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Leigh Ann Hartless

Psychology Department
Spring 2016
Portfolio

In my Academic Experience, I have had many professors and three academic advisors. I
started at Emory as a Theatre major and after a year changed to Psychology. One of the biggest
influences of that decision was Dr. Christopher Qualls. I took his psychology 102 class for a
credit as a mode, however this began a journey that I am proud to have taken. I became aware
that I loved to help people in the specific way of counseling. After switching over to this field
and taking more of Dr. Qualls classes, I realized he challenged me in ways that made me think
much more than just the surface of things. Not only has Dr. Qualls helped me realized what I
want to do and challenged me academically, he has encouraged me in ways and at times that I
needed it the most. I have doubted my ability to be a good counselor and each time he has
reassured me and truly believes I will succeed in this field- without that, I may have never
decided to get my doctorate.
During my Sophomore year, I decided to have a second major, Sociology. Throughout the
course of my Sociology career, I have learned many things about people in society and how we
interact with each other. Dr. Shelley Koch, one of the Sociology professors and my Sociology
advisor, has also strengthened and helped shape my outlook of the world. Not only has she been
supportive in my endeavors, but she also is not afraid to tell me when I can do better. I think
everyone needs people like this in their life in order to push them to always strive for your very
best. She is also a great person to hang out with. Last summer a group of us went to The
Netherlands and Sweden for a school trip. It was great to see Dr. Koch in a different setting than

a classroom because I felt that it strengthened our relationship as advisee and advisor and as
people. I see her being a great person to continue in a more friend relationship after I graduate.
Throughout my time here at Emory & Henry college, my greatest difficulty regarding
coursework specifically would be my testing and measurement class I took with Dr. Blaney. I
found it very dry, which made it hard to get into. I also found it difficult to learn it, I learned the
most from when we actually went out and conducted a test and scored it. Not only is this a fairly
difficult class, but I feel it was my worst because I learn better from doing than from reading. In
a more general sense, I think a great difficulty sometimes was getting everything in that was my
actual best work. We all tend to procrastinate yet sometimes I feel as though it may have affected
the actual product I was turning in, however, lessons learned. As for my greatest achievements in
my college career, I believe Social Psychology and Abnormal Psychology were my favorite
classes. Not only did I enjoy these class a great deal, I also feel as though I learned the most
relevant things that I will need in my career path. Social Psychology blends my two majors
almost perfectly and the interactive parts of the class really helped to solidify the material. This
also goes for Abnormal Psychology. Having to act out a certain psychological disorder and
having to be the therapists for someone elses turn, really helped me understand the disorders and
learn how to deal with different situations.
In my college career, my greatest challenge has been in what my ultimate decision for a
career would be. When I first came to Emory & Henry, I was a Theatre major- planning to
become the next Angelina Jolie. After taking the classes and noticing I was losing my passion to
become a star, I took other classes, Psychology, and began to realize acting was my hobby, not
my career. This was huge for me because I had everything planned and didnt want to disappoint
my father who loved when I was on stage. After weeks of thinking and a few tears, I moved on

and decided I loved Psychology more and could do so much with it; but what field? There are so
many different aspects of Psychology and I began to get scared again because the super science
part of it is not my strong suit. It wasnt until I took classes that focused on the social aspects of
things and talked to several people that I figured Hey I can be a counselor! A year and a couple
months later and here comes more doubt. Throughout my life, I have seen the relationship
between my parents decompose. The end of my Junior year they decided to get a divorce. This
made me doubt a little that I would be good at counseling people, especially in Marriage and
Family. Will I be able to keep personal issues separate? Can I keep it together? What if this and
what if that. Of course, just because I cant do anything about my parents, doesnt mean I cant
help other families in other ways. In fact, I have come to realized that through watching my
parents, I have great experience in what works and what does not. While I may still be a little
nervous (who isnt it is the real world after all), I do feel confident that my experiences and those
to come will shape me into being the person and counselor I need to be.
My overall academic experience has been amazing. I love this school and its professors
and I love how they challenge you and make you believe in yourself. I firmly believe that had I
gone to a different, possibly bigger, school I wouldnt have had the experiences I have had. Not
only have I had the opportunity to go to The Netherlands and Sweden, I have also had great
internship experiences that I wouldnt have had at different schools. Each program gives you the
opportunity to express yourself and learn completely different things about the world and
yourself. The school may make it slightly difficult to graduate on time with all the classes you
have to take, but it makes you stay focused and learn something you may not have in other
schools.

