Emily Jorgenson, '16
Why did you choose to come to UMR? I chose UMR for a few reasons - small size, medical-based focus, high rigor courses and in an area that allowed for amazing opportunities at one of the top hospitals in the country.
What did your Capstone experience at UMR involve? My Capstone encompassed a few different experiences that came together to form one overarching theme. I worked as the student leader for the Recovery on Campus (ROC!) Living Learning Community to support students who were in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction; I took numerous psychology courses, online courses and healing-focused courses; I was a part of Grief Group and Living on Purpose; and I worked at NAMI Southeast Minnesota as a Peer Support Specialist with individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness.
How did your Capstone experience prepare you for your future in what you’re currently doing? My Capstone gave me real-life exposure to the field I was interested in - Co-Occurring Disorders. My Capstone was also based solely on experiences I was passionate about. After various personal experiences with addiction and mental health in my own life, I knew I wanted to make an impact larger than myself. As my Capstone developed, I learned that getting more advanced and specific education in this field would be necessary for me to begin this journey. A little over two years later, I’ve had my LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor license) for over a year and am 6+ months post-masters degree with ideas about getting more education to increase my impact.
What are you currently doing? I earned a Masters degree in Addiction and Mental Health Counseling and am licensed in both Minnesota and Oregon. I am also a Licensed Supervisor for those seeking addiction counseling licensure in Minnesota. I’m currently working as a counselor for Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
Was there a faculty member that positively impacted your time at UMR and how? A faculty member who inspired me during my time at UMR was Professor Ballam. He inspired me outside the classroom by always taking time to meet with me, and always believing in my potential when I didn’t believe in it myself.