Student Highlights

Sara Beth Wendling, Research Team

03 Sept 2020

Written By Lucy Nichols

Sara Beth Wendling Sara Beth is a Senior in HDFS with a concentration in Family Life Education. She is a bright student who catches on quickly. Within the first few weeks of Sara Beth’s time at REACH we had her dive right in by helping us complete a literature review on asynchronous counseling. Sara Beth is Military REACH’s first undergraduate student to be an author on a research report: Understanding Asynchronous Counseling: A Review of Effectiveness and Implementation Considerations. In addition to her work on a research report she has been trained in social media management and Zotero. Sara Beth is described by her peers and supervisors as thorough, detail-oriented, inquisitive, eager to help, willing to learn, and efficient. Sara Beth is a wonderful addition to the Military REACH team and helps us continue to strive for excellence. Below Sara Beth answers some questions about life inside and out of the lab!

1. What brought you to Military REACH?

I had the privilege of having Dr. Lucier-Greer as a professor in the Fall of my Junior year at Auburn. In her class, we learned about family dynamics and I heard first-hand about the important work Military REACH was doing for military families. I was intrigued and inspired by the mission of the team and began looking for a way to be involved. Lucky for me, there was an opening for an undergraduate research assistant. I am thankful for the opportunity to now work with the REACH team.

2. What three words would you use to describe yourself, and why?

Three words I would use to describe myself are; driven, caring, and reliable. I consider myself a driven person because I am always striving to do my best. I have always been motivated in my academics and professional life; I love to set a goal and be able to achieve it. I am, by nature, a caring and empathetic individual. I love to take care of others, help others, and make them happy. Lastly, I would consider myself a reliable person. I enjoy being there for others personally, as well as being someone people can count on professionally. Overall, I truly try to always be the best I can be and care for others with every opportunity that presents itself.

3. What is your favorite REACH product?

My favorite REACH product are the monthly TRIP reports. I enjoy reading TRIP reports because of the practical implications. Not only do you have access to new information, but also practical ways to put the information into practice. I think this is what I love most about Military REACH; there are always practical ways to address a stressor or challenge.

4. What are your professional goals and how will working with REACH help you achieve them?

Currently, my professional goals include going to graduate school and working towards having a job I love. I hope to one day become a Marriage and Family Therapist. Working with Military REACH, I am gaining professional experience as well as academic skills that will assist me in the field of Human Development and Family Studies.

5. What skills do you think you are developing as you work on the REACH project?

I have only worked with Military REACH for a short while, but I have gained many skills. I have enjoyed further developing the much needed skills of communication and collaboration. These particular skills have been crucial during the Coronavirus pandemic. I have also developed my critical thinking skills by analyzing research, as well as working on problem-solving. Working remotely has presented its challenges, but it has allowed me to problem-solve and work through solutions with the REACH team members.

6. What do you like to do when you aren’t studying or working on REACH tasks?

When I have free time, I enjoy reading, painting, and spending time with friends and family. I consider myself an extroverted introvert, if that exists. I love to be with friends and family; it is one of my most favorite activities in the world. However, I draw my energy from quiet, alone time. I typically spend my quiet time reading or painting.

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