Conference Strand

Teaching, Training, and Supervision

Abstract

A 2013 study found 74.8% of Black girls graduated high school, while only 37.6% of the Black females in early adulthood were enrolled in college (Kalu, 2022). The added pressure of navigating grief while also endeavoring higher education only exacerbates that statistic. Learning to process grief healthfully is a useful lesson to ensure one’s ability to thrive during their grief.

Description

While the pursuit of higher education is admirable, it can also become very overwhelming when navigating it with everyday life. This can be even more challenging for African Americans as they are navigating a myriad of challenges along the way. Coupled with that, tackling a degree, with the added pressure of overcoming grief, can prove insurmountable.

A legacy of excellence was established in an African American family history. After attending Seminary School and obtaining a doctorate in Theology, a father was the first doctor in his family. This father evolved into a master at creating an environment for inquisitive learning for the family unit. He was a master student of life and instilled that same work ethic as a legacy.

Upon his passing in 2021, I was confronted with continuing his legacy while endeavoring to complete my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It was not very long before I realized that there were lessons that I learned in school and lessons that I learned in school and life. While learning to show empathy to others, I also had to learn to show grace to myself (Thieleman, Cacciatore, & Hill, 2014).

During this presentation, the audience will- learn how to process grief while pursuing higher education. They will gain an understanding of African American education and the legacy that holds. Additionally, participants will gain further insight into lessons to motivate their endeavors to pursue a greater version of themselves, despite grieve and loss.

These lessons learned will help persons obtain their master’s or Doctoral Degree while navigating grief (Varga, Bordere, & Varga, 2022). This will also give them the tools needed to support others dealing with loss in various capacities. The overarching lesson will be that loss doesn’t have to mean the end of the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Evidence

Research supports the concept that there is a difference between the grieving and mourning process. Grieving deals with the thoughts and feelings behind the loss, while mourning is the demonstration of that grief (Schoulte, 2011). This can further be exemplified within various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. African Americans have historically used spirituality to navigate death and loss (Moore., 2020). Bereavement among African Americans is significant because while the percentage of African Americans endeavoring to attain higher level of degrees has been on a rise over the past decade, being ill prepared for a tragic loss can cause great regression in the strides taken for that higher education (Kalu, 2022).

Format

Individual Presentations

Biographical Sketch

Sharon V. Lewis, PhD, LPC, NCC, core faculty in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University

Hope Victoria Charles, MA, RMHCI, received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She believes that her mission on Earth is to follow the lead of the Great Counselor and the example He gave. She endeavors to help His children heal from their past wounds, to experience wholeness. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Liberty University.

Nivischi Edwards, PhD, LMHC, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH received her Doctorate in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida. She believes true accomplishment is love, unconditional love for God, self, and others. She operates a virtual practice, teaches counseling at Liberty University, and is passionate about healthy relationship. Learn more here: https://drnivischi.com

Location

Room 155

Start Date

3-7-2024 2:00 PM

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Mar 7th, 2:00 PM

Continuing The Legacy: Navigating Grief and Loss While Pursuing a Degree

Room 155

A 2013 study found 74.8% of Black girls graduated high school, while only 37.6% of the Black females in early adulthood were enrolled in college (Kalu, 2022). The added pressure of navigating grief while also endeavoring higher education only exacerbates that statistic. Learning to process grief healthfully is a useful lesson to ensure one’s ability to thrive during their grief.