International Graduate Student Spotlight | Sara Shibil

"Hood offered a specific program that I had not come across elsewhere that really suited my academic and career interests and goals. Additionally, I loved how intimate it was in terms of size, as I have always thrived in a close-knit and personable community."

Sara Shibil, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program

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

Department

Psychology & Counseling

Graduate School
Graduate Student

Academics
International Students
Health Sciences

11/10/2023

Sara Shibil is a current international graduate student enrolled in Hood College’s clinical mental health counseling program. Professionally, Shibil has worked with children and adolescents in a school setting as a one-on-one peer counselor. Her goal after graduation is to work with women from underrepresented communities, especially as it pertains to cultural bereavement and role conflict as side effects of immigration. Before Hood College, Shibil graduated from Grant MacEwan University in Alberta, Canada, in 2022. We spoke with Shibil about her experience as an international student in the counseling master’s program and what aspects of the College have helped her succeed.

What is your educational and career background?

I was born in Iraq and moved around the Middle East for the first half of my life before immigrating to Canada in 2010. I earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Grant MacEwan University in Alberta, Canada, in 2022.

I have worked with children and adolescents in a school setting as a one-on-one peer counselor and aid the student support staff in pursuit of wellness and betterment for students!

I am currently enrolled in the clinical mental health counseling program, where I hope to gain the skills and knowledge to further expand my experiences and practice. Due to my background and the challenges I have faced as an immigrant, I would love to have a focus on women from underrepresented communities, especially as it pertains to cultural bereavement and role conflict as side effects of immigration.

Why did you choose Hood College and this program?

Hood offered a specific program that I had not come across elsewhere that really suited my academic and career interests and goals. Additionally, I loved how intimate it was in terms of size, as I have always thrived in a close-knit and personable community.

What has the transition been like coming to the United States for college?

Because I am not a recent immigrant and have my citizenship in Canada, it honestly was not a huge transition. Canadian living is very similar to life here in the United States, just less cold and worse traffic!

What do you enjoy most about being at Hood College?

The community feel. It’s a smaller campus, so you see a lot of the same, warm faces. Not to mention how engaged and attending all the various staff members are!

From campus security to the PDSO to the professors; they all are wonderful, and it’s clear in the vested interest and excellent level of communication that they genuinely want you to thrive and succeed.

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

Aside from granting me an awesome degree that will serve as the foundation of my professional and academic career, the College has given me meaningful connections and a sense of belonging that have been hard to replicate elsewhere! I will always refer to the relationships I have formed with my mentors, peers and professors as I progress through my life.

Inspired by Sara’s story? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, including the clinical mental health counseling, by clicking here.