My name is Luke Strawn and I am the Committee Chair for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track. I wanted to reach out for numerous reasons:

1. I wanted to say a quick "Hello!" and "Welcome!" We're really glad you're here!

2. I wanted to create a space for you all to know a little about who I am (professionally and personally).

3. I wanted to create a space where CMHC folk could come together and get to know one another, share resources, and request and receive advice.

Speaking upon that last please, I want to open the floor up for those who would like to share introductions. As a second-year graduate student in this program, I've found that connecting with my cohort has been an absolute blessing as I grow, learn, and develop. Friends I've made in the CMHC cohort are invaluable and I honestly owe so much to the commitment and support I've received from them. 

Please introduce yourself using the "reply" button! Feel free to include:

1. Name

2. Year

3. What drew you to this program/track

4. What you hope to gain from your time with CSI

5. A fun/interesting fact.

Still reading? Awesome! Without further ado:

Again, my name is Luke Strawn. I'm a 2nd year graduate student in the CMHC program here at State. I was drawn to the counseling profession through a variety of life's circumstances that seemed to call out to me. I have a keen interest in addictions counseling, which grew as I witnessed the indirect (and direct) impact of alcoholism on individuals and their families. I also really enjoy working with college students. I currently intern at the Counseling Center here at State (which is probably where that college student interest comes from!). This is my first year working with CSI, and I'm stoked to initiate activities and exercises that focus on mental health advocacy, professional development, and community building in our track. As I said earlier, my cohort has been my anchor during my time in this program, and I would like for everyone to have the same experience I was fortunate to have. Fun fact - I am an avid animal lover (except birds and fish, sorry y'all), but I especially love cats!

I'm looking forward to meeting so many of you throughout the year! If you have any questions about who I am, my role here, CSI, the program, or anything in general, please reach out.

All the Best,

Luke