Wesleigh Harrison

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT WESLEIGH HARRISON

When I went to college, I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. I knew I was creative and social, with multidisciplinary interests and skills. I wanted to find my calling, but I didn’t know what that looked like. College posed many challenges academically and emotionally which had me questioning my self-efficacy and purpose. So I did what I knew how to do best, ask for help! Because I was proactive in getting support for my needs at school, I found mentors and counselors who became my support system. They believed in me and supported me every step of the way. It is because of this support that I found my confidence and calling to empower others on their educational journeys. Beyond the classroom, I discovered the healing power of Expressive Arts Therapy which ignited a deeper passion of helping others through the modalities of dance, theatre, visual arts, poetry, and music. I had always been artistic and participated in theater and dance in college. After college, I became more involved with the visual arts and fell in love with collage art, which helps me visualize what I desire most and nurture the wounded parts of me. It brings one’s inner world outward so one can take ownership of one’s own life. I have elevated this to a calling, facilitating workshops at a community college and in the community.I started my career in the workforce development sector where I stoked my passion for helping others navigate their professional journeys. This led to a Master\'s Degree in College Counseling and Student Development. I applied my studies working in San Diego’s diverse high schools, guiding students in their pursuit of a college education. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I grew my skill sets through several internships in both private and public higher education systems. I obtained four additional post-graduate certifications in teaching and counseling for higher education. Currently, I work as part of a dynamic community college team, serving students who face basic needs insecurities such as homelessness, food insecurity, and financial hardships. I support students in accessing resources to improve their circumstances in their pursuit of higher education.My ultimate dream is to empower students through the expressive arts to heal themselves and guide them in the next steps of their lives. Top Five Clifton Strengths Themes1. Communication2. Discipline 3. Positivity4. Includer5. Empathy