The Psychology program at Emory & Henry, while challenging, provides you with a
great resume, experiences, and a quality education which the advisors are a big part of. Each
advisor in the Psychology program is different, and while I can only speak specifically about one
(for lack of experiences with the others) I think the following is a good representation of them
all. The advisors for the Psychology department are extremely intelligent people and always
helpful in helping students figure out what classes they need and the most efficient way to get
them done on time. Any question you have, they can answer in some way or know the exact
person to talk to. They are available to an extent, because they have research, classes, or other
work to do it may be difficult to reach some of them at will; however, they always are able to set
up a meeting time via email. I have had a great experience with my advisor.
One of the great things about Emory is how small the classes are, the biggest one is
maybe 30. Having those small classes help the conversation flow and be more intimate. I love
having smaller class sizes because I learn better if Im not distracted by looking at people in the
room or hearing others conversation.The small class sizes help reduce this because it lets the
professor see and know everyone in the room and gives them more control.
The Psychology department provides information about career and Graduate programs
through the advisors. They can answer any kind of question about careers and programs you may
want to look at; however, you are responsible for asking for that information. I know I was
helped a lot through my advisor by asking which are good programs and the different kinds of
counseling there are.
My expectations of the instructors were, at first, to be tough, fair, and understanding.
These expectations were met in the highest of ways. The professors in the department are very
challenging but provide a great deal of help if you need it. They offer and encourage you to

come to them if you need help with something. They also understand how life can get in the way
and you may need an extension or a different place to take a test. This is college however, so they
are fair when docking points or not based on the situation. The department has gone above and
beyond the expectations I had for it. Coming into college, I figured I would have to do a lot of
figuring out things on my own. Thankfully, the professors want to help you and show that every
day through them just asking about how life is or telling you something you may be interested in.
My plans for after graduation are to go to graduate school. I plan to study counseling in
the Marriage and Family department. I am still waiting on which school I will be attending,
however it should take about two years to get my masters. After getting my masters, I plan to get
licensed and a LPC and then after working for a little bit, not too long, I plan to get my Doctorate
and open my own private practice for Marriage and Family Therapy. I chose to continue my
education because, not only do I have to to be licensed, but I also want to specialize and be the
best counselor I can be. I feel the more training I have in it the better counselor I can be.

CURRICULUM VITAE
Leigh Ann M. Hartless
(804) 513-0139
lhartless12@ehc.edu
College Address:
30416 Garnand Dr.
P.O. Box 9001
EHC Box# 1113
Emory, VA 24327

Permanent Address:
3512 Jonwarn Ct.
Powhatan, VA 23139

Education
Blessed Sacrament High School- GPA 3.8
Currently working on a B.A. for Sociology and a B.A. for Psychology at Emory & Henry
College- Expected to graduate Spring 2016.

Employment
Peer Mentor: Providing students help with socializing, homework, or help with personal issues
they may be having.
Work Study: Helping a faculty member with their work and organizing his office.
Work Study front desk: Answering the phones in a professional manner; filing and organizing
mail; and helping people in the Student Center.

