Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI because it had the major I was looking for, I loved the size (wanted to be a big fish in a small pond and have close relationships with classmates and professors), and love CF (especially Main Street)! 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

The opportunity to get involved on campus has been the best part of being a panther. Going to UNI allowed me to become involved in various organizations, clubs, etc especially UNI Dance Marathon, which has shaped who I am now and my future career aspirations. 

How did you become interested in your major at UNI? 

While looking at colleges as a high schooler, I knew I wanted to be a psychology major because I loved taking AP Psych in high school. Then, I fell in love with the topics within Family Services when I took an intro-level course with Nathan Taylor. Then, other professors like Anne Plagge, continued to encourage me in my academic and personal growth and helped me grow my passion for helping others. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

• UNI Dance Marathon: I joined UNI DM as a freshman and joined a leadership role through being a morale captain. This role allowed me to advertise DM and encourage UNI students to join my “morale team” for the year. I also had the opportunity to connect with the families who have received care from the U of I Stead Family Children’s Hospital. My second year, I was a captain again. Then, this past year, I served as the co-director of morale. All of these roles gave me indescribable joy and various opportunities to grow my passion for helping others, improve my interpersonal and leadership skills, and even introduce me to fundraising techniques. 

• Studying abroad: I studied abroad one summer in London and then another summer in Greece! 

• Internship at Love INC: My final semester at UNI, I have been a full-time intern at Love INC, which is a nonprofit organization that works to mobilize the church to help our neighbors in need. I help in both the “Connection Center” where we provide connections to churches to receive material goods and support, such as food and essentials, cleaning supplies, etc as well as the Transformation Ministry. Within the transformation ministry, I have gotten to know over 80 individuals who attended a weekly class and learned more about their lives and who they are. This has been an incredible opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, increasing my skills in communication, crisis-management, interpersonal dynamics, and organization. 

• Other things I have been a part of: SABR, Cat Crew, Liturgical minister at St. Stephen the Witness, Psychology Club, Health and Family Services Club, and a volunteer at various Allen Hospital locations (Emergency department, cancer treatment center, and prairie parkway therapy) 

What professors have been most influential through your time here at UNI? 

• Nathan Taylor 

• Anne Plagge 

• Gary Gute 

What are your post-graduation plans? 

Attending Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin to pursue a Masters in Child Life (2 year program to become a Certified Child Life Specialist) 

How has UNI/your major helped prepare you for these plans? 

Having a double major in psychology and family services has greatly prepared me for my future plans. I now feel confident in numerous skills and knowledge when it comes to family dynamics, child development, self-care and coping strategies, and much more. I know this will all play a major role in my future success as a graduate student and eventually Child Life Specialist. 

What advice would you give to students who are considering this major?

Any student who is considering psychology or family services, I greatly encourage you to meet with someone on faculty and ask any question you may have. The faculty and staff are here to support you and answer any questions you may have. These majors are incredibly fascinating and important to every individuals’ daily life. If you have even the slightest interest in “helping people” or “how the brain works,” take a course or two and see what you think!