Sheridan Jenice Tennant
Hometown: Edison, NJ
Graduate Program: M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
Undergraduate Institution: Bucknell University
Major: Psychology and Spanish
Work Experience: Bucknell Admissions (prospective student host coordinator/intern)
1.) What attracted you to the Lynch School?
I was attracted to the Lynch School's familial atmosphere. I remember first coming to Boston to visit another program, and then coming to Boston College a few months later in the spring for the open house, so I could form a comparison. The opinion I had from the website was enhanced at least 10 times by the genuine friendliness of the staff and faculty I met when I came. It was that personal touch and the way everyone from both admissions and the counseling department made me feel so important and supported that day that completely "sealed the deal.” I knew then that I was absolutely sure of my choice.
2.) How would you describe your experience at Lynch?
I absolutely LOVE my program and the Lynch School. I have been able to get to know students from both my program and several of the others in the Lynch School. Speaking specifically to my program, Mental Health Counseling, I have been blessed to be taught by some of the most brilliant minds in the counseling field, and I am very close to my cohort, which may be hard to imagine with 60 or so of us, but it's true! The faculty is as supportive and humble as they are intelligent, and that makes for a much calmer and enjoyable learning experience.
3.) What advice you would give to prospective students planning to apply?
My advice for prospective students would be, first, really take the time to look through a school's website in detail and get to know as much as you can before applying. Specifically for those looking into my program, it is important to know the differences between what a master’s and a doctorate will lead you to in the long run, and just pursue the degree that works for YOU and your goals.
4.) How did you go about seeking funding at the Lynch School?
I knew as soon as I arrived at BC that a job was going to be absolutely necessary. I only took out enough loans to cover my tuition, and decided not to take out any more because I intended to work for anything else I needed. I was blessed to find an admissions position open and I applied and came in for an interview and I've been here since the fall of 2007. As the position was an assistantship, it came not only with a stipend but also with tuition remission, which is absolutely amazing because it allowed me to have many of my courses paid off by BC, which decreased how much I had to take out in loans.