Student Ambassador: Kevin Dacey

Hi! My name is Kevin Dacey. I grew up in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston.  I graduated from Boston University in 2007, with a BA in English and Psychology.  When I graduated I thought I wanted to be an English teacher, but that didn’t feel like a fit for me and I didn’t want to take a job in schools without knowing for sure it was what I wanted to do.  I spent the next thirteen years building a career in logistics before learning about school psychology.  I knew once I read the description that this was what I wanted to do as a career – blending instruction with mental health and support, with an emphasis on helping vulnerable kids who need that supportive adult to thrive.  Given the perils of COVID and the strain on the school systems, now is the time for likeminded folks to join a crucial, important field.          

I chose William James College because of its excellent reputation in the field, the thorough education that its students receive in the program, and its emphasis on practical experience. Many of the skills that students learn in the classroom are practiced concurrently during the on-site times in schools. What’s more, the faculty and students are all extremely supportive – I felt immediately welcome despite having no background in education prior to attending. The atmosphere is truly collaborative, informative, and welcoming.  It was the perfect fit. As a first year I am still developing my professional interests, though I find myself gravitating towards more high needs student populations, particularly in the area of troubled family backgrounds.

So, what should you know coming in?  Be open-minded and curious, and follow that where it takes you. There is so much to learn in the field, and sometimes that can be overwhelming – but know that there is a welcoming, supportive cohort of fellow students, teachers, and other resources available that will absolutely enrich your learning if you dive right in. You’re likely going to feel nervous and perhaps have a bit of imposter syndrome – I know that I did.  But if you lean in and lead with curiosity, you’ll find that you’ll learn so much more than you thought you would, be much more confident than when you started, and you’ll develop a network of colleagues that will be there to guide and assist when you don’t have all the answers. Because despite all the information and knowledge you’ll learn, there will always be more to gain!

In that spirit, if you have any questions or concerns about William James College or School Psychology, please feel free to reach out to me. There are no bad questions except the ones you don’t ask!