Whitley Shares Experience and Exudes Compassion to Help Students Find Their Way

Troubled by addiction and an uncertain path in his early years, Alan Whitley did not know the way his life would go. However, after enrolling at Nashville State and an introduction to social work course, Whitley developed his passion and found his way.

A Nashville native who graduated from Father Ryan High School, Whitley enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) after high school graduation but found himself a bit lost and left early.

From there, he struggled with the personal battle of addiction and lack of direction. He would go on to seek treatment and find sobriety at the age of 26.

After reaching some clarity in his life, he decided to take the next step and return to college.

Whitley said at first the decision to leap back in was scary, but he says he started small and focused on what he wanted to learn.

“Why not take one class?” Whitley says he told himself.

One of those first classes was an Intro to Social Work taught by former Assistant Professor Ayesha Keller.

“I took that class and got an ‘A’ and it was maybe one of the first ‘As’ I’d ever gotten, so I thought maybe I can do this,” Whitley said.

“She was amazing. There were other adult degree students, so I didn’t feel alone, and I really loved that at Nashville State,” Whitley said.

As he continued, Whitely said he found guidance and support.

“The extra help I needed was given at Nashville State. I built confidence and got in my grove.”

“I had a goal in mind with what I was going after,” Whitley said. “You’ve got to take these steps.”

Whitley transferred to Belmont University, where he completed a bachelor’s in social work and then obtained a master’s in clinical social work from the University of Tennessee. Now, he is using his life experience and education to help counsel and teach students as therapist and adjunct professor at Belmont.

“There is a lot of pressure for students as they’re making these big decisions and these transitions in life.”

“For fifty minutes, they get to come into my office and take a little bit of a break from all of that and talk out loud and process those feelings.”

“I work to create a nonjudgmental safe space for students to come as they are,” Whitley said.

With his counseling, Whitley highlights the importance of balance.

“One thing I try to share with students is what I call, the pie of life,” Whitley said.

“If you go to cut a pie, you want the pieces to be even, and I think it’s the same way with your life. We know a really big piece of your life is academics; what are the other pieces of your life? Where is family and relationships, where is self-care, or your job,” Whitley said.

“I talk to students about how they can even out the pieces of their life a little bit more.”

Looking back at where he started, Whitley says it’s important to be gentle with oneself and find your way.

“Learning to be myself and go at my own pace was really important.”

“Academics is not one size fits all, we each have our journey.”

“Be gentle with yourself and enjoy these moments of learning.”