Webster University in Myrtle Beach held a graduation ceremony on Saturday morning, where 22 students received their Master of Arts in Counseling degrees. The ceremony took place as South Carolina ranks 34th in the nation for having enough mental health resources to meet the needs of the community.
Jamie White and Aishia Chestnut were among the graduates who spoke about the importance of counseling in allowing individuals to be themselves and have space to talk freely. They emphasized the healing aspect of counseling, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma at a young age, such as children in foster care or group homes.
White mentioned her own personal experiences with mental health issues within her family and how that motivated her to enter the counseling field. Chestnut shared her motivation for entering the field, citing the need in the community and a desire to break down stigmas surrounding mental health issues. Both graduates highlighted the importance of seeking help and breaking down the misconception that doing so is equivalent to being “crazy.”
Both White and Chestnut have plans to continue their work in the mental health field. White plans to pursue a PHD to further expand her knowledge and ability to help others, while Chestnut will focus on trauma and substance abuse at Shoreline Behavioral Health Services. They both share a common goal of making a positive impact on
