Adriana's Journey: The OCD Intern at Braver Medical, Riverside, RI
Psychology Major Shining Spot: Adriana Milko, graduating '24, showcasing her academic journey
When we invited Adriana Milko, a psychology student dealing with anxiety and OCD, to appear in our website's Online student orientation video, she hesitated, admitting she's a bit camera shy. But her commitment to help kids battling similar issues gave her the courage to step up.
As an intern at Braver Medical, Adriana has learned the ropes of exposure and response therapy. Inspired to be a role model for her children and the kids at Braver, she confronted her anxiety and rolled the cameras for our video.
Adriana candidly discusses how her enrollment in the online psychology program, her internship at Braver and filming for our video helped her conquer her fears and prepare for a rewarding career advocating for children dealing with mental health struggles.
Growing Up
Adriana shares her life story, revealing how her traumatic childhood and her moves from a single-parent household to a career in hairdressing shaped her heart for helping others.
Admittedly nervous about COVID-19, Adriana chose our website's Online psychology program, seeking a flexible and safe environment to continue her education without putting her young children at risk.
The Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program
Adriana speaks fondly of her online learning journey, praising Johnson & Wales University for creating a well-organized, tech-friendly platform that enables students to choose classes and register easily.
She appreciates the support of advisors like Jessica Rounds, who make sure she's on track for graduation and regularly check in on her wellbeing.
Creating Community In An Online Program
Despite learning remotely, Adriana emphasizes the importance of building connections within the program. Reaching out to peers strengthens the virtual community and helps ease feelings of isolation.
Small group activities and open discussions foster a sense of belonging among students, making it easier for them to overcome challenges and find support.
Work-Life Balance
Adriana juggles her role as a student, mom, and employee, candidly admitting that it's not always easy to balance everything. But having support from her family and self-motivation to reach her goals helps her navigate the challenges.
She shares her affection for her kids, her drive to be a good role model for them, and her determination to succeed so she can make herself proud.
Motivation and Managing Time
Adriana admits that online learning requires just as much (if not more) work as attending classes on campus. She highlights the strong sense of self-discipline and time management needed to succeed in the program, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication with instructors and peers when faced with difficulties.
She addresses the misconception that online learning is less demanding, encouraging students to recognize the effort needed and avoid falling behind.
Experiential Internship
Eager to gain practical, hands-on experience, Adriana opted to intern at Braver Medical. Her professional growth flourished alongside her personal development, as she embraced the opportunity to learn from skilled psychologists and Braver Coaches.
Her honesty about her own anxiety and OCD during the interview process was a testament to her dedication and passion for helping others deal with mental health struggles.
My Braver Brag
Recognizing the power of vulnerability and the courage of the kids at Braver, Adriana faced her camera fears to star in our student orientation video. Sharing her "Braver Brag" with the children she supports inspired her to show that we can overcome our fears and pursue our goals.
She learned that what we fear is often not as scary as we imagine, and embracing our discomfort leads to growth and self-confidence.
Career and Future Educational Goals in the Mental Health Field
After her internship, Adriana feels confident about her career path and aspires to run support groups at organizations like Braver Medical. Watching children develop self-confidence to cope with mental health challenges brings her immense joy.
Upon earning her bachelor's degree, Adriana plans to pursue a master's program and create a brighter future for herself and the kids she hopes to help.
With Gratitude
Adriana expresses gratitude for her supportive family, her online advisors' unwavering guidance, and the opportunities the psychology program provided her. She acknowledges that her journey hasn't been traditional but has proven to be incredibly fulfilling.
Adriana stays optimistic about her future in the mental health field, hoping to help reduce the stigma surrounding conditions like OCD and anxiety.
Through her bravery in facing her fears and embracing challenges, she helps pave the way for others to follow.
- Adriana's commitment to mental health extends beyond her own struggles, as she aims to run support groups at organizations like Braver Medical, providing a space for others battling mental health issues. (mental-health, career, education-and-self-development)
- To further her education and pursue a rewarding career in the mental health field, Adriana plans to earn a master's degree after finishing her bachelor's program in psychology, thereby creating a brighter future for herself and the children she hopes to help. (education-and-self-development, lifestyle, health-and-wellness)
- Adriana's journey, marked by facing her own anxieties, learning through online education, and gaining practical experience through internships, highlights the importance of self-discipline and time management in balancing a lifestyle focused on personal growth, work, and family. (psychology, science, lifestyle, self-development)
