#WhyIChoseEducation: Jessica Mattie

As part of Celebrating 90 Years of NC State Education, we asked you to share your stories of why you chose education and why you love the NC State College of Education. Below is one of the many stories we received demonstrating how we’re leading the way in education in North Carolina and beyond.

Name: Jessica Mattie
Graduation Year: 2019
Program: Counselor Education
Career Role & Responsibilities: I am a current school counseling intern at Cleveland High School in Clayton, N.C. I intern about 10 hours a week under a high school counselor where I do individual counseling, group counseling, post-secondary education preparation and much more! This is all part of the curriculum for the Counselor Education program!

Why did you enter the field of education?
I entered the education field because of my passion for school counseling. Ever since my high school counselor helped me with both personal and education goals, I knew I wanted to do the same for my own students one day. I have already loved helping my students with whatever they bring to my office whether it be problems at home or questions about college applications. I am so excited to begin my profession and continue to help all students achieve their personal, academic and career goals!

Why did you choose to earn your degree from the NC State College of Education?
I received my BSW at NC State in 2017, so I knew that NC State would be the perfect place to continue my education. We have amazing faculty that have helped me not only understand myself better but have taught me how to be the best school counselor I can be. Having a counselor-first program has developed my counseling skills as well as prepared me for my work in my placement so far! I have also had great opportunities to go to conferences like the North Carolina School Counselor Association fall conference where we presented our own research posters! Go Pack!