In the counternarratives shared in this article, the readers will read accounts of day-to-day realities of being a professional that will help prepare them in their professional roles as educators and counselors, in particular, the educational life experiences that influenced their professional development. Each person reflects on their life--as persons and as counselors--and shares a significant life-altering event and salutary moment that influenced who they are as a professional, therapist, and educator, redefining or affirming their oppressed identities (disability, gender, ethnicity, race, age, and sexuality). As authors, they further share how this life experience was educational and how it influenced our professional identity, development, and work as social justice advocates. Their voices convey hope, disappointment, fear, pride, and struggle that makes them unique and yet similar to others in the field. The article also offers affirmation and guidance to those interested in working in the broad field of social justice as researchers, educators, activists, practitioners, or professionals, aimed for those who would appreciate accounts of first-hand experience.