April 12, 2019 | Mikayla Heldt
Year: Senior
Major: Counseling with minor in Addictions
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Q: How did you find out about SAGU and what ultimately led to your decision on attending our university?
My story of how I came to SAGU is kind of ironic. I had never heard about this university until my best friend invited me to Campus Days. It was her dream to come to SAGU since middle school and the time was actually approaching for her to finally enroll.
About two weeks before freshman welcome week, I clearly heard the Lord tell me that I was making the wrong decision in where I thought I was supposed to go to school. I knew that as much as I had hesitated with the decision, God had SAGU as part of His plan for my life.
“I can honestly say coming to SAGU was one of the best decisions I ever made.”
Q: How have you been involved on campus during your time at SAGU?
One thing that I love about SAGU is how many opportunities there are to be involved on campus. Within the past three years, I have been involved in Student Congress activities and hospitality board, the Royal family kids organization, a mission trip to South Dakota, and I am currently a Residential Assistant in Teeter Hall.
Q: How has SAGU influenced you?
With so many opportunities for people to be involved on campus, SAGU has really taught me how to be a leader and step out of my comfort zone. There are so many great memories that I have had in my time here, but one of my favorite events has always been battle of the dorms. It’s a time when everyone can come together enjoy some fellowship and some good competition.
Q: How does your faith impact your life?
There have been many points in life where I have either doubted myself or even God’s capabilities, but my faith in Christ is a constant reminder that He is capable of anything. There have definitely been times where I have doubted, which is perfectly normal, however; God continuously reminds me that He knows exactly what He’s doing.
Q: Plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on pursuing my master’s degree in Counseling. I then plan on pursuing a License for Professional Counseling as well as a License for Chemical Dependency Counseling. God has given me a great burden for people struggling with addictions and substance abuse.
Q: Are there any professors or staff that have influenced you during your time here?
The whole Counseling/Psych Department has been so supportive in walking with me through future plans as well as current assignments. Specifically, Dr. Charity Kurz has made a huge impact on my time here at SAGU. She is definitely a professor who wants to see her students succeed and pursue their goals in life.
Q: I heard you presented at the Texas Counseling Association Conference. Can you tell me a little bit about that experience and how that opportunity came about?
The Texas Counseling Association Conference is a yearly conference for mental health professionals to come together to learn from one another. There are many presentations to check out and learn from. Dr. Kurz actually offered me along with another student the opportunity to collaborate on a presentation proposal. She wanted us to experience what the process looked like and we wrote a proposal not thinking too much into it. I honestly did not want to get my hopes up because thinking about presenting in front of so many people with doctorate degrees was very intimidating. On my way back from my missions trip to South Dakota, Dr. Kurz sent us the message that we had been chosen to present at TCA.
We presented on The Rubber Band Effect: Resilience in Children and Adolescents. Essentially how children cope and adapt to a stressor or event. The day of the presentation my nerves were up to the roof, but despite my stage fright and the intimidation from so many mental health professionals, I knew that God had placed me then and there for a reason. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I am so thankful to Dr. Kurz for such an amazing opportunity.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are interested in pursuing counseling as a career?
When I first came to SAGU, I came in as a business major so one thing I would advise students is to have a plan, but always allow God room to make changes. I ended up taking one business class and quickly learned that I could not do that for the rest of my life. I gave God the room He needed to work in my life and things all fell into place.
Want to learn more about SAGU’s bachelor’s degree in Counseling? Click here .
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu
