For Juliette, a C8 student at Excel College, the path toward counseling began long before graduate school applications. In high school, she considered becoming either a lawyer or a therapist, but it was her own experience with therapy and spiritual healing that first sparked a deeper interest in counseling.

“At the time, therapy was instrumental in walking with the Lord and my relationship with Christ,” Juliette shared. “One of my counselors told me I’d be a good therapist.” Still, the thought of years of schooling felt overwhelming, and the dream of either path stayed in the background.

That changed during her time at Excel.

Through the physical sciences modules, the questions surrounding human wholeness, healing, and the connection between the physical and spiritual aspects of life were brought back to the forefront. Conversations around holistic health and integrated living pushed her to think deeply about what it means to care for people — and oneself — well.

As those interests simmered and grew, Juliette connected with a family friend who was a therapist and graduate of Richmont Graduate University. Their conversation gave her a clearer picture of counseling as a vocation — an opportunity to walk with people through healing while integrating faith and clinical care.

From that point on, Richmont became the goal.

With support from Excel faculty members and her practicum coordinator, Juliette intentionally shaped her practicum around preparing for graduate school. Our faculty reached out to Richmont directly to learn what materials students were reading, allowing Juliette to immerse herself in similar studies ahead of time and begin building a foundation for her future.

Though the process included unexpected personal challenges and moments of uncertainty, Juliette ultimately felt led to apply to Richmont’s online program in late January. After a few months of anticipation, she received her acceptance in mid-April!

Now, she is eager to study psychology and the ways people respond to conflict and life experiences — not only to prepare for a future career, but to better understand both herself and others.

Reflecting on her experience, Juliette is especially grateful for the formation she received throughout her time with Excel College.

“A lot of doors open because of the emphasis on discipleship and formation,” she said. “You become someone people want to hire and work with. A lot more is possible here than people might initially think.”

As she prepares to begin her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Richmont Graduate University, Juliette’s story reflects what Excel College hopes for every student: an education that forms the whole person and prepares them to step faithfully into whatever is next.