Mason Schlief, ‘20
Why did you choose to come to UMR? I chose UMR because it provided me a unique opportunity to be a part of a different kind of college experience, including building connections inside the UMR community and beyond. UMR had a mixture of resources including small class sizes, JustASK, team teaching and much more that made me feel that this was where I could be most successful and supported.
What did your Capstone experience at UMR involve? My Capstone experience focused on discovering the very most basic things that I need to live and feel fulfilled, along with how to incorporate those aspects in my life and future plans. This began in The Contemplation of Psychology & Mental Health Through Creativity where we explored the current state of mental health globally, nationally and locally, and were tasked with creating and implementing a creative session for adolescent patients at Generose 1W. This is where I thought deeply about what I needed to grow and share these things with others. I then traveled to Thailand for three weeks where I was able to learn about other ways of life and how they are connected to the things in my soil. This provided me with a new idea on what I wanted to do upon graduation and led me to collaborating with UMR faculty member, Yuko Taniguchi on her research regarding creative ways to address the issue of mental health.
How did your Capstone experience prepare you for the future in what you are currently doing? Not only did my Capstone provide me with the basic tools that I need to grow in any environment or position, I also rediscovered my passion for mental health. In my current position, I challenge myself to find ways to incorporate the things that I need to grow, but also to replenish myself. I look at things creatively and work to find ways to discover new perspectives and avenues in the hopes of providing support for those struggling with mental illness.
What are you currently doing? I currently work as the Coordinator of Housing Support Programs at Fernbrook Family Center. This program focuses on providing housing and financial support to adults with disabilities who have low incomes and aims to reduce and prevent people from living in institutions or becoming homeless. I also spearhead an additional program at Fernbrook Family Center called Housing Stabilization Services in collaboration with local partners and Department of Human Services. As the additional program continues to be created and implemented, I continue to provide mental health skills services to clients in their home and community to reduce barriers to daily living. This includes encouraging clients to use appropriate coping skills when applying for jobs or programs.
Was there a faculty member that positively impacted your time at UMR and how? UMR faculty member Yuko Taniguchi deeply impacted my learning and growth. Her innovative and creative perspective challenged me to think outside of the box and seek out things that provided me the opportunity to connect my passions. She also coached me through discovering things that give me energy and how I can use those things to enact change.