My Career Development Lifeline by Michelle Opalinski

The Day I Was Born

mimizebra21 — 2025-08-27 23:10:40 UTC

I was born on July 21st, 2003.

Age 5

mimizebra21 — 2025-08-28 00:12:08 UTC

I became a big sister in 2005. She is one of the most important people in my life. She has taught me to be kind, understanding, and caring. She has pushed me to do many great things in my life.

Age 8

mimizebra21 — 2025-08-28 00:23:40 UTC

I transferred from a private school to a public school. I met with the school counselor regularly to check my progress and see how I was feeling. At this time, it was difficult, yet I began wanting to work with people when I got older.

Age 13

mimizebra21 — 2025-08-28 00:28:14 UTC

In middle school, I began struggling with anxiety and depression. This led me to work with school counselors to practice mindfulness and different techniques. I also played volleyball, basketball, and soccer during this time, and I really enjoyed it and made many friends. This overall helped how I felt and made me feel more certain that I want to help people when I get older.

Age 15

mimizebra21 — 2025-08-28 00:31:20 UTC

I began going to therapy at this time. I worked with school counselors and school psychologists regularly for support groups and interventions. I started to take an interest in psychology during this time, yet I was set to become a physical therapist. I am also continuing to play basketball, volleyball, and soccer at this time. I was an overall good student.

Age 16

mimizebra21 — 2025-08-28 00:42:38 UTC

This is my family. During this time, my parents pushed me to go to college and complete a degree since they both did not attend college. My parents are some of the most important people in my life because they have pushed me to do many great things and to pursue my dreams. At this time, I still wanted to become a physical therapist and began an internship with the school's athletic trainers. With the help of my school counselor, I was able to land the internship.

Age 17

mimizebra21 — 2025-08-28 01:05:38 UTC

At this time, I was already in community college, my senior year of high school, and still pursuing physical therapy. I was also graduating from high school. COVID was during that time, taking away homecoming, prom, sports, and graduation. Yet, I decided on Northern Illinois University to continue my studies. I was very excited to start college and meet new people while continuing my education.

Age 19

mimizebra21 — 2025-08-28 01:19:08 UTC

I was a sophomore when I decided I wanted to switch my major from physical therapy to psychology and become a school counselor. My family was supportive of this change. I felt that I made the right decision.

Age 21

mimizebra21 — 2025-08-28 01:23:59 UTC

I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. in psychology, a minor in counseling and rehabilitation counseling, a certificate in adolescence, and a cum laude. I am a first-generation student, so my family, friends, and I were all excited and proud of me. I decided on Bradley for the school counseling program because I wanted to make a difference in students' lives.

Age 22

mimizebra21 — 2025-08-28 01:26:41 UTC

Now this will be my second semester attending Bradley. I am excited to continue learning and achieve more great things. I am most excited about working with students and children beyond graduate school. I look forward to this class and meeting everyone!