After seven years of taking one course at a time, Yajaira Kennison’s persistence paid off. Earning a doctoral degree from CalSouthern was more than a professional aspiration – it was an immersive experience filled with personal growth and self-confidence.
Yajaira resides in Los Angeles and was referred to CalSouthern by a former Learner. She wanted to find a program that would satisfy all the requirements to become a licensed therapist. Tuition cost, schedule flexibility, and convenience were major features that drew Yajaira to CalSouthern.
“Working full-time made it harder to slow down and take on a full course load. CalSouthern’s online program made my work-life balance easier to manage,” Yajaira said when asked about why she chose CalSouthern. “The affordability and locked-in tuition rate were very attractive, too.”
Throughout the seven years it took to earn her degree, one course at a time, Yajaira learned how to set a steady pace for her personal life and discovered the true meaning of persistence. “To me, persistence is overcoming self-doubt, times of laziness, personal insecurities, and outside criticism.”
Yajaira attributes much of her success to the flexibility of the program as well as the attentive support system of her CalSouthern mentors.
Personal hardships forced her to take a short break from her studies, but she was back on track after taking advantage of CalSouthern’s flexible course extensions for when life events get in the way. Courses in abnormal psychology, pharmacology, and personality disorders were among Yajaira’s favorite and reinforced her drive and passion for the study of psychology.
Among Yajaira’s future professional goals, going into private practice, publishing her research, and becoming a registered play therapist are just a few.