Alumni Spotlight: Yecenia Giron Harris

Meet Yecenia Giron Harris, a former Achievers Scholar from Davis High School! Yecenia pursued her passion for helping others by earning a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in counseling psychology from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. Interested in connecting with Yecenia? Reach out to her via LinkedIn. 

What inspired you to pursue your field of study or career path? What tips would you share with students who are interested in pursuing a career in your field? 

From an early age, I have always been interested in human behavior and how individuals make decisions. I also wanted to gain tools to help others who might be going through challenges and be able to provide hope. I encourage students to connect with people in their field to learn about their profession.  

Were there any specific courses or experiences during your college years that were particularly impactful? What role did internships or part-time jobs play in your career development? 

For my internship, I worked as a clinical intern therapist providing counseling at an alternative high school.  

What advice would you give to current college students? Anything you wish you knew then that you know now? 

It’s important not to compare your journey to others’. Everyone’s college experience is different. Focus on your own path and progress and avoid comparing yourself to your peers. Success comes in many forms, and your journey is uniquely yours. It’s also very important to take care of your mental health. College can be stressful, and it’s crucial to prioritize your well-being. Don’t hesitate to seek counseling or mental health resources if you need them. Managing stress early can help prevent burnout. 

What were some challenges you faced after graduation? How did you overcome them? 

An immediate challenge I faced was getting a job as a mental health therapist. I was told I needed experience to get hired, which was frustrating because I had just graduated. I started working at a school district until I was hired as a wraparound care coordinator at a mental health clinic. About 1.5 years later, after graduating, I was hired as a mental health therapist.  

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working? How do you ensure you have a good work-life balance? 

I love spending time with my 19-month-old son, making him laugh and watching him become curious about the world. I also love to watch a good TV show and go for walks.