Born in the Bronx and raised in Spanish Harlem, Robert S. says his New York upbringing wasn’t the easiest. But it taught him about community and grit, and he went into roles that required both.

He spent most of his career in the military, then in law enforcement, but always felt something was missing. He tried starting his own business and worked as a private investigator, but went on a search for deeper meaning that led him to realize what matters most to him: helping others heal by seeking a career in mental health services.

Now, Robert is nearing graduation for his online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. He spoke with us about his experience so far pursuing this advanced degree.

What does having a good education mean to you?

A good education means transformation. It’s more than learning; it’s becoming. My education at Wake Forest University has given me the tools to bridge my lived experiences with evidence-based clinical practice. It’s taught me to lead with empathy, think critically and serve ethically. For me, education is freedom; it allows me to use my past to build a better future for others.

How did you feel before starting your program, and how do you feel now?

Before starting the program, I was uncertain and hesitant. I questioned whether I belonged in this new field after a lifetime in military and law enforcement environments. Vulnerability was not something I was used to. Now, as I approach graduation, I feel centered and fulfilled. This program has redefined what service means to me; not through authority or control, but through empathy, connection and presence. I’ve grown in ways I never expected, both as a professional and as a person.

What challenges did you overcome during the program?

The last three years have been tough. Balancing graduate school, internship work, family responsibilities and my own mental health required endurance and faith. I’ve been in therapy since 2009, learning to face the invisible scars left by combat and years in law enforcement. Transitioning from a role centered on control and crisis to one grounded in empathy and vulnerability wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Every challenge I faced made me a stronger, more compassionate counselor.

What has the process of earning your degree taught you about yourself?

This journey taught me that strength isn’t about how much you can carry; it’s about how open you can be. I learned that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s where genuine connection happens. I discovered that my past doesn’t define me; it prepared me. Every experience, from trauma to triumph, has become part of the foundation I now use to help others rebuild theirs.

Why did you choose this program over others?

I chose Wake Forest University because of its strong reputation for academic excellence, ethical integrity and commitment to producing compassionate, well-rounded clinicians. The flexibility of the online format allowed me to balance school, work and family life, while still receiving the same caliber of instruction and mentorship as an on-campus student. What sealed my decision was the genuine support and sense of belonging I felt from faculty and staff, something that’s not easy to find in online programs.

How do you stay motivated while achieving your goals?

I stay motivated by remembering my “why.” Every client who walks through my door is a reminder that this work matters. I think of my mother, my fellow veterans and those struggling silently with pain they don’t yet have words for. I also lean on faith, mindfulness and the encouragement of my children, who thought I was a little crazy for starting grad school at 52 but loved me enough to worry about my mental health. Their support keeps me pushing forward.

How has the university shown you support?

Wake Forest University has been a lifeline of support. My professors, advisor Norma C. and the entire online student support team have gone above and beyond to make sure I never felt alone in this process. They were responsive, compassionate and encouraging through every challenge. The mentorship I received during my internship preparation and fieldwork has been invaluable. I truly felt seen, supported and believed in.

How will you use your degree, and what impact do you want to have on the world?

This December, I’ll graduate with my Master’s in Counseling from Wake Forest University and continue working with Daymark Recovery Services, serving individuals battling addiction and co-occurring disorders. My next goal is to earn my LCAS (Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist) and lead our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program (SAIOP). My mission is to meet people in their darkest moments, help them understand their story and guide them toward peace and purpose. I want to help break the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health, especially within the veteran and first responder communities.

Have you been able to apply what you’ve learned in your program in your career or life? When did you notice it for the first time in the real world?

Yes. I’ve applied my learning daily during my internship at Daymark Recovery Services, where I work with clients facing trauma, addiction and dual diagnoses. The first time a client told me, “You actually get it,” I realized how my education and life experience had come together. The skills I’ve learned — motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) — have not only improved my clinical practice but have also deepened my compassion and understanding in my personal life.

Is earning your degree worth it? Why or why not?

Without a doubt, it’s worth it. This degree gave me a second career that feels like a calling. It gave me peace, healing and the chance to give that same gift to others. Every hour of study, every late-night paper, every hard conversation was part of building something bigger than myself. I’ve found not only a profession but a purpose.

What advice do you have for future students?

It’s never too late to follow your purpose. No setback is too big to stop you. Lean into the hard stuff, even when no one sees it, and fight like hell for your dreams. Don’t let fear or age hold you back. Trust the process, stay teachable and remember that your story, no matter how messy, can become someone else’s survival guide.

The online master’s programs in counseling at Wake Forest University teach students valuable skills that can help fuel success in a number of possible career options, including clinical mental health counseling, school counseling and other related fields. If you are interested in becoming a catalyst for positive change in people’s lives, learn more about how Wake Forest University can help prepare you to achieve your professional goals.