Ken Choi, a new counselor at Crowder, enjoys connecting with students through counseling. Choi himself is very efficient at communication as his job demands it, but there was a time when he struggled. With how well students recount his counseling and ability to communicate and relate, it comes as a surprise that he had to learn how to communicate well in English.
Thirteen years ago, at the age of seventeen, Choi moved to the United States from South Korea.
“Even though we take English class beginning in elementary school,” Choi said, “my English wasn’t good at all when I first came to the U.S. They teach you a lot about grammar and vocabulary, but not much conversational English.”
After a year living with an American family in Michigan, Choi adapted to speak comfortably and fluently. Not liking the cold weather in Michigan, he moved to Virginia where his interest in human minds and behaviors lead him to finish his undergraduate degree in clinical psychology at Liberty University. He succeeded in finding an internship near the end of the program at a human rights organization in Los Angeles.
“I enjoyed my time in California, the weather, beach, diversity and nature,” said Choi. “But I ended up getting a job in Fort Worth, Texas upon graduation.”
Choi, having gone through his share of hardships through the years, realized what a major impact having someone there for support made. That realization is what influenced him to become a counselor and, after realizing he needed a master’s degree to work as a counselor, he decided to attend Midwestern Seminary in Kansas City. He graduated with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and later found a job at a community mental health clinic in Kansas City.
“Our agency was contracted with a local school district, so I actually got to go into the schools to provide mental health support for secondary school students,” Choi recalls from one of his first jobs after earning his degree.
Throughout Choi’s career, he’d enjoyed working with college students. Being able to support people at a pivotal part in their lives is what influenced Choi to apply to Crowder. He’d had a great college experience himself and the atmosphere of Crowder reminded him of that period in his life. The sense of community and connection also appealed to Choi.
“There is a stereotype that you only need counseling if things get out of control,” Choi said, referring to his goal to help cultivate change and enforce mental wellness. “That’s not true at all. According to research, 80% of college students feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities as students, and 39% experience significant mental health issues.
“When we feel deeply connected and supported, we have more courage and strength to navigate life’s problems. I feel lucky that I get to be that anchor that people need when they are going through difficulties.”
Choi aims to make a proactive difference at Crowder and has already started a committee and plans to start a club (see sidebar) to try and create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
“Ken Choi is the new counselor on campus here in Neosho and whether you wish to speak with him in-person or online via zoom,” Mark Aubuchon, Director of Campus Life, said, “he is an important person for all of our students looking to find some help for any mental health needs.”
“Ken was selected as the successful candidate based on his previous work experience with local community agencies and his contractual care work with public school districts,” Jamie Ward, a counselor in Crowder Cares and Vice President of Student Affairs, said. “Ken has extensive training in trauma-informed care and specializes in EMDR therapy. Ken’s personality and experience make him a great fit for the Counseling Center.”
Ken Choi hopes to make a difference as a counselor at Crowder and connecting with students and helping them deal with their own personal hindrances is just one of the ways he plans to do that.
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