Although I had developed book smarts going to college, I quickly discovered that my street-smarts were behind my peers as I struggled with day-to-day organizational and time management skills as well as a lack of big picture and worldly views of topics and events. Thinking back to my high school years, I let my parents do too much for me who were quick to step in, reminding me about deadlines or just assuming responsibilities that were mine to own. Although it made my life easier at the time, my development was behind where it needed to be, and blame and struggle were placed solely on my shoulders. My parents had a significant impact on my development as a person in both the ways I approached and thought of others as well as my choices to stay challenged in life. Amongst other values, they instilled in me the virtue of acceptance which largely led me to the field of Counseling.” – Chris Lorenz, counseling.