Graduate Student Focus | Jason Francis

"The environment I participate in at Hood College has helped me to consider myself as a contributing part of the overall field of counseling and encouraged me to consider ways to advance the field and accomplish systemic changes that will benefit our clients in the long-term."

Jason Francis, M.S. School Counseling

Program

Counseling, School Counseling (M.S.)
Counseling, Clinical Mental Health (M.S.)

Department

Psychology & Counseling

Graduate School
Graduate Student

Academics
Social Sciences & Humanities
Awards

02/22/2022

Jason Francis is a current student in the school counseling, M.S. program at Hood College. Outside of Hood, Jason is a former pastor with a bachelor's and master's degree in theology and divinity. He has worked with at-risk youth for Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) and for Sheppard Pratt. Jason is currently the youth service coordinator for the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick and teaches group parenting classes for several addiction recovery programs in Frederick, Sabillasville and Hagerstown.

Why did you choose Hood College and this program?

I became interested in Hood College after meeting several students who volunteered for a mentorship program I was connected with. They spoke highly of the staff and culture of the campus. Soon after, I met their group sponsor and learned more about Hood. I was already considering becoming qualified as a school counselor after covering the role at an elementary school for FCPS in the fall of 2018. After researching the program, I felt it was a perfect fit for what I wanted to do.

What do you enjoy most about being at Hood College?

Interestingly, I have yet to really experience what the in-person Hood College experience is like. After joining the program right at the beginning of the pandemic, I was initially placed in all virtual classes, then hybrid classes. I also happened to be taking online classes for my previous semester.

Therefore, my primary engagement has been with fellow students and the staff online, but I have LOVED the effort and camaraderie that exists. Although I haven’t met any one of these people in person, I felt their support and professionalism virtually. Every one of my teachers has always gone the extra mile to make instruction compelling and meaningful, and to accommodate any barriers for learning.

I am also incredibly grateful to my adviser, Dr. Atiya Smith, who has worked hard to understand my goals and seek out opportunities that will nurture and expand them. She has pushed me to think greater and higher, and has inspired me to recognize strengths in myself that I was unaware of.

How do you think the program does or will help you in your career and life?

The environment I participate in at Hood College has helped me to consider myself as a contributing part of the overall field of counseling and encouraged me to consider ways to advance the field and accomplish systemic changes that will benefit our clients in the long-term.

Congratulations on becoming the state-wide graduate student representative for Maryland School Counselor Association!

I am so grateful for this opportunity. MSCA is an incredible association with an amazing team!

Currently, my role is being a voice for graduate students amongst the team, helping to co-lead the grad-student council alongside Kate Rebman and assisting Dr. Atiya Smith with planning our informative conferences targeting current grad students. As I said above, I am very passionate about contributing to the development of our field and of my peers overall, so the chance to help with this on a state-wide level as a fellow graduate student is an opportunity I do not take lightly and a large part of why I became involved with MSCA.

Inspired by Jason’s story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn about Hood’s graduate programs, including the counseling program, by clicking here.