SUNY Empire grad combines education with work experience to make most of degree
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 10, 2024) When Jasmine Allen-Meyer set out to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she wanted to blend her desire to help others with her lifelong interest and passion in psychology. She also needed to find a university that was flexible and allowed her to continue her responsibilities as a mother of four who works a full-time job.
“I was immediately drawn to Empire State University and decided almost immediately that it was the right place to further my education,” Allen-Meyer said. “The online option allowed me to do 100 percent of my work from home, which has proven vital to my success in all areas of my life because I wouldn’t have been able to find the time to attend in-person courses.”
Allen-Meyer said the university’s focus on flexibility and the genuine care extended to her by mentors and professors had a significant impact on her journey.
“The importance of education was instilled in me at a young age,” Allen-Meyer said. “From childhood, attending college was never a question for me. However, after becoming a mom, I struggled to fit education into my life while still being fully present for my kids. I didn’t want to leave them at home with a babysitter, and I don’t have a big network of family to rely on. I am so thankful for the presence of SUNY Empire in my life because it has allowed me to remain fully engaged in family life without losing sight of my own personal goals.”
Outside of school, Allen-Meyer is a mother to four children and has worked in the mental health field since 2021. Within her field, she has held various positions, including counselor for a transitional housing program and now, service plan coordinator. Allen-Meyer said she maintains a small caseload and focuses on working with residents to provide assessments on an annual basis and help them develop new goals to work on throughout the year based on their individual needs. Allen-Meyer said her education at Empire State University helped her succeed in her career and find a new focus that she is extremely passionate about.
“Having an educational background in psychology helped me in this position because I have a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness, as well as the barriers they face to getting care, and how to best overcome those barriers,” Allen-Meyer said. “I was also able to choose courses that tied closely into my work and hone in on the areas of concern that my clients were facing. That was a huge asset because I was learning the most up-to-date information in school and then applying it on a day-to-day basis.”
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Allen-Meyer was able to advance in her career and obtain a new role as a service coordinator for a TBI/NHTD waiver program. Eventually, Allen-Meyer hopes to continue her academic career and apply for a master’s of social work program with the goal of becoming a therapist for children and families.
“I would like to help children heal from trauma through play and artistic expression,” Allen-Meyer said.