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Meet MarleneLearn what it’s really like to be an online Walden graduate student.
Learning at Walden Walden: Would you recommend Walden to someone in your industry? Marlene: Yes. Walden: Why? Marlene: Because the content was presented in such a way that I was able to get the most out of the courses offered. The academic challenge was what I had hoped for. Walden: How did the faculty and staff affect your experience? Marlene: I can honestly say that the faculty and staff I dealt with were all very helpful. During the process of my thesis, my thesis chair served in a mentor capacity. It was a very enlightening experience working with him. His ability to give constructive opinions and encouragement played an enormous part in the success I achieved with my thesis. Walden: What were your computer skills before you started Walden? Marlene: Minimal. Walden: Have they changed through your educational experience? Marlene: Definitely! I knew how to check my email and that was it. Since my experience at Walden, I learned many computer skills I never even knew were available to learn. I also learned the discipline to sit at the computer and complete an extensive task such as term paper and the thesis. Since then I have constructed my own Web site without anyone’s help. Take a look at www.audreymarlene-lifecoach.com Walden: What are some examples of other personal commitments you balanced with your studies? Marlene: During my time at Walden, I was recovering from a massive stroke for which I had brain surgery. I was raising my daughter, a teenager at the time. I also had rehabilitation therapy and various exercise programs. Walden: What are people’s reactions when you tell them you attended Walden University? Marlene: At first they say, “what is that?” Then once I give some explanation, it is usually received positively. Many people are aware that many traditional universities are now offering many online courses. It has become more acceptable. Walden: What are some similarities and differences between Walden and traditional, campus-based universities? Marlene: The similarities – challenging. Differences – 1. Could do it at my own pace. 2. Able to take a course of this nature and at this level even though I lived in a foreign country. 3. The convenience – not having to drive to class and stress over finding a parking space. 4. The turn-around time for responses from professors. 5. The level of support. 6. The opportunity to become as computer savvy as I have.
Building a Clinic in El Salvador Walden: Why did you choose to build a clinic in El Salvador? Marlene: My husband is an expatriate from Holland and we happened to be there in the massive earthquake of January 2001. During that time I was still recuperating from brain surgery and although I wanted to do something to help I was unable to do so. Walden: Did your Walden experience affect how you chose to handle this project? In what ways? Marlene: I decided to attend Walden University after my health had improved somewhat. My motivation to help others was reinforced by Walden. There were many times I wanted to give up due to the difficulties I faced accessing the area of the clinic. The Walden enthusiasm fueled me to continue and finish the clinic so the less fortunate people of San Juan Buenavista could receive medical attention. Walden: Has your Walden experience affected the way you impact others? How? Marlene: Absolutely. After my brain surgery my life was changed completely. My experience at Walden gave me the electricity to implement my new perspective of life. I wanted to reach out to others in caring ways and make a positive impact in my corner of the world. Walden: What was the outcome of your experience with the clinic in El Salvador? Marlene: The clinic was completed and is currently functional, serving the people of that community. It brings tears to my eyes each time I visit to see the people getting the medical help they need and deserve. This was my vision as I fought to complete the clinic. Walden: How would the outcome have been different without your Walden experience? Marlene: The area of the clinic is in a remote part of El Salvador. There are problems getting water and electricity to the area, even now. Just this past week I had to replace the water pipes because they were stolen and there was no water to the clinic. During the rebuilding process, when the roads were still inaccessible, and there was no water or electricity, not even skilled labor was available, I felt discouraged and wanted to quit. The Walden spirit of helping gave me something I wanted to feel a part of. When I saw the sadness and the poverty I knew I had to keep fighting to give these people an opportunity for health care. Without Walden I would have given up. Walden: How has this accomplishment changed your life? Marlene: The joy it brought to my life was much more than the total joy I see in the people of San Juan Buenavista. Helping others has become habit forming for me and I feel inspired to keep the momentum going. The clinic will always be my baby. It brought a lot of healing to my life and I will continue to support it no matter where I live. Now I am taking this same spirit and transferring it to a different group of people who need my help. I have had a lot of trauma in my life physically, emotionally, and mentally. The lessons I have learned combined with my academics is a formula that I have found extremely effective in helping others. I now know that all my hardships and successes were part of God’s plan for me. These things I discovered while attending Walden.
Applying Theory into Practice Walden: How are you implementing theory you learned at Walden into your work or life? Marlene: I have been able to apply the theories learned at Walden in many aspects of both my professional and personal life. The name of my company is Motivida, which means motivate life. Seligman’s theory of learned helplessness in particular is one area I encounter each day in my practice. I battle this “learned laziness” trying to motivate many of my clients. Walden: Tell us about a time when you put theory to practical use. Marlene: I treat many kids with ADD or ADHD with neurofeedback therapy. Very often, in doing the evaluation along with an EEG I do not see any definite signs of this disorder. There is one 17-year-old that I have been working with who was diagnosed with ADD since he was 9 years old. He was medicated since then and when he turned 16 decided he didn’t want to take the medication any longer. However, he was never able to make good grades even with the medication. He was placed in the TLC (The Learning Center) at the school for children that needed special considerations and this further enables his helplessness. He got extra times on assignments, redo on exams or quizzes, and special classes with easier material. When I did his evaluation I did not identify any definite signs of ADD. However, once I began to work with him and his parents as well as the school I immediately recognized the problem. The parents give the child anything he wants and there are no consequences for his misbehavior. They left it up to the school to help their child but the school was only enabling his helpless behavior. In 4 weeks I was able to motivate him to the point that his grades went from F’s and D’s to B’s and A’s. Walden: What are some of your accomplishments since starting your degree at Walden? Marlene: I started my business and have much success since its inception. I am a certified Neurofeedback Practitioner. I have a very successful ebusiness. Walden: Were you able to make a difference while attending Walden? Marlene: I hope I did. I won the outstanding thesis award in 2006. My thesis was used as an example for other students. Walden: How has attending Walden affected your ability to make a difference in the life of another, in an organization, or in the community? Marlene: My ebusiness allows people from all over the world write to me for advice. It’s called Dear Audrey Marlene. I have started a motivational group to inspire people within my community. The group, called Positive XChanges, focuses on self-growth and development, lifestyles, health, motivation, and helping others to be their best. My goal for the group is to help them to be their best and they in turn can be a positive influence in the community at large. I continue to support a clinic that I restored in El Salvador, helping to plan services and aid for the community.
Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits. Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 360-725-6320 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether this education program is approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement. |
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Note on Licensure
Walden University’s M.S. in Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which is a requirement for licensure in many states. The M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for licensing exams and to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state counseling boards. Because no graduate program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements. For more information about licensure, students should visit the National Board for Certified Counselors at www.nbcc.org/stateboardmap and contact the appropriate licensing body. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body.