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Brandon Mears

Brandon Mears

Rio Hondo College

Whittier, CA USA

"We are all human."

Career Roadmap

Brandon's work combines: Education, Science, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

I conduct individual therapy, co-lead support groups, and advocate for clients.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Whittier High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, College of Humanities & Social Sciences

    Cal State Fullerton

  • Graduate Degree

    Master of Science - Counseling, College of Health & Human Development

    Cal State Fullerton

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee:

Bachelor's Degree: Human Services

Graduate Degree: Counseling

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    Came into my undergrad as a biology major and failed two classes my first semester.

  • 2.

    Was put on academic probation, and my GPA was too low to qualify for financial aid.

  • 3.

    Took my first abnormal psychology course and knew I wanted to do something with mental health.

  • 4.

    Graduated with a bachelor's in psychology.

  • 5.

    Denied from every graduate program I applied to after I graduated.

  • 6.

    Took a year off and worked as a Behavioral Therapist, Payroll/Human Resources Assistant, and as a Scheduling Coordinator.

  • 7.

    Reapplied to marriage and family therapy programs and got accepted to my number one choice.

  • 8.

    Made it to my practicum year of my graduate program and got accepted to my top site at Rio Hondo College.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Peers:

    I heard phrases and criticisms meant to hinder me from pursuing what I truly wanted.

  • How I responded:

    I've dealt with discouragement by acknowledging that we are all human and make mistakes.