Amani McCoy: A smooth transition to VCU SOE
JMU undergrad now in SOE’s M.Ed. in Counselor Education program
By Tiara Banks
Amani McCoy graduated from James Madison University with an undergraduate degree in psychology. She’s now pursuing her M.Ed in Counselor Education in the new couples and families concentration at the VCU School of Education. Making this transition during a global pandemic required resilience and dedication, and with help from her SOE professors, she has been able to tackle the program head-on.
Finding a home in the School of Education
Amani describes herself as being very sensitive and empathetic to others’ feelings, so the families and couples track was the perfect program to advance her professional aspirations. Like many SOE students, her passion is to help others and give back to the community in a way that can change lives.
“I am always being notified about ways to engage in the community and develop myself professionally.”
– Amani McCoy
Amani believes that attending to people’s emotional growth through counseling is an effective way to make the change she wants to see. She particularly likes VCU’s emphasis on education within a diverse environment to maximize her opportunities for professional growth. She has also been able to get experience in research early through her master’s program, which will be a great advantage when advancing to a doctoral program.
Her favorite part of the program so far has been her instructors. “Each professor has shown that they truly care not only about education, but about the well-being of each individual student,” she said. Amani’s interview for the program was conducted prior to the national call to quarantine, so the in-person structure of her program was cancelled fairly quickly. She explained that even though this was unfortunate, every instructor made sure to look out for their students through difficult times.
Amani is one example of SOE’s exceptional students and how they’re not only succeeding against overwhelming odds, but finding a way to make the whole experience unforgettable – in the best possible way. With help from professors and mentors, Amani is demonstrating the benefits of a great master’s program decision.