Andrea Bueno-Acosta, originally from Hialeah, Florida, has been inducted into the Cratis D. Williams Society of Outstanding Graduates. She graduated this December with her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, which is housed in the Reich College of Education’s Department of Human Development Psychological Counseling.
The society is designed to include each year’s top graduates of the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School at Appalachian State University – approximately the top 2%. Students are chosen based upon their academic performance, their engagement in their discipline, and their potential for leadership.
“I am extremely honored to receive this award. I have always prided myself on my performance and abilities as a student, and this award is a reflection of how hard I worked to complete this degree. Being a first-generation college student, to now completing a graduate degree, along with receiving this reward, is such a success for me and my family!”
“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” said Bueno-Acosta. “I have always prided myself on my performance and abilities as a student, and this award is a reflection of how hard I worked to complete this degree.”
She added, “Being a first-generation college student, to now completing a graduate degree, along with receiving this reward, is such a success for me and my family!”
Bueno-Acosta completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida International University in 2016. During her undergraduate career, she became extremely passionate about helping others, specifically children and their families.
“I chose to apply to App State's clinical mental health counseling program because I wanted to learn how to become that ONE person that I always needed in my life... a person who wholeheartedly believed in my abilities, who could offer a sense of safety and validation, and who just simply listened to me,” said Bueno-Acosta.
The beautiful views in the mountains and her connection with the faculty in the clinical mental health counseling program drew Bueno-Acosta to App State.
“I remember interacting with them on interview day and feeling validated, uplifted, and like I mattered and was important to them,” she said. “Those interactions meant so much to me and stood out compared to other programs I interviewed for.”
She continued, “All of the opportunities I had throughout this program to learn about mental health, reflect on my own experiences, and practice counseling skills through experiential components, have equipped me to confidently and excitedly enter the field the counseling.”
After graduation and receiving her license as an LCMHCA, Bueno-Acosta plans to begin her counseling career with children and adolescents, as well as their families.
“Completing this graduate degree will allow me to make a positive impact in the lives of others,” she said. “My hope is to help address and normalize mental health concerns, and offer hope.”
Andrea Bueno-Acosta
