Impact Excerpt
GSU Memories
Joan Slawinski - Student
B.A., Psychology (2005); M.S. Counseling
When I first started Governors State University in 2003, I was enrolled in the Psychology program working towards my Bachelor of Arts degree. It was during that time that I met Kim Jaroszewski, my undergrad advisor. I was so nervous and unsure of myself at the time. I remember the first time I came to GSU I thought to myself, “I wonder how I am ever going to find my way around here, and it is so big.”
Kim Jaroszewski is a great advisor and professor. She showed me support, encouragement, and guidance. She provided me direction when I did not have any. It was with her support that I graduated in December, 2005, with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a minor in Addiction Studies.
But even with my graduation, Kim Jaroszewski did not stop her support. She pretty much told me that I did not have a choice and that I was going on for a master’s degree. I replied, “Are you crazy? There is no way I can be in a master’s program.”
Well, guess what? Because of her support and belief in me, I started the masters program in Community Counseling in 2006 and am currently in my last trimester of classes before I start my internship. Wow! A master’s program! I never would have even considered thinking about it. Thank you Kim Jaroszewski!
A lot has happened in my life since I started GSU in 2003. Shortly after graduating with my bachelor’s in Psychology, my husband of 25 years filed for divorce and left me. I knew then that I needed this master’s degree more than ever, since I was going to be self-supporting and needed to be able to get a better-paying job.
Well, guess what? During this difficult time for me, going through the divorce and trying to stay in a very challenging master’s program, I met another Kim. Professor Kim Snow. It must be the name “Kim.” “I don’t know, but what are the chances of someone like me meeting two wonderful people, at the same University, offering the same support, encouragement and guidance, and also having the same name. Was it a coincidence or was it fate? Whatever it is, I feel so privileged!
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