Mary Hellstrom M.A. '16
Mary Hellstrom M.A. '16 shares her experience at Wheaton and how it prepared her for her calling.
Why did you choose to attend Wheaton?
When I visited campus, I was truly impacted by the genuineness and warmth with which I was met by the staff and faculty. I wanted to attend a school which would be influential personally, academically, professionally, relationally, and spiritually -and Wheaton College felt like a very good fit. I chose this program because it was the best fit with who I am as a person and what I care most about--family relationships.
What skills have you learned from your program?
I believe the most important skills I learned in my program include a greater ability to connect with people, especially those who are very different from myself, as well as an expanded sense of compassion for myself and for the people I come into contact with, both personally and professionally. I have needed these skills every day in my work. My improved ability to connect with people has allowed me to form trust with families who have a completely different background and who hold some very different values from myself. An expanded sense of compassion has been so needed, both for myself as a beginning therapist, and for my clients, who I am learning to engage with using curiosity, respect, and hope rather than criticism and judgment.
What advice can you give for students who are also considering the M.A. Marriage & Family Therapy Program at Wheaton College Graduate School?
I would encourage interested students to have lots of conversations with different people in preparation for this decision. If you're interested in the MFT program, try and find someone with an MFT degree that you can talk with about the details and the differences between other counseling programs. Ask close friends and family about what they believe your strengths, weaknesses, gifts, talents, and passions are as a way of helping to discern if this is the best degree for you to pursue. I would also strongly encourage interested students to talk with current students and faculty at Wheaton! If possible, make a trip out to campus. Of course, pray and most importantly trust that God is always with you and leading you in the right direction.
