Student Spotlight Zsófi Bevardi

You're probably sitting over a homework assignment after finishing a swim practice that you didn’t like, trying to prep for the SAT with very poor English, and questioning everything. Is it worth it?

I will give you a little hint about what is happening seven years later in Morgantown, West Virginia. We are getting ready for your master's graduation after passing the NCE, finishing up an internship, teaching, and working on research studies.

Yes, you heard me! You've made it this far, and you’re continuing on for the PhD. The PhD is in counseling education, a field of study you have no idea exists right now. That’s okay; long story short, we will be able to work with, advocate for, teach, and help people like you always wanted. You probably think this is the craziest thing ever because I know you wanted to give up so many times.

Imagine if you stopped swimming right now. You would never get a master's degree, at least not in the U. S. I know you can't see this because nobody understands how burned out you are and that your mental health is suffering. But guess what? You will become stronger than ever.

You managed to live far from your family and find amazing people who will be there for you no matter what. And don't worry about mom and dad – you now have a six-year-old dog, so they are not alone without you. As for your grandparents, there are only three of them left, but they are supporting you along the way, even if they do not like the idea of you being overseas. You will realize that you are not only doing this for yourself, but for them too. This time, you want to make them proud of everything they have done for you.

Now, please wipe away your tears after that terrible day you are having, stand in front of the mirror, and tell yourself you are worth more than anyone's opinion. You are strong and will tackle whatever comes your way. I want you to love yourself the way I love you.

Love,
> Zsófi