Teneishia Ferrell joined CPE as a rising 9th grade student in 2011. She was born and raised in Prince George’s County, MD. She selected CPE because of the opportunities and resources that she would be able to experience. Teneishia quickly learned that there were some awesome people involved, as well.
What’s one memorable moment you have of you and your mentor?
There are so many memorable moments I could share. I absolutely love my mentor, Janet. We are still connected to this day like family. If I have to pick something, I would say going to the Washington Kastles game. We had great seats, and it was very entertaining. This was my first time at a tennis match and I really enjoyed it. We were cheering, dancing, and laughing throughout the whole game. It was so much fun!
How did your mentor help you with the college application process?
Janet helped me in many ways, but overall, she was there for support as she has been with so many areas of my life. She offered resources such as scholarships for me to apply for. She also connected me with people in her life who were helpful in academia. She has reviewed application materials for me and written recommendations.
What college did you go to and what career path did you choose?
I attended St. John’s University in Queens, NY upon graduation from high school in 2015. However, in my sophomore year I transferred to University of Maryland (UMD), College Park. I graduated from UMD in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Afterwards, I took a gap year before returning to school to obtain my master’s degree in the Fall of 2020. Currently, I have one more semester left in the Joint Masters of Social Work Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and University of North Carolina Greensboro. Upon graduation, I will be a licensed clinical social worker-associate. I plan to work in the field as a mental health counselor for two years to obtain the clinical hours I need to obtain full licensure as a clinical social worker. My dream is to one day open my own clinical practice providing mental health services to individuals in underserved communities.
In what ways has CPE impacted your life?
CPE has been an impeccable resource, not just financially but socially. I was given so many opportunities to interact with my peers and professionals from different spheres of influences. From these encounters, I have learned professional social skills as well as gained professional advice. Speaking of peers, CPE afforded me the opportunity to connect with individuals who I still have a connection with today and who are all doing such amazing things. CPE afforded me leadership opportunities as a peer mentor for younger CPE students. CPE also afforded me the opportunity to serve my community more, which helped me find my purpose in life. This is part of the reason why I have chosen a helping profession. Last but not least, CPE gave me the opportunity to meet Janet who I could not imagine not having in my life. As I shared previously, she has indeed become family and is such a light in life. Overall, CPE has played an important role in my life in which I am forever grateful.
What do you enjoy doing with your free time?
During my free time, I enjoy working on my spiritual, mental, and physical health. For spiritual health, I read spiritual books and attend church services and events. For my mental health, I spend time doing self-care activities. Some of these activities include online shopping, going to the nail salon and spending time on social media and YouTube. Lastly, for physical health, I attend the gym 3-4 times a week.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to never demise the place you are in. The place you currently are in, no matter whether it is good or bad, it is a building block for your next phase in life. Believe it or not, this part of your life may be necessary for your next chapter. You may learn something valuable, and you will definitely grow as a person. Trust the process!