What I Wish I Knew: Practical Advice for New Fellows
As a new fellow, your Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) experience is fully underway. By now, you’ve been duly oriented about your host MFP organization, the SAMHSA MFP expectations requirements, and the role of the Minority Fellowship Coordinating Center (MFPCC). Now you’re ready to move full steam ahead, or are you? We’re providing an inside scoop on lessons learned by a few current and alumni MFP fellows that might help you navigate the MFP while effectively managing your fellowship requirements and practicing self-care. We hope you are able to take “what these fellows wish they knew” and use it to maximize your MFP experience.
MINORITY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FELLOWS
Monique Barber, M.S., CMHC
MFP-AC: Master’s Fellow (2017-2018), National Board of Certified Counselors.
Take advantage of every opportunity – from the trainings to the mentors. That said, if it becomes overwhelming with school and work, and family, be gentle – you're doing enough. Set up a separate group with your cohort – it'll be invaluable having all these contacts once you graduate.
Carolina Belmares Ortega, M.A.
MFP-Y: Master’s Fellow (2014-2015), National Board of Certified Counselors. Current institution – University of New Mexico/All Faiths.
I wish I knew how to document session notes and paperwork. I would strongly recommend that new professionals spend a little more time focusing on this aspect during school, as the first year on the field can be really challenging with having to learn to navigate documentation.
Ne’Shaun Borden, M.S., B.S.
MFP Doctoral Fellow (2019-2020), National Board of Certified Counselors. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Idaho State University
I have been active with Integrative Medicine for the Underserved (IM4US) for 5 years and served on the board of directors for 1 year and currently am the Board President. IM4US is the only integrative health nonprofit that focuses solely on the underserved. We prepare all health cadres, admin, advocates, and researchers with trainings, tools, and resources to level the playing field for low-income patients. I assisted in planning our annual conference and first virtual conference, which included sessions on COVID-19 and structural racism, from August 27-29, 2020. There were free scholarships available so there were no barriers; participation was available from one to three days. A large contingent of our members are nurses, and I also brought on mMFP Doctoral Fellow (2019-2020), National Board of Certified Counselors. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Idaho State University
Maria Del Carmen Rodriguez, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, NJ-DRCC
MFP Doctoral Fellow (1980-1982), American Psychology Association. Current institution – Kean University.
I conducted two psychoeducational process groups (one for middle schoolers and one for high schoolers) on June 8 and 15, respectively, for a congregation on the Westside of Manhattan. I also designed a four-session process group for teenagers that took place in April-May, dSelf-care: do not hesitate to ask for meaningful support and when struggling, seek out counseling. It is not a sign of weakness to get help. It is a sign of wisdom. Navigating COVID: sacrifices we're making can be exhausting. Remind yourself that the COVID crisis will end and we will be able to resume a normal routine. Count your blessings even when circumstances seem grim.
Virginia Garcia, MS.Ed., B.A.
MFP-MHC: Doctoral Fellow (2019-2020), National Board of Certified Counselors. Current institution – St. Mary’s University.
Flexibility is key – and I appreciate the NBCC's flexibility when it came to restructuring how we put together our goals to finish off our year. I appreciated that we, as doctoral fellows, started a WhatsApp group that served as a great way to feel connected and as a reminder of many deadlines, or sharing of information, or simply support. Connect with your cohort – whether its a Facebook group, or a WhatsApp group, or an email group. It can make a tremendous difference for support and staying on track.
Kalesha Jenkins, M.A.
MFP-MHC: Doctoral Fellow (2019-2020), National Board of Certified Counselors. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Cincinnati.
Push yourself past your limits while engaging in self-care. Take time to learn a better you and what you need to become a better version of you.
Chanta Moore, Ph.D., Ed.S., B.S.
MFP Doctoral Fellow (2018-2019), National Board of Certified Counselors. Current institution – University of South Carolina.
Create and/or fully immerse yourself in opportunities to connect with your peers and your mentor(s). Get/stay organized; add those deadlines to your calendar now (do not forget the reminder alerts and to schedule some quiet time just for yourself). Be ambitious and do not be afraid to ask for help. Let go of the false narrative that you or your fellowship year have to be perfect to be meaningful. Here you are in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, don't let fear drive. Embrace the experience...all of it. You've got this. I am cheering for you.
Holly Osterman, B.A.
MFP-AC: Master’s Fellow (2017-2018), National Board of Certified Counselors. Current institution – Western Kentucky University.
Yoga and daily communication with others in some form, whether in person or simply on the phone. Keeping myself occupied mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally in some form or fashion.
Ashlei Rabess, M.A., B.S.
MFP-MHC: Doctoral Fellow (2020-2021), National Board of Certified Counselors. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Practice at Georgia State University.
While we often ask for grace when it comes to ourselves and our own shortcomings, it is important to also contribute to a culture of grace in whatever systems you occupy.
Cyril Scovens, M.S., B.S., A.A.S.
MFP-AC: Master’s Fellow (2019-2020), National Board of Certified Counselors. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Capella University.
I would advise the current fellows to manage their emotions during these unprecedented times in the pandemic. They will need to use every counseling skills that they have learned to work on themselves as they practice in the community.
Jakara Scurry, B.S., B.S.
MFP-AC: Master’s Fellow (2020-2021), National Board of Certified Counselors. Pursuing a Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Career Counseling, Addictions Counseling at North Carolina Central University.
Make self-care a weekly priority. Be sure to set aside alone time for self-reflection and relaxation each week.
Dolores Subia BigFoot, Ph.D.
MFP Doctoral Fellow (1986-1988), American Psychology Association. Current institution — University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Leadership is about humility. As the world watched the funeral services of Nelson Mendela, a TV commentator stated that Mendela was of royalty and a chief in his tribe. The commentator followed that by saying that Mendela never acted like he was a chief; he appeared to never place himself above his people. Indigenous teachings state that leadership is about service and putting others before you, about seeing to the needs of others. It is about having humility about the service that is given to others since leadership is a sacred calling. Nelson Mandela demonstrated humility in his leadership.
Tesa Tapuriah, B.A., A.A.
MFP-AC: Master’s Fellow (2020-2021), National Board of Certified Counselors. Pursuing an M.S. in Addictions Counseling at Ottawa University.
Discuss in-depth the impact the funds from the fellowship award will have on your financial aid with your institution’s financial aid advisor. The impact of the award is only briefly touched on during orientation and could greatly reduce financial aid due to the financial need being lessened. This is not made clear and has had a great impact on me personally.
Christopher Townsend, Ph.D.
MFP Doctoral Fellow (2017-2018), National Board of Certified Counselors. Current institution — Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.
Self-care is critical. We too often give not only the overflow that falls into the saucer but also the tea in the cup. I would like to encourage the health care workers to only give from the overflow of the saucer so you may continue to give. Set realistic goals that are filled with compassion. We will do better work if we do what we are teaching others to do. We live by example my friends. Live to help another day!