What brought you to UNI?

The sense of community is what brought me to UNI. During my first visit to UNI, I specifically remember being greeted by an academic advisor and she was so welcoming! I also met with UNI faculty and instantly felt comfortable.

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

Getting to meet so many new people was one of the most rewarding experiences at UNI. I loved getting to work on-campus in the UNI Career Services office this year, through collaboration with my coworkers and our professional staff to help students prepare for their future careers. Additionally, I have enjoyed getting to know many of my professors and they have helped me so much in preparing me for my future!

How did you become interested in your major? 

I became interested in Psychology during my Developmental Psych class my freshman year. I knew I wanted to go into a helping profession and work with kids in some way, but learning how the brain develops in childhood and adolescence inspired me to major in Psych!

What were some of your favorite classes? 

Some of my favorite classes I have taken at UNI were Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Diversity and Difference, Abnormal Psych, and Intro to Professional Counseling.

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I have been involved in Psychology Club, Psi Chi Honor Society, Psychology Peer Advising, and volunteering in the Cedar Valley. I have also tutored high school students in the community! Last Spring, I was enrolled in the Cooperative Education course, and interned with a school counselor at Peet Jr. High.

Post-graduation plans?

I will be moving to Mankato, MN to attend the Minnesota State Master’s in Professional School Counseling program, and I have accepted a graduate assistant position with their TRIO Student Support Services office!

How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans?

UNI provided me with so many opportunities to get real-world experience during my undergrad! Through the Cooperative Education course, I got to work directly with junior high students to help research activities for their small girls’ empowerment group. I also helped in their Success Center classroom by building relationships with students and assisting them in goal-planning. Additionally, UNI has helped me to find other job shadowing opportunities with more school counselors in the area.

What advice would you give to high school seniors?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. College is all about preparing you for your future. It is one of the only times in your life where you get to focus solely on you! Get to know your professors, and join new student groups on campus!

For those considering majoring in Psychology at UNI, I would highly recommend it! There are so many different pathways you can take with a Psych major, and the Psychology electives are incredibly diverse in their subject areas.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you to all the students, faculty, and staff I have met at UNI who have helped me to grow not only as a student, but a person!