Year: Senior
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Major: Psychology
Minor: Music
Hi, Zoe! Thanks for talking to us today. The first thing we want to know is: What made you interested in studying Psychology?
I became interested in Psychology when my stepmother, Jenni, came into my life. Jenni works as a psychotherapist, and hearing her stories about the lives she has affected throughout my adolescence left a big impression on me. I’d like to follow in her footsteps and become a psychotherapist too because psychology resonates with my introspective and existentially-minded nature. So, majoring in psychology just seemed like the natural progression for me.
Now that you’ve been studying it in college for three years, what do you find most interesting about the field?
I’ve always been very drawn to the dark corners of human existence. I’d say learning about abnormal psychology has been one of the most revealing subjects I’ve studied to date.
You recently changed your Music Major to a Minor. What would you tell others who are thinking about making a similar change to what they’re studying at Kenyon?
I dropped my Music Major because practicing my main instrument, the guitar, had begun to feel like a job rather than a joy. My advice to others is that in certain circumstances, the degree written on your diploma matters less than the quality of knowledge you’ve absorbed through your studies. Having made it through three-quarters of the major, I am grateful to walk away with a deeper appreciation and understanding for music.
Even though you’re officially only a Music Minor now, you’re still very involved in the Music Department at Kenyon. What do you love about the department?
The Music Department is still definitely one of my homes here on campus. I love all of the professors, and how their offices wrap around our study lounge, creating a very bubbly and interactive professor/student environment. I also love Donna Maloney, the administrative assistant, who makes everyone’s lives better.
You’re one of the SMACK tutors for the Music Department. What drew you to volunteer for the program?
SMACK tutoring has honestly been one of my favorite ways I’ve gotten involved on campus. I’ve always loved teaching others, so sharing my excitement about music theory, while breaking it down into simpler terms is right up my alley. It’s been a great way to get to know students in different circles than me, and I feel fulfilled knowing I’ve helped enrich the music department.
You also developed your teaching skills this past summer. Can you tell us about your experience?
This summer I worked for an amazing program called Generation Teach, which seeks to create a better pipeline of talented, local teachers working in under-resourced school districts. This summer, I got to work in a middle school in Denver, teaching Reading. Standing up in front of a class of 15 for the first time was absolutely terrifying, but over the course of a summer, working with fantastic coaches and peers, I gained so much knowledge and experience and respect for the teaching profession.
What’s a fact about you that not many people at Kenyon know?
I love the expression, “cool as a cumber.” For instance, I think Philander Chase is cool as a cucumber. I think you are cool as a cucumber too.
If you were a flavor of ice cream, what flavor would you be?
I’d be Green Tea because this flavor is soothing, yet unconventional, and perhaps a little adventurous too.
As a senior, do you have any advice for first-years?
Grab a friend and a blanket and head down to the BFEC at night to lie under the stars.