Campus Involvement
GSA: I joined the Gay Straight Alliance my Freshman year at Emory & Henry College (Fall
2012). In the Spring (2013), I took over as President and have been since.
Phi Eta Sigma: This is a National Honor Society. I was asked to be in Phi Eta Sigma at the end
of my Freshman year and joined in the fall of 2013.
Orientation leader: I help with Orientation and provide a place for the incoming students to
come to if they need to talk, a tour of the college and their classes, or help with anything else.
EAB: I am a member of Emorys Activities Board. This year (Fall 2015 to Spring 2016), I am
the Vice President of the organization. I help with planning fun things to do on campus and some
events off campus. This club provides fun and safe things to do for students on the weekends.
Sociology Club: Member since Fall 2014.
Lyceum Committee: Reviewed proposals for approval or denial of lectures, activities, videos
etc. for on campus Lyceum credit. (Lyceums lectures or the like that students need to graduate.
35 or lowered if the student is a transfer.)
Delta Omicron Pi: Our motto is Faith, Hope, Love. I joined this local Sorority in the Spring
of 2014 and have acted as the Greek Council Representative ever since. I have also acted as the
Corresponding Secretary since the end of Spring 2015 until present day.
Theta Chi Epsilon: Our motto is Enter into Public Service. I joined this Fraternity in the
Spring of 2015. They provided me with the honor to be their Lioness (honorary member of the
Fraternity).

Greek Council: I have been an active member since Spring 2014 until present day.

Awards and Honors


Deans list: Fall of 2012 and Spring of 2013.

Volunteer Experience
Marys Lunch Box: Spring 2014-present (twice a year). Filled bags with assorted foods for
families in need.
Service Plunge: Since 2012. Different site each time, provides help around the community.

Research Experience
Research Design: Supervisor Dr. A. Celeste Gaia. Administered a survey looking at The
Relationship Between Personality Traits, Overall Happiness, On-Campus Satisfaction, and
Campus Involvement Among College Students.
Pre-K Psychological Testing: For my Testing and Measurement class taught by Dr. Paul Blaney,
we went to a preschool and administered a diagnostic test.
Sociological Methods of Research: Supervisor Dr. Julia Wilson. Conducted a Cross- sectional
survey from the GSS on Religious Affiliation, Beliefs in the Bible, how important it is for
children to obey, and Beliefs in spanking.
Research paper on Internship: I did a research project on different types of Adventure Therapy
after my internship at the Discovery School of Virginia. I will be doing another research paper on
Mental Health (for my internship at the Mental Institution in Marion.)
Kubla Kuhn: In one of my classes, I conducted a research of Lucid Dreams in the poem Kubla
Kuhn by Coleridge.

Field Experience
Internship at Discovery School of Virginia: Councilor to teens 13-18 with behavioral
problems- living outside, providing a safe, scheduled, and secluded place for teens to work.
Internship at the Mental Institution in Marion, VA: (Future Spring of 2016)

Other Work Experience

Rambos Dry Cleaning: May 2011- June 2012. Took and tagged clothes and returned to the
customer.
Le Box Lunch: Summer 2012. Prepared food and provided a friendly place to eat.
Cinnamonster/ Carts at Chesterfield Towne Center: Summer 2014. Sold merchandise and
prepared food.

Personal Statement
Paths leading into the unknown are often the foreshadowing of drastic paradigm shifts in
one's life. We often fight the urge to remain in the comfort of our already traveled path before
deciding to take the first step into our future. The path to beginning college proved to be the most
ominous and unknown route I had yet ventured. Initially, I started out as a Theatre student
because of how much I enjoy acting; however, I also take great joy in aiding those in need. After
many long nights and family dealings, I decided to put my passions into helping familiesspecifically marriages. While Emory & Henry has taught me a lot and brought forth amazing
opportunities in my life, I feel that I need to further my education in counselling in order to
apply those teachings in a professional manner.
The majority of my Psychology and Sociology education was spent studying not only
how people work individually but also how they work together. I thoroughly enjoyed my
Abnormal Psychology class and my Learning and Cognition class. The abnormal class was
taught by Dr. Christopher Qualls, an outstanding Doctor who has his own practice working with
children. His class taught me how to look for certain elements of people that could be clinical
and how to handle them in a correct manner. In addition, his class also taught me about how

