My name is Deanna Weathermon. This portfolio is a compilation of assignments reflecting the journey through my college experience, leading up to participation in the Applied Human Behavior program at Northern Arizona University. Unbeknownst to me, I began this journey in 2015, when I met my first adoptive son through licensed foster care. When that little blond boy came into my life, I had no idea that I was about to embark on this journey into the behavioral health field, with the long term goal to become a child therapist and advocate for those children who cannot advocate for themselves, who suffer through the brokenness that is the foster care system. I had no idea that the path I was on was about to be completely redirected as a result of the lack of resources and knowledge those who were supposed to be helping me did not possess. After that lost little boy was in my world for a while, it was clear he needed way more help than I knew what to give him, and I had no one who knew how to help me find it. It is because of the struggles we went through as a family, trying to advocate for this child who couldn’t help himself, that directed me to begin this journey.

In 2018, I decided I needed to go back to school to learn how to manage behaviors and maneuver through the system. I needed to be able to help others through areas that I had to work through on my own, with no direction. It appeared to be my calling in life, and for the first time in a long time, I felt alive thinking about the journey I was about to begin. I enrolled back in college, 18 years after graduating high school, for my 3rd and final time. The difference was, this time, I had a purpose. I found my purpose, in foster care, in behavioral health, in my son. And now, two years later, I am completing my Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Human Behavior. The future is bright for me, as I intend to continue my education into a master’s program and eventually become a licensed therapist. As for this chapter, it is coming to an end, as I prepare to write the next segment in my professional story. Thus far, this chapter has been my favorite. I can only hope that the next one brings more experience, guidance, and opportunity.