Episode 79 — The Importance in Being Exposed to Different Worldviews —with Dr. Christine Norton

“You make the path by walking.” You create a path by going through it first hand. Exploring the world either in your own community or traveling abroad can open you up to many different opportunities, interests, passions, allowing you to explore your identity. If you don’t get exposed to different things, people, cultures, experiences, how do you expect to know what you really want to do in life when you’re limited to so little personal experiences? Dr. Christine Norton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Board Approved Supervisor in the State of Texas, credits where she is now to the exposure she received growing up in public schools. Even though Christine grew up in a sheltered home environment, being in public school all her life really allowed her to be exposed to different worldviews. Once she went to college she was then able to explore the world abroad and gain even more insight. This exposure and insight really allowed her to get a sense of passion for people and education at a young age. This passion fueled her hard work as she acquired two Master degrees and a Ph.D. Dr. Christine now has over 25 years of experience working with youth and young adults in a variety of settings including therapeutic wilderness programs, juvenile justice, schools, mentoring and campus support programs. On this episode of Success is Subjective, Christine joins Joanna to share her journey coming from a very sheltered childhood, to being opened up to a whole new world in college. Christine found that by being exposed to a wide range of perspectives she was able to find her own strong passions in life at a young age. Listen in for Christine’s insight on the importance of exploring the world and being exposed to different worldviews to help one grow as a person and how she works to give her own students that experience.What You Will LearnGrowing up in The Way International, Christian evangelical group The religious expectation put on Christine growing upHow Christine’s dad losing his job allowed Christine to have college as an option How higher ed brings people with different worldviews togetherStudying abroad to be exposed to the worldTaking 3 years off in between undergrad and grad schoolMajoring in interpersonal communications in undergrad and going on to get 2 Master degreesTaking education even further and getting a PHD in a clinical social workHow Christine now teaches social work students at Texas State UniversityThe importance in prioritizing trauma informed higher education for foster care students Christine’s work as a professor for social work students at Texas State UniversityTrusting the process on the path you’re onConnect with Dr. Christine NortonDr. Christine Norton, Professor at Texas State UniversityOutdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center (OBH Center) Dr. Christine Norton on TwitterConnect with Joanna Lilley  Lilley ConsultingLilley Consulting on Instagram Lilley Consulting on Facebook Sponsored by: College Parent Survival NetworkEmail [email protected]