Originally posted: Jan. 17, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Michael Esquejo

Degree: Class of 2013 M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling 

Current Role: Therapist at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in education/human services?

I wanted to pursue my master’s locally because it was the most convenient, both financially and in terms of opportunities. So, I enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I really like that UNLV has a diverse and multicultural environment. I also like that research opportunities are endless since it’s an R1 university.

What are you most proud of from your UNLV experience?

I’m most proud to know that I had the potential to take on different opportunities in professional counseling because of the diverse training and clinical experiences I had. The one-on-one relationships I also had with the faculty made me feel supported and helped me learn new things.

What advice do you have for current UNLV students?

No matter what track you are in, “ENJOY IT” as much as you can; it goes by fast, so just make sure you enjoy it while you can.

Why should alumni stay engaged at UNLV?

Life and career building do not end when you graduate; it’s important to stay connected and continue to build a network. It’s also a good way to give back to the community that helps build you as a professional.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!