Melony Ann Lyon Burnett  

I graduated with an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree from Lane Community College, in Spring of 2022.  I am currently an undergraduate student working toward my first Bachelor's Degree.  I am a non-traditional, single income student majoring in Psychology.  Once I graduate with a BS, I will finally work toward my Graduate Degree.  I believe that the combination of my life experience and college education will lead me to providing counseling services to my future clients at the best of my ability.  I'm leaning toward a main focus in helping low-income women and the LGBTQIA+ Community.  I have the type of personality that won't quit.  I am already imagining that once I begin my future career, I will continue seeking out research and ways to learn more about improvements that I can make to better my practice on behalf of my future clients.  As well as continue with my own personal growth so I may be my best self toward others.  I want to lead by example.

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I grew up in Oregon.  After high school I tried to go to college as I wanted to be a counselor even then, but I found it very challenging, especially being a first generation student, to juggle supporting myself and having enough time and money for my studies, with working minimum wage jobs at the time.  I decided to move to the San Francisco Bay area in my very early 20's where I began my career in real estate.  After being in the Bay Area for about 13 years my priorities shifted, and I decided to move back to the Eugene/Springfield area to be closer in distance to family.  After over 17 years in Real Estate, I decided to finally pursue my dream of being a college graduate, to make my career dream of being a counselor a reality.

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My future career goals include helping clients through self-growth, self-awareness, empowerment, confidence building and more.  Helping those who feel they don't have a voice, find their voice.  Have you ever had a goal that you weren't quite sure of how to obtain?  Maybe it didn't feel possible, or you didn't even know where to begin in taking the steps toward making this goal a reality.  Connecting with my own experiences and knowing others need help too, inspires me to want to help others find what works best for themselves.  It can be so challenging to overcome obstacles that stand in one's way.  Whether in daily life or a long-term goal.  I hope to help people find their way past life roadblocks such as being in a low-income position, trying to move past an abusive relationship, working toward an occupational or career change, and more.  There are so many things that can unfortunately hold people back from their true passions in life.  I want to help people break past barriers so they may live the life they deserve.

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Everyone is on their own personal path.  I want to be able to assist people through their personal growth on their own individual journeys.  When people make positive changes within their lives and continue with personal growth, they reflect positively toward those around them.  This positive reflection would continue upon friends, family, colleagues, life partners, children and more.  Even complete strangers, a random conversation, a simple hello with a smile stemmed from one feeling better about themselves!  There are so very many ways that we as humans connect with one another and I want to be a part of the bigger picture in making a difference.