Life & Work with Alana Moffett

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alana Moffett.

Hi Alana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Thinking back to elementary school, I’ve never liked school. I enjoyed school because my friends were there, and I was involved in things like cheer and choir. I feel like I just skated by in high school; I did just enough to graduate, and that was good enough for me. I also never wanted to go to college; it just wasn’t something that interested me, but I had to. I enjoyed watching documentaries and reading anything that involved brain disorders or mental illnesses, and my favorite teacher was my AP Psych teacher, so of course, I decided that was the route I wanted to go.

When I actually got to college, I changed my mind and randomly decided to pursue Journalism. In my mind, I just wanted to be on TV, specifically interviewing celebrities at shows. I struggled through college, switching my major many times, failing, and retaking classes before finally earning an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and eventually a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I was finally diagnosed with ADHD and Anxiety Disorder, and my whole school career made sense. When I look back, it definitely makes me proud to have come this far, when I never wanted to go to school in the first place.

I’ve been working in the mental health field for the past 4 years and swore off school for the rest of my life, but after being in the field, I know I have a purpose, and I’m working towards my master’s degree. I’ve tried a few times already but became too overwhelmed and took a much-needed break. I’m not sure what exactly I want my master’s degree in anymore, but I know that my goal is to work with children/adolescents and their families. The time it’s taking doesn’t bother me at all. I have a lot of support from my husband and family. They’re by my side to cheer me on, no matter how long it takes.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting two degrees and working on a third has not been easy for me. In school, I only enjoyed the topics that I found interesting to me; everything else seemed like a waste of time. Aside from that, being undiagnosed and trying to finish school was extremely hard.

I never knew why I couldn’t focus on the classes and remember things that I’d taken notes on and just not comprehend certain subjects in general. When people say, “School is easy,” I just laugh because, unfortunately, it’s not for everyone.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I am a case manager for adults who have a mental health diagnosis and may also have a substance use disorder diagnosis. When it comes to case management, I’d say my specialty is in mental health. I’ve been a case manager for the last four years, but I worked with children prior.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my ability to make anyone feel comfortable around me. With what I do, it’s important to become a safe space and a safe person for those I’m helping. I’m most proud of overcoming my academic struggles and my own mental health struggles to make it to where I am in life now.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
My advice to anyone who wants to get a college degree is that there is no time limit. Go at your own pace, and don’t let others make you feel bad about your journey.

I wish I knew that everyone’s academic journey is different, and maybe that would’ve taken a lot of stress off of me in undergrad. OH, and always take your mental health seriously!

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-moffett-ba-qmhp-675129195/