I spent many years in the retail industry without fulfilling my true aspirations in life. When I came to work in the school system I noticed what I always knew in my mind was something I wanted to do and that was help others. This would not be daily help but the help needed by those who wish to change their lives as I have changed mine. So many children (even adults) are simply pushed through the system without the proper help or guidance needed to truly make a difference in their lives. My goal was to become a guidance counselor, behavioral specialist, or some type of counselor who can impact a person's life. Although the requirements for a guidance counselor have increased, that hasn't stopped my drive to move into this career field. I would like to get my master's degree in psychology, but at the moment I need to slowly move up to a lower level position to acclimate to this job. Using the Information Processing Pyramid domain I reflected on my choices and made a proactive decision with them, which is why I chose to pursue my degree. With this degree it is my intention to take the next step which is to obtain state certification as a social worker or behavioral health counselor. It is part of my lifestyle to help those in need and to be objective and fair in the options I present to them. I really don't want to see a person just pushed through a system without giving them the opportunity for self-actualization. One of the greatest strengths I have is that I listen to all the facts without judgment. Sometimes this is the key to understanding why people need to be held accountable for their actions. Sometimes people do things that we may not fully understand… middle of paper… there is someone pouring out their emotions to you that can make a difference in the choices they make. Some high school kids are stuck between peer pressure and home, which can create a tinderbox of emotions. It may take five minutes spent listening to what they have to say and offering a few words of encouragement and direction that can help them make a proactive choice to do the right thing despite the negative consequences they may face. If I can stay true to the three values ​​I have chosen, then it is safe to say that not only should I be successful in my career, but I should have a huge impact on the less fortunate within our community. The fact that there are people who are simply recycled within our system frustrates my values ​​greatly, which is why I plan to make it a goal to never let this happen to those I serve.