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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The department sees the real you. It’s creative, analytical, tight-knit, and full of people who truly care.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Try new things, even and especially if they’re out of your comfort zone! I naturally gravitated toward social and diversity-related classes, but I’ve recently branched into more science-based ones and wish I had done so sooner. Go to office hours, volunteer to help with research, ask questions, you don’t need to have it all figured out to get involved.

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
You don’t have to be perfect. Messing up, getting rejected…it’s all part of how you grow. As cliché as it sounds, that lesson helped me the most.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
That I matter, not just as a student, but as a human being. And with that recognition comes a sense of responsibility.

What has been your favorite class at K?
It’s a tie between Developmental Psychology and Spanish Linguistics! Both expanded how I think about language, culture, and human development in completely different but equally exciting ways.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I took an Arabic history class abroad that I never would have discovered otherwise, it was fantastic and eye-opening. I’ve also explored ANSO and theater, both of which helped me develop communication and cultural competency skills that complement my psych studies.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
While abroad in Spain, my ICRP functioned as an internship at a therapy and disability center called Aspainca. I shadowed psychologists and helped run music and art therapy sessions. I also currently serve as the captain of Monkapult, K’s improv team.

What is your SIP?
I’m a research assistant at the Prenatal Stress Lab at Michigan State, supporting a longitudinal study on maternal stress and its effects on infants. I’m focusing specifically on intimate partner violence and hope to explore additional variables like maternal depression and parity in my analysis!

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a focus on trauma and diversity. I’d love to use my degree in clinical practice, and maybe in teaching at a university level someday as well.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I work in a bookstore and love recommending books based on people’s personalities or interests. My favorite book is The Night Circus!