Meet Deondra Hamilton | Counseling Student & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deondra Hamilton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deondra, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for Children and Adolescents. I plan to work as a licensed counselor for young people either in a private practice or at a hospital. I would also love to continue content creation on Youtube and my other social media accounts. I have been enjoying including videos related to my counseling perspective with my other content related to natural hair, lifestyle, etc. Overall, I want to explore all of my passions professionally.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am currently a graduate student pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for Children and Adolescents. My journey has been interesting because I initially thought that I wanted to be pediatrician. I began my journey in undergrad, majoring in Biology, Pre-med at the University of Alabama. After graduating with my B.S., I applied to medical school but did not get accepted right away. I then worked as a volunteer in a daycare near my church during my gap year and continued to study for my MCAT. The next year, I reapplied and was accepted to a medical school. Although I was happy to be there, I struggled to find my footing in med school and felt overall unfulfilled with what I was doing. This led to me eventually making the switch to Clinical Mental Health Counseling instead. Of course this was not an easy decision because I was ultimately starting over. However, as soon as I began my classes I knew that I had made the right decision. Now, I am able to work with kids during my internship as a counselor and I feel so blessed to be able to help in this way. I have learned that although I always wanted to be a medical doctor to help kids, that is not the only way I can touch lives. I have also learned that I do not have to limit myself to one goal, one passion, or one career. I am a counselor as well as a content creator and I don’t have to choose between the two.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be honest, I don’t go out too much when I’m home. However, I love to go to surrounding cities like Birmingham or Atlanta with my fiancé and family when I want a change of scenery for a bit. I love going to new restaurants and museums. I also enjoy parks and the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my family, my fiancé, as well as my church family for supporting me throughout my journey as a counselor as well as content creator. I am here because of them and I love them all.

Instagram: @deondralavon

Twitter: @deondralavon

Facebook: Deondra Lavon

Youtube: youtube.com/deondralvon