Q & A with online MA student Jenna DeBruin
Jenna DeBruin is a behavioral interventionist who is enrolled in the online MA in applied child and adolescent development. She chose the individualized studies track of the program because it offered customized preparation for the next phase of her career, as she explains in this Q & A.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I currently live in Holland, Michigan. I received my Bachelor’s degree in K-12 Special Education and K-8 Comprehensive Education from Hope College. I taught first grade for four years and now I work as a behavioral interventionist. I don’t have a lot of free time, but when I do, I like to spend time at the beach, stay active, and I also coach and play volleyball.
How did you find out about the online MA in applied child and adolescent development and decide to pursue it?
When I was looking at programs for my master’s, I knew I wanted a fully online program that would allow me to continue to teach and coach. This program stood out because it’s part of the renowned Institute of Child Development, which is consistently recognized as one of the best places to study child development. Additionally, I had heard excellent feedback from colleagues who had completed other programs about the university’s strong curriculum and supportive faculty. These factors made it clear that this program was the right fit for me.
Photo Courtesy of Jenna DeBruin
Tell us about your career goals and how you feel the MA program will help you achieve them.
As an undergrad, I went to volunteer at a local children’s hospital with my volleyball team. While there, I learned that some children’s hospitals had teachers whose role is to support patients and their families academically. I had never heard of this position before but loved how they came alongside students and families where they were at.
I hope to support students who are unable to attend school due to medical reasons by helping them adjust their education in a way that meets their unique needs. I want to ensure that they receive not only academic support but also the emotional and developmental resources necessary for a smooth transition back to school. The MA in applied child and adolescent development will provide me with a deeper understanding of the cognitive, social, and emotional challenges these students face. With this knowledge, I can develop more effective strategies for individualized learning plans, collaborate with educators and families, and advocate for policies that support medically affected students in their educational journey.
Why did you choose the individualized studies track?
I knew I wanted to deepen my knowledge in child and adolescent development to help me in both teaching and coaching. When looking into this specific program, I shared about my goal of teaching in a hospital setting and connected with Dr. Anne Larson. She suggested I go the individualized studies route since it was such a niche position.
Do you have any tips for folks who are considering this program?
Absolutely! First, I would suggest considering your career goals. With my very specific career, this program was the perfect fit! Think about how the program would align with your professional aspirations. I appreciated how this program allowed me to collaborate with peers in a variety of career paths, including education, healthcare, mental health and advocacy fields.
Second, if you are considering pursuing your master’s but are unsure about the time commitment or workload, I highly recommend this program! There were semesters that were heavier than others, but since it is fully online, I could create a schedule that worked for me. Time management and planning ahead were key, but my professors and advisor were very helpful and understanding. Finally, I would recommend engaging with faculty and peers. Even though my courses were online, there were many opportunities to connect with professors and classmates. Participating in discussions, asking questions, and seeking mentorship enhanced my experience and allowed me to grow in the field.