How old are you? 21
What is your hometown? Tower City, Pa.
What year are you? Senior
What is your major? Psychology
What is your minor? Sociology
Why did you choose your major and/or minor? I found a real interest in psychology around 11th grade. It was a choice based on very personal reasons. I had different family members who struggled with addiction as well as depression and that sparked an interest within me.
Why did you choose Millersville? I had a cousin go here for psychology. It was the only school that I visited, and I ended up loving the atmosphere of it. I had the opportunity to meet with the chair of psychology on my visit and that was a very welcoming experience. Everything just felt like a really good fit for me.
What has been your favorite memory at Millersville? The time spent with my co-workers/RA friends.
What clubs/organizations are you involved with on campus? I am a resident assistant in the South Villages here on campus as well as the secretary of PSI CHI, which is the International Honor Society in Psychology. I have been a member of Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) and psychology club. I’ve also been a volunteer at various places, including Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Oak Leaf Manor and Ephrata Community Hospital. I currently have an internship at Susquehanna Service Dogs.
Why did you choose to become an RA? I had a really hard time as a freshman, considering that I was placed in an entirely upperclassman building that year. I had always asked myself “What am I doing here?” During my sophomore year, I decided to be an RA because it felt like I wasn’t making any friends. I also wanted to connect to other people who felt like they couldn’t fit in or living in their current building wasn’t what they thought it would be.
What have you gained from your experience as an RA? It has given me new perspectives and insights into life. Having such diverse residents and learning about who they are has taught me to be more accepting of people. I have also learned how to deal with confrontation and how to talk to people naturally.
Where is your favorite place to visit on campus? It would have to be the pond!
Do you have any hobbies? I really enjoy reading, but I also love running and hiking. Taking trips is another large part of what I love to do – going to the beach or going camping is how I like to spend my time away from Millersville.
What do you plan to do after graduation? I will be applying to doctorate programs in psychology. I would love to do therapy with clients who struggle with some sort of mental illness.
What will you miss the most about Millersville? It would have to be the people. For the most part, the students and professors here on campus are so friendly. Everyone is so open and friendly and that is part of what I love so much about the environment here at Millersville.
Do you have a mantra you live by? If so, what is it? I like to say that “Everything happens for a reason.” Whether you know that reason now is a different story. I like to believe that you will eventually find that reason out and find the good in why it happened.
What is your favorite holiday? I would have to say Christmas. Mostly because it is the only time that my entire family comes together regardless of what is going on in life. I also just love gift giving!