Janeesha Pleasant, a graduate student from Clovis, New Mexico, majoring in clinical mental health counseling, says she originally chose Eastern New Mexico University for her undergraduate degree because she “loved the friendly atmosphere of the campus community, the small class sizes, and the passion the professors have for the classes they teach.

“I knew choosing ENMU for graduate school would give me all the tools I needed to succeed.”

Janeesha, who takes classes on campus and online, says getting her master’s degree will “contribute so much to my career success; it has challenged me both personally and academically and will offer me greater employment opportunities and career advancements. Earning a master’s degree is evidence of persistence, determination, and the ability to handle challenging environments – which are qualities sought-after in many organizations.”

She loves the social activities hosted by student organizations, and how involved students are on- and off-campus.

Janeesha has a 3.95 grade point average and made the Dean’s List throughout her undergraduate years. She received the Student Leadership Award from the Counseling Students Initiative student organization in 2016 and 2017.

She was also awarded the Student Leader Award in Counseling from the College of Education, and received the Bill & Gail Kinyon Scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic school year.

Janeesha was also Graduate Assistant for the Education, Curriculum and Instruction Department, and has been the President of Counseling Student Initiative (CSI) for the last two years

“I would recommend ENMU to future students because of the variety of degrees the university offers, the small class sizes which gives students the support and individual attention they need to succeed, the amazing student involvement on and off campus and because of the welcoming and compassionate atmosphere of the campus community,” Janeesha said.

A 2009 graduate of Clovis High School, Janeesha was raised in Clovis by her grandmother, Ella V. Traylor.

“She always taught me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to if I kept God first and she helped me become the woman I am today, “Janeesha said. “She taught me to love, be fearless and to work hard for everything I wanted in life.

“My mom (grandma) was my biggest critic but she was also my biggest fan; her love for me helped me overcome so many challenges growing up and I will always be grateful that she took the time to raise me and watch me succeed.”

Janeesha’s hobbies include bullet journaling, reading, hiking and playing with her dogs, Diora and Sadie, and her cat, Chloe.

About her future career goals, she said, “Honestly, I just want to be the change I wish to see in the world. I chose counseling as my career because I am a very empathic and passionate person who loves to help others reach their true potential. I want to be the light in a world full of darkness. I plan to work in a substance abuse/prison population and eventually own my own private practice.”

Her other goals include getting married, having children, and buying a ranch to provide therapy using horses and nature.

Janeesha says building strong relationships gives her life the most meaning.

“I love connecting with new people and hearing their stories. There is so much knowledge in this world and you can learn so much from listening and interacting with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds,” she said.

Janeesha’s favorite quote is by Sierra Boggess: “You are enough. You are so enough, it is unbelievable how enough you are.”