Counseling is a profession rooted in service. We hold space for others, advocate for marginalized voices, and commit to lifelong learning to better support those who seek our help. But service extends beyond the counseling room. It also means supporting our peers and giving back to the profession that sustains us. As I begin my final year in the counseling program at Palo Alto University (PAU), service has taken shape for me in two meaningful ways.
The first has been through my involvement with Chi Sigma Iota (CSI). Serving on the leadership team of our local chapter at PAU has given me the opportunity to support events that promote growth and a sense of community among fellow students. It has also connected me with a group of dedicated leaders. Working alongside individuals such as Edelysse Lopez, Dr. Moro, and others has helped me better understand what it means to lead with intention and care. We are not just coordinating events. We are nurturing a culture of excellence and empathy among future counselors.
I recently renewed my role on the chapter leadership team for a second year because I believe in the mission of CSI. Creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and connected to the larger profession is a responsibility I take seriously and approach with gratitude.
The second way I have committed to service is through a new role with the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (SVC-CAMFT). As Program Co-Chair, I help organize professional development trainings for our local members. This work matters to me because it supports a key aspect of our profession: continued education. Ongoing training is not only required for licensure but is also essential to maintaining ethical and effective practice. Being involved in this effort is energizing.
My background as a former professor and administrator in teacher preparation programs has shaped my understanding of the value of service through professional associations. In the past, I was involved with groups such as the American Educational Research Association (AERA), which contributed to my professional development. Those experiences taught me how powerful it can be to belong to something larger than yourself, something that challenges you to grow, contribute, and stay connected.
This is why I chose to get involved now, even before becoming a licensed counselor. Service is not something to postpone until after graduation. It is something to live out now. Like education, counseling is a shared endeavor. We move forward by supporting one another, and I want to do my part to contribute to the growth and integrity of the field.
Service links the heart of counseling with the work of leadership. It includes the moments of preparation and the time spent helping others learn and grow. As I look ahead to the coming year, I feel grounded, proud, and hopeful about the direction my journey is taking.
If you are a fellow counseling student or an early-career professional, I encourage you to find ways to serve, even in small ways. These opportunities often become the ones that help us grow the most, both personally and professionally.
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I will see you next week.
Roque Neto 