fragile the human mind can be. In my Learning and Cognition class taught by Dr. Kim
Baranowski, we learned about memory and applied these ideas through structured training of
rats. This class contributed to my understanding of the nature and characteristics of memory and
the extent of our expectations we actually anticipate out of something so fragile. My Sociology
classes taught by Dr. Shelly Koch and Dr. Julia Wilson, informed me on how culture affects
societies and similarly how societies effect people. In addition, I obtained a better understanding
of how people work collectively and how human interaction is essential in development and
survival. These classes amongst many others I took at Emory & Henry College have provided
me with a beginners knowledge of counseling and understanding people.
Upon conducting several research projects at Emory & Henry College, I obtained a
general knowledge base that will aid me in the future. I took two research classes that provided
me with the skills to conduct surveys and research and to analyze data and articles. For my
Psychology research, a classmate and I conducted a research survey on the relationship between
college students, personality traits, and their happiness based on college involvement and
satisfaction. We found that several personality traits correlated positively with life satisfaction.
Currently, for my Sociology research class, I am conducting research on Religion and views on
corporal punishment based on views of the Bible and how important it is for children to do what
they are told. I am analyzing data from the GSS to see if any correlation exists. After each
internship that I completed, I also conducted a research project on a topic relating to the
corresponding internship. Finally, I conducted a research project on the poem Kubla Kuhn. In
this research, I analyzed the lucid dreaming aspect within the Kubla Kahn, specifically if the
poem itself was a significant lucid dream Coleridge (the author) had.
The majority of my years in high school were spent giving relationship advice to those
who required it (mainly friends). Having never been in one, I always wondered why people
asked me for advice, yet I enjoyed listening to them and attempting to help. High school was
where I realized my affinity for listening and understanding people; however, it wasnt until
college that I would realize the importance of how people work together, specifically in
marriage.
College was an eye opener in how marriages work, especially in relation with my parents
situation. I always had this fantasy about how love and marriage works--to which I blame Disney
for, like most people do-- so I never understood why my parents were the complete opposite.
When I was younger, I remember being scared and running to my brother asking if our parents
were going to divorce. They never showed any kind of affection toward each other, at least not
that I can remember, and that worried me even as a 10 year old. After a heartbreaking and
prolonged process, my parents divorced this past year (Spring 2015).
For a while, I blamed it on one or the other and then both of them; because marriage is a
mutual two way street and an extensive amount of hard work and it will fall apart if just one
stops trying. I started thinking about what may have gone wrong with my parents even before I
knew about the divorce. Several things immediately came to mind and made me think about
ways that it could have gone in a different direction. In a way, my parents relationship and
eventual divorce, helped me understand how marriage really is. I believe no marriage should end

and while I acknowledge that some will and do end, I would like to be the person that made an
attempt to save it. I want to be the person that people come see when they feel they have run out
of options. I want to be the last hope for nurturing and saving the relationship that two
individuals create. I want to be the person that opens couple's eyes to a whole new way of
looking, living, and loving each other.
I found your college a good fit because one of the most important assets in learning the
best way in counseling individuals is by doing. East Tennessee State University, as you know,
has its own clinic that students use; not many graduate programs have their own clinic. While the
clinic stood out to me, the first thing that caught my eye was the atmosphere of your college. I
have always been in a small school and am used to professors caring about my well being and
understanding of material. While I wouldnt call ETSU tiny, the same principle still applies,
professors care. On my visit of the program, I talked to several students to acquire a better
understanding of how the program for counseling works. I loved hearing about how the
programs makes you think and is a journey of learning about yourself. After all, counseling is
more effective if the counselor experiences similar paths of life.
In closing, I want to thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my application. If
you have any questions or need additional information, please call me at (804) 513-0139 or email
me at lhartless12@ehc.edu.

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