Ayla Buckley
Hometown: Taylor, MI
Program: MA with ABA
Book I would recommend: The Giver by Lois Lowry
Favorite Quote: “Never say never because limits, like fears, are optical illusions.” – Michael Jordan
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I think that people would be surprised to know that I am a mother of four and that I make arts and crafts in my spare time.
Name a cause you are passionate about.
A cause that I am passionate about is the lack of mental health resources in underprivileged communities, especially among inner-city youth.
Why did you choose MSP?
I chose MSP because I want to attend an educational institution that would allow me to make an impact in my community. MSP’s key principles are: We respect everyone. Period. We cherish real connections. We put into practice what we preach. These are the ideals I love and respect, and that I hope to keep with me throughout my career.
What do you want to do with your degree?
Something that I plan to do with my degree is Clinical Behavior Analysis Therapy, working directly with children and adults with behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disorders in school and hospital settings.
How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?
My interest in the mental health field began in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. I worked as a Contact Tracer where I provided support, education, and resources to individuals who were negatively impacted by the Covid-19 virus. It was then that I discovered how events such as the 2020 pandemic have a significant impact on our physical and emotional well-being. Wanting to gain a deeper understanding of how stressful events impact us not only individually but also as a society encouraged me to switch my major from social work to psychology. I’ve been eager to make a difference in the profession ever since.
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