Advising

Psychology

Email: k09jd03@kzoo.edu
Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI
Major: Psychology
Minors: Theatre Arts and Anthropology/Sociology
Study Abroad: Thailand
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Global Warming (it was a flavor in Thailand)
Best Adjective to Describe You: Outgoing

In 10 words or less, why should someone want to be a part of this department?

We encourage exploration of many areas of psychology.

When did you know you wanted to study this area?  What pathway led you to this department?

During my senior year of high school I took AP Psychology and was hooked! I've been taking at least one psych class each semester ever since. Also all the professors have been wonderfully welcoming and helpful.

What is the best way to get (and stay) connected to this department?

Talk to your professors. They're all great people! When you talk to them they understand that you are passionate about what you're learning. Also go to meetings and get togethers and stuff when you can. They're fun!

What would you miss the most if you were no longer a part of this department?

I'm really going to miss the developmental psychology classes. Taking them has really cemented what I want to do after K.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?

Hopefully on to grad school, but I might need some more research experience first. The goal is to get into a developmental psychology program and work with childhood disorders.

What has been the biggest surprise you have encountered at K?

How quickly the four years go. Yikes!

How does your department connect to your other interests and activities?

The psych department encourages you to do what will keep you balanced. Learning more about how keeping mental balance increases overall performance allows me to feel good about pursuing my other interests like Theatre and Swing Dance.

What has been your favorite class at K?  Why?

My favorite class at K was Cultural Psychology. It was a great blending of psychology and An/So. I also really enjoyed looking at the psyche of cultures as a whole and analyzing some of the college cultures we live in.

What is your SIP?

My SIP is about how to create an effective caregiver-training group specifically for caregivers of people with eating disorders. I got to help create and implement a local, monthly psychoeducational group to help with coping, knowledge and support for caregivers.

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