“You make the path by walking.” You create a path by going through it first hand. Exploring the world either in your own community or traveling abroad can open you up to many different opportunities, interests, passions, allowing you to explore your identity. If you don’t get exposed to different things, people, cultures, experiences, how do you expect to know what you really want to do in life when you’re limited to so little personal experiences?
Dr. Christine Norton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Board Approved Supervisor in the State of Texas, credits where she is now to the exposure she received growing up in public schools. Even though Christine grew up in a sheltered home environment, being in public school all her life really allowed her to be exposed to different worldviews. Once she went to college she was then able to explore the world abroad and gain even more insight. This exposure and insight really allowed her to get a sense of passion for people and education at a young age. This passion fueled her hard work as she acquired two Master degrees and a Ph.D. Dr. Christine now has over 25 years of experience working with youth and young adults in a variety of settings including therapeutic wilderness programs, juvenile justice, schools, mentoring and campus support programs.
On this episode of Success is Subjective, Christine joins Joanna to share her journey coming from a very sheltered childhood, to being opened up to a whole new world in college. Christine found that by being exposed to a wide range of perspectives she was able to find her own strong passions in life at a young age. Listen in for Christine’s insight on the importance of exploring the world and being exposed to different worldviews to help one grow as a person and how she works to give her own students that experience.
What You Will Learn
Growing up in The Way International, Christian evangelical group
The religious expectation put on Christine growing up
How Christine’s dad losing his job allowed Christine to have college as an option
How higher ed brings people with different worldviews together
Studying abroad to be exposed to the world
Taking 3 years off in between undergrad and grad school
Majoring in interpersonal communications in undergrad and going on to get 2 Master degrees
Taking education even further and getting a PHD in a clinical social work
How Christine now teaches social work students at Texas State University
The importance in prioritizing trauma informed higher education for foster care students
Christine’s work as a professor for social work students at Texas State University
Trusting the process on the path you’re on
Connect with Dr. Christine Norton
Dr. Christine Norton, Professor at Texas State University
Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center (OBH Center)
Dr. Christine Norton on Twitter
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Lilley Consulting on Instagram
Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network