award
Spring 5-7-2026
Document Type
Project (696 or 796 registration)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Counseling
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Taryn Akgul
Keywords
health, relationships, growth, opportunities, reflection, perspective, identity, development, academics, career
Abstract
Self-Reflection is an essential skill to becoming an effective school counselor. Self-Reflection has led to explore, identify and create further opportunities to expand on my personal development. Impactful relationships have contributed significantly to my development over the course of my lifetime. Academics and careers impacted me both positively and negatively, but most important the shift in views on academics motivated me to prepare for a career change and the ability to impact my students in powerful ways for the rest of their life. Other contributing factors consist of mental, social and physical health along with personal identity. A strong grasp on self-care has allowed me to enhance my well-being and continue to focus on and maintain a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, sports and entertainment. Graduate school has created a new perspective on the impact this career change will have on me and my students by utilizing necessary counseling theories, providing personal experiences to share and allow others to support the type of person I have aimed to become for the last 35 years.
Recommended Citation
Polster, Travis M., "Reflection of Self: A Project Dedicated to the Lifetime Development" (2026). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 1139.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/1139