ASU graduate sees a future in school counseling
Dillon Dixon is a senior graduating with a Bachelor of Science in counseling and applied psychological science from the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
After touring various Arizona colleges, Dillon Dixon decided to enroll in the School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University.
Dixon said ASU put him at ease because in a classroom experience he had, he noticed that faculty were welcoming and open to answering questions in a close-knit learning environment.
Dixon, a New American University Scholar, said he picked the counseling and applied psychological science bachelor’s degree because “seeing the mental health crisis going on all around us; watching various conditions wear away at those around me, all while not having the resources to provide support, made me realize that if the resources weren’t available, I would become the resource people needed.”
The program’s applied emphasis exposed Dixon to the mental health demands among elementary-aged students, which sparked his interest.
Clinical Assistant Professor Rachel Ocampo Hoogasian noticed Dixon’s involvement beyond the classroom at events involving K–12 students, including a dance fitness event and holiday stocking-making event.
“He is tuned into the needs of young people, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, and is motivated to support them throughout their educational trajectories,” Ocampo Hoogasian said.
She also noticed his “high levels of psychological mindedness” and his “strong grasp of the material and ability to think critically.”
Following graduation, Dixon has plans to further pursue his education with a Master of Counseling degree in ASU’s School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology. After completing his degree, he plans to work in a clinical setting to serve the community and provide support to Arizona students.
Question: Did a scholarship help fund your academic journey at ASU?
Answer: Yes, I received the New American University Provost's Scholarship, which helped pay for roughly half of my tuition, and the Student FA Trust Grant, which helped pay another 20% of my tuition during my freshman year. These scholarships allowed me to better set aside funds, focus more on finding quality work outside of school and ultimately enabled me to do an internship.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom, lab or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: Something I learned in the classroom that really surprised me was that you can't help everyone. I liked to think that there was always something I could do, but my time in classes showed me that sometimes you just don't have the time or talent to help everyone. At the same time, there is someone who you can help.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: Truthfully it was a little tough. I had gone on tours of multiple colleges in the area, and they each seemed pretty nice, but what really settled it for me was sitting in on classes. Each time I would tour a campus, I would find a class that would let me drop by, and each campus seemed to have really different class attitudes. I felt at ease sitting in on a couple of ASU classes. The professors really seemed to work with the students, and it seemed like you could approach being social however you'd like. I also liked to crack the joke that ASU was willing to give me the highest scholarship.
Q: Thinking back, what do you think is the most interesting moment or story or accomplishment in your ASU journey?
A: The most interesting moment I can think of was sitting down on the first day of spring classes in my junior year, and the teacher asked if we had taken classes with them beforehand. We went around the classroom discussing that, and when they got to me, I joked that my class last fall with them was one of the toughest I think I'd had. After answering what class it was, the professor paused for a moment, before telling me that they were impressed that I was one of few students to pass that class as it was the first time it was offered and they hadn't realized how tough it would be until the semester started.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU and what was it?
A: Dr. Rachel Ocampo Hoogasian really helped me see that my goals were within my reach. She allowed me to discuss my goals and used her own life experience to help me improve. She removed the power differential between teacher and student and showed me that I was bound to be a professional in the field just as she was.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Take a moment and step back to see all you've accomplished. It's easy to skip all over the work you've done if you're just looking for the work still to come.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: I really liked hanging out in the CISA (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts) student/faculty lounges as it’s a nice place to chill and overlook the world a bit between classes.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: This question made me think because honestly $40 million isn't a lot to change the world. What I settled on was that I would reinvest it in the state in the form of scholarships for future counselors who are in college. With this money, I could afford to send more than 700 future counselors through college, or more, which would greatly impact a community that is in dire need of counselors. This would allow people to break into the field and remove the stress of working while paying for college. This funding would also give students a steady footing when they graduate so they can immediately start pursuing careers in counseling.
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