DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

Joshua Carbonell


Born and raised in the mountains of Vermont, I have an appreciation for the rural way of life. However, my sights were always set on eventually diving into an urban lifestyle. I aspired to test the waters of Boston and experience life beyond the mountains. Before taking the leap from Barre, Vermont to Boston, I found myself settling into the coastal town of Biddeford, Maine. This was the home of my undergraduate institution, the University of New England (UNE). I truly became a Mainer and enjoyed life on the coast. Grasping every opportunity that I could, I stayed in Maine for my summers to work on campus while experiencing challenges and triumphs along the way.

 

I began my journey at UNE as a Psychology major motivated by an interest in Forensic Psychology. Throughout my undergraduate years, I remained a Psychology major, however, my thoughts for graduate school shifted. It was not a lack of interest in this field that sent me in another direction, it was a desire and passion for another that altered my path.

 

As a first-year undergraduate, I joined the Event Production Team. At the end of my first year, I took the reins of the team and became the manager of the staff. In the leadership position, I was opportunistic and interacted with professionals within and beyond the walls of campus. With programming and events as my first love, New Student Orientation quickly became my second. I spent three years working with the Orientation program and ended my UNE career as an intern for Orientation following graduation.

 

I discovered that I had a passion and excitement for student leadership and development. I valued out-of-the classroom education. Each day, I felt privileged to work alongside students and professionals as each person sought to improve on a personal level and to improve the surrounding community. From these experiences, my thoughts shifted. I decided that I would no longer pursue a graduate degree in Psychology but rather a Master’s in Education.

 

After four years in Maine, I took the leap and dove in to the urban way of life. From Barre to Biddeford to Boston, my journey continues. I am looking forward to continuing my pursuit of learning beyond the master of education program and pursue a doctorate in education.

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.