Head shot of Wahida Talukder
Wahida Talukder was selected to participate in the University of Texas System’s Archer Fellowship Program

Wahida Talukder, an international graduate student here at The University of Texas Permian Basin, has been offered a fantastic opportunity to work in Washington D.C. through the Archer Fellowship Program! Her time here at UTPB has been nothing short of prolific and inspiring as she continues to find new ways to reach her career goals.

Wahida, who is originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, joined the UTPB College of Education Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA program in the Spring 2022 term.

When asked why Wahida chose UTPB to pursue her master's degree, she states, “The University's reputation for excellence in mental health education and training, together with its dedication to diversity, made UTPB the ideal choice for my graduate studies.”

Upon admission into the Counseling MA program, she received a graduate student worker position in the Graduate Studies office, where she assists with the daily processes that benefit the UTPB Graduate program. Wahida goes on to say that majoring in the Counseling MA program here at UTPB is “life-changing” as she continues to learn about the field she is passionate about.

Wahida has her sights set high as she articulates her career goals: “I am devoted to working to advance mental health services for the next generation and have my sights set on a career as a licensed professional counselor and policy adviser.”

Though, she still has some time until she reaches graduation, Wahida is already incredibly confident that she can achieve this goal as she continues, “I've developed the abilities and expertise I need to accomplish my goals thanks to UTPB's strong academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, and supportive instructors.”

The UT System is always looking for various outlets of opportunity to help their students, such as Wahida, connect with the organizations that fit the students’ goals. The Archer Center is one of these organizations that has helped UT Students from various backgrounds find incredible success through their Fellowship program.

“Students who participate in the Archer Fellowship Program can expect to have a challenging yet rewarding experience that will enable them to grow both personally and professionally.” - archercenter.org

Wahida, looking for a new experience that could potentially aid her dream to become a licensed counselor and policy adviser, decided to apply for the Archer Fellowship program on a whim. To her surprise, she was chosen by their committee and now has the opportunity to work in Washington D.C. this summer, creating direct connections with those who can help actualize her goals.

“Getting chosen for the Archer Fellowship program was a huge honor, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to represent both myself and UTPB in this prominent program.”

Wahida has already received upstanding praise from her advisor, Dr. Maria Avalos, who also serves as the Chair and Coordinator for the Counseling MA program at UTPB. Dr. Avalos states, “Wahida is an INCREDIBLE student and human being. She is deserving of this honor, and we are proud to have her in our counseling family.”

As Wahida continues to find success time-and-time again here at UTPB, we asked her what she would tell those who are looking at UTPB to pursue their education. She states,

“I would advise prospective students thinking about attending UTPB to do so because the institution provides a distinctive mix of challenging academic instruction and real-world experience that equips them for success in their chosen fields.

UTPB is the perfect destination for students who want to have a positive impact on the world because of its inclusive and diverse community and dedication to excellence in research and education.”

Overall, we hope that Wahida’s success and ability to push the boundaries of her comfort zone can serve as an inspiration to others looking to pursue their academic and career goals.