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Stephanie McDonald
Individualized Program: Depth Psychology
B.A. Liberal Studies, 2007
Current student, M.A. Psychology, Mental Health Counseling
 When she sparks an interest in Antioch for prospective students, Stephanie McDonald doesn't mince words.
"This school attracts bright, creative and socially engaged students," she says. "I tell prospective students that Antioch is a place where you can find your voice. It requires a hell of a lot of work...work that isn't just academic. It can be a transformational place, if you open yourself up to the experience. Finally, it is a place that strives to honor all types of learning, and, in doing so, it allows everyone a space to thrive."
For those who might be concerned about the cost of an Antioch education, she describes what her studies have meant to her.
"I wanted to continue my education in a place that valued me as an adult learner.""It's worth the investment," she notes. "What I have paid I have gotten back ten-fold in confidence. I am worth this investment."
The Financial Aid Office, according to McDonald, offered her trouble-free options.
"Receiving aid was easy," she says. "The hands-on approach from the Admissions team made it easy for me to plan my budget and transition to being a full-time student. I also worked on campus in work-study positions, which were coordinated by the Financial Aid Office. I always felt heard, valued and I never felt like a number."
She had been working in the education field, primarily in admissions, and McDonald says she had risen as far as she could go without a degree.
"I chose Antioch because it appeared to value my life experience, such as giving me credit through prior learning (credit for life experience in the B.A. program). I also wanted a campus of adult learners, as my time at community colleges left me feeling old," she says.
In the B.A. program, she received credit for life experience/prior learning and says the time and effort it took to receive that credit was well worth it.
"I found the process validating of my past life (and work) experiences and I gained a deeper understanding of what I had learned and how I still use these skills in the present moment," she says.
Among McDonald's best memories?
"The first time I realized I am an artist happened in the Collage class," she says. "I had not done art in almost 20 years, and I ended up presenting to my peers some of the best work I think I have ever done. This incredible process of coming back in touch with my inner artist has been life changing, and I now incorporate art into my life on a regular basis."
She was inspired by Randy Morris, B.A. core faculty, who became not only a teacher to her, but also a valued mentor.
"He pushed me not to just be a better student, but a bigger dreamer. His classes introduced me to myself, which has now become an interesting and valuable relationship, especially considering I am a psychology graduate student," McDonald says.
"I intended to go on to graduate school when I entered into the B.A. program, but I had no idea how the program itself would prepare me for the second half of my educational journey. My desire to continue learning was on fire once I finished my B.A. degree, for it had ignited my intellectual curiosity. Therefore, going on to grad school was a given for me."
She says she chose the Psychology M.A. program in mental health counseling for its stellar reputation.
"Friends and past coworkers who know Antioch graduates of the program always speak to their high level of competence. Also, I wanted to continue my education in a place that valued me as an adult learner. My experience with the psychology teachers who taught the entry-level classes for undergraduates was that they were as open-minded and excited about teaching as my B.A. professors had been," McDonald notes.
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