My first-ever career ambition was to become a pediatrician. I was convinced that it was the perfect job for me, and even shadowed my own doctor for a day in eighth grade. I can’t remember exactly when my goals began to shift, but eventually I set my sights on more creative fields, particularly music and journalism.
During my senior year of high school, I applied to a number of both music programs and journalism schools for college. I waited until the last possible moment to decide which path to take, and ultimately pursued my passion for singing. I was halfway through my bachelor’s degree as a vocal performance major when I learned about music therapy. I had the opportunity to observe a music therapist who lived in the area, and after my first meeting with her, I felt like I had discovered a profession that was tailor-made for me.
Graduating from high school and leaving home to start college is one of the most exciting parts of life. So many memories of that summer after graduation are seared into my memory, and most of them are centered around my preparations to leave the Midwest and embark on my college adventure in Florida. It’s a time of newfound independence, self-discovery, and academic growth.
However, as exciting as that newfound independence, self-discovery and growth can be, the transition can also be extremely overwhelming. Many new college students grapple with the adjustment, myself included. In fact, my first time seeing a counselor was during my freshman year for that very reason. In this blog post, we’ll explore what college students can do to adapt to their new life stage and how counseling can be a valuable resource in this journey.
Welcome! My name is Rachel Rambach, board-certified music therapist and mental health counselor serving central Illinois. I practice from a strengths-based, solution-focused perspective and love working with individuals, couples and families who are navigating life transitions.
