We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Jennifer Stover a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Title: “A Legacy of Resilience: My Journey as a First-Generation Graduate and Healer”
In the heart of a blooming city, my story unfolds—a narrative shaped by the unwavering support and profound influence of my parents.
As an only child and the first in my family to pursue higher education, my journey was marked by the challenges of navigating uncharted territories. The echoes of my parents’ sacrifices and dreams propelled me forward, lighting the path to a profession I never thought possible.
Growing up, my parents, who had made many sacrifices in search of a brighter future, instilled in me the value of education as the key to unlocking opportunities. Despite the odds, they worked tirelessly, ensuring that every resource was dedicated to my education. Their sacrifices were the silent force beneath my aspirations.
As I treaded the arduous path through graduate school, the gravitational pull of my parents’ resilience was ever-present. Their unwavering love and support fueled my determination during sleepless nights of studying and championing the dissertation process. The images of their hopes and dreams for me formed the foundation of my commitment to making their sacrifices worthwhile.
The pivotal moment came when I was hooded on graduation day—a symbol not just of professional accomplishment but of breaking barriers. As a first-generation graduate, the pride in my parents’ eyes mirrored my own sense of achievement. Their unwavering belief in my potential transformed into a driving force that carried me through the demanding rigors of clinical training.
In the realm of healing, their influence became my guiding light. The compassion they displayed in their everyday lives inspired my approach to patient care. My father’s resilience in the face of adversity mirrored the resilience I aimed to instill in my patients. My mother’s nurturing spirit translated into the empathy I sought to express during difficult diagnoses.
As I walk into the office of my private practice as Dr. Hatchett Stover, I carry not just my credentials but a legacy of determination and familial love. My parents are the pillars upon which my professional success stands.
This is more than a story of academic achievement; it’s a testament to the enduring impact of parental support on a first-generation graduate’s journey. My parents, with their sacrifices, dreams, and resilience, have been the most influential components in my dual role as a doctor and a first-generation graduate—a legacy I carry with pride and gratitude.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My path to becoming a curator of clinical wellness was not straight and honestly was never something I had even considered. As an undergraduate student at Texas Woman’s University, I envisioned my life first as a medical doctor and eventually as a lawyer. After completing my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice I began the journey to apply to law school. With the stamped envelope in hand, while standing in front of the university’s post office, I began to feel a sudden ache in the pit of my stomach. I realized I did not want to be a lawyer! My mother’s graceful and gentle nudge led me to enroll in TWU’s online Master of Teaching program. From there, my trajectory as an educator erupted. My experiences as a teacher, coach, counselor, and mental health facilitator cultivated my professional identities, for which I am ever so grateful. Presently, I work as a clinician, counselor educator, and yoga teacher. My experiences have also strengthened my identity as a creative and refined my capacity to cultivate spaces of healing. Wellness is embedded in what I do!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
During my first year as a doctoral student, I experienced severe health challenges that could have negatively impacted my ability to continue as a student in the program. While working as a mental health facilitator, I suffered from stroke-like symptoms, where I suddenly lost the ability to speak. During these episodes, I experienced processing memory loss, also known as aphasia. After seeing every doctor and specialist my insurance would allow, I concluded that these episodes were caused by trauma and stress. My body was desperately trying to recover from the impacts of COVID and experiences of vicarious racial trauma with the murder of George Floyd. In addition, I was adjusting to a new job, trauma from experiencing racial discrimination at my previous job, and starting a doctoral program. My body was fighting to survive! I then decided to heal! During my recovery, I founded a nonprofit called Untriggered. Being “Untriggered” has many definitions and meanings, but to me, it was choosing not to succumb to stress and my experiences of trauma. Although my healing journey is forever evolving, I have control of the narrative.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Right now the most impactful book I am reading is “Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice” by Dr. Jennifer Mullan. I recommend all healers to invest in this book.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://counselingincolor.net and https://www.untriggered.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdrjenn/ and https://www.instagram.com/un_triggered/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Untriggered/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-stover
- Twitter: @jhatchettLPC
Image Credits
Cedric Stover Kim Milo