What made you choose the University of Northern Iowa?

I chose UNI because of its small class sizes, its distance from home, and the overall campus environment. I was looking for a school where I could build meaningful connections with professors and classmates, and UNI felt like the right fit from the beginning.

What have you enjoyed the most about your experience at UNI? 

I’ve really enjoyed the friendships I’ve made during my time here, as well as the connections I’ve built with professors and peers. I’ve also appreciated the many opportunities I’ve had through internships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships, which have helped me grow both academically and personally.

What first sparked your interest in your major?

Psychology first caught my attention in high school when I took an introductory psychology course. I was fascinated by learning about human behavior, development, and the ways people think and interact, which ultimately inspired me to pursue it as a major.

How have you been involved outside the classroom?

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve been able to have both in and outside of the classroom. Throughout my three years at UNI, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a research lab with Dr. Schwab, serve as a teaching assistant for both Dr. Kysar-Moon and Alysa Mozak, and complete an internship at House of Hope. These experiences have greatly shaped my future career path because of the hands-on learning and mentor support I’ve received throughout each role.

Which professors or mentors have had the biggest impact on your time at UNI, and how?

All of the faculty and staff at UNI have been incredible to learn from and work alongside, but Dr. Nicholas Schwab has had a particularly meaningful impact on my experience. Through research lab opportunities, presenting at the Midwestern Psychological Association conference, mentorship, and academic guidance, he has patiently helped me grow in confidence and better understand my professional goals.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be staying at the University of Northern Iowa to join the School Psychology graduate cohort in the fall! I’m incredibly excited to continue my education and work toward a career supporting children and families in school settings.

In what ways has UNI and your major helped prepare you for your next steps?

The mentorship, guidance, education, and experiences I’ve gained at UNI have prepared me for graduate school and helped me find a path that aligns with my passions and goals. Through my coursework in Psychology and Family Services, I’ve been able to learn about current practices and theories and then apply them in real-world settings, which has made me feel confident and prepared for the next steps ahead.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking about pursuing this major?

Psychology and Family Services are both highly transferable majors that can lead to many different career paths. My education and experiences in these programs have prepared me well for the field I’m pursuing, but they’ve also given me skills that apply to many other professions. That flexibility has made me feel confident in my future and reassured that there are many directions I could take with these degrees.