It’s exciting to say, but for the first time in 21 years, I’m going back to school! I’m kind of nervous and also really looking forward to it.
In 2003–2004, I spent a year at Cleveland State University as part of my high‑school program, earning both high‑school and college credit. The next two years I attended religious post‑high‑school institutions, and then I was accepted to Brooklyn College’s Honors Program to start in 2006 for a degree in gifted education. Despite receiving a full scholarship, I chose to turn it down and move abroad to marry my now ex, where I live now.
Over the years I wondered whether that decision was foolish and how much more I might have earned with a degree versus what I do now without one. I decided a degree wouldn’t change my work—teaching foraging classes and running this blog—so I moved on.
But then a few things happened.
My body stopped cooperating. As much as I love teaching foraging, I’m now able to do it only a few times a year because it takes so much out of me physically and takes far too long to recover.
I’ve also been figuring out how I’ll support myself once my kids are grown and no longer receive disability payments, even though they’ll still live with me.
It may sound odd, but watching One Day at a Time—about a single Latina mom with mental‑health challenges who goes back to school to become a nurse practitioner—planted the idea that maybe I should return to school to study something I love.
Through my own therapy journey I’ve learned skills that help others in crisis. I’ve taught DBT skills in support groups and helped friends and family with crisis‑management and emotional‑regulation techniques. The positive feedback convinced me I’m good at it.
After my therapist suggested I’d make a wonderful therapist myself, I realized that’s what I want to do. I’m not rushing; I’ll move slowly and work with my body and knowing my limits, so that by the time my kids are older, I can hopefully work as a therapist.
Researching the Path
I researched how to become a therapist in my country: where to study, how long each path takes, and the costs involved. Besides coaching (which doesn’t interest me), the main options are clinical psychology, clinical social work, art therapy, or school guidance counseling. Only the first two appealed to me. After talking with professionals, I learned social work takes at least six years, while psychology takes about ten before you can practice. That made social work the clear choice.
I contacted local programs and found an online university with open admissions—no local psychometric test required. Good grades there allow transfer to a local university that’s otherwise tough to enter.
Next steps include applying for scholarships and sending my high‑school and prior college transcripts to the transfer university.
Taking the First Course
To avoid a late‑registration fee after May 20, I enrolled in my first summer‑semester class: “Introduction to Social Thought/Thinking.” I chose a slightly pricier version with more support because the course is in the local language, and my speaking and listening far outpace my reading.
Based on my socioeconomic status I should qualify for a scholarship, but even without one, tuition is far cheaper here than in the U.S., so I won’t need student loans.
I can complete the first eight classes through this online university, spacing them out to avoid stress. After that I’ll transfer for the remaining courses—some online, the rest a manageable drive away. At least two courses must be in English, which is a bonus for me.
The transfer university lets you take as long as you need, though fees rise if you extend beyond three years. That’s fine; my goal is the degree, not the cheapest route.
After earning the social-work degree, I’ll need to complete a year of fieldwork before starting a master’s in clinical social work. The master’s typically takes two years but can be extended to four. The fieldwork year concerns me most, since I’m not sure whether it needs to be full time—but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Looking Ahead
What kind of therapist do I want to be? I’m not entirely sure yet. I don’t know whether I’d want to work with teenagers or adults—but definitely not children younger than preteens. I don’t think couples therapy is for me.
I do know that I’m drawn to practical, hands-on approaches—therapy that focuses on tools and skills. Modalities like IFS, DBT, and CBT appeal to me, either on their own or in combination. I’d also love to work as a trauma therapist or support people with borderline personality disorder—something I live with myself, have experience helping others with, and am passionate about destigmatizing. Unfortunately, stigma still exists, even among some therapists who avoid working with clients with personality disorders. These are areas I know well and feel aligned with my strengths—but I don’t need to decide anything just yet.
This journey will be long, but I’m not in a rush. I’m working toward a goal, and that’s what matters. The most important step is always the first one, and enrolling in that first course has me genuinely excited and proud to share the news.
