Faces of NLU: Meet Patrice Patton
A psychology student aims to improve community wellness and become a change agent within the mental health field.
While we pride ourselves on preparing our students for rewarding careers at National Louis University, we know that for some students, future professions are about more than earning a living. Patrice Patton is one such student. Having already earned her undergraduate degree at NLU, Patrice returned to NLU to get her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and she expects to graduate in June. Upon earning her Master's, she already has plans to return in the Fall to begin earning her Ph.D. in Community Psychology! She says she decided to return to NLU because the University offered an excellent academic experience combined with a supportive community:
“When considering going back to school, I didn’t want just any school. I sought out excellence and wanted to feel valued. I was looking for a family, in a sense, and National Louis was recommended to me. I chose NLU due to its inclusiveness and innovation. National Louis provides the balance and flexibility needed as a student [...] compassion and morality runs deep within the faculty and staff at NLU. One of the primary reasons I furthered my education at National Louis is due to the NLU spirit of support, which is overall phenomenal.”
Not only does Patrice believe NLU has set her up for a rewarding career, but she says her psychology program has helped her realize the larger impact she can have as a mental health professional:
“NLU has given me the opportunity to become an agent of change, an advocate for the field of mental health and an individual who thrives off communal success and wellness. Maximizing my critical thinking skills along with many other abilities, I feel that NLU has played a vital role in preparing me to assist with making tomorrow a better place.”
Given her enthusiasm for service and community, it’s no surprise that Patrice is involved in a number of organizations at NLU, including the National Society of Leadership and Success, Black Student Union (BSU), and the National Louis University Counseling Association (NLUCA).
Patrice credits her own resiliency for helping her through trying times as she’s earned her degrees:
“Early on, I faced many financial burdens while pursuing my first degree from NLU, relying deeply on my faith [...] Starting this journey nearly six years ago, and now with almost two degrees from National Louis, I stand firm within my devotion to advocacy and mental health. I am eager to see where this journey will lead me [...]”
Patrice expects her journey to take her to a career in psychology, helping to build communities and promote change around mental health:
“With both my LCPC and Ph.D., which will also be from NLU, I plan to have my very own practice, promoting mental health to improve overall wellness within communities. My goal is to be an agent of change, on communal and systemic levels.”
As far as advice she’d offer to her fellow NLU/Kendall students, Patrice encourages them to stay focused and hungry:
“Don’t ever let your environment or circumstance influence your outcome. Stay resilient, stay ambitious, stay determined.”
Interested in our graduate programs in psychology? You can request more information about any of our programs online or call (888) 658-8632 to speak with an Enrollment Specialist about your career and educational goals.
