Why did you choose BHSU?
In the beginning, I chose BHSU because no one from my hometown area was going here, the location is absolutely beautiful and far from anything I’d see at home, and it was far enough from home that I couldn’t go home every weekend but close enough that if something happened I could still make it back in a day. After actually going to classes here, I was even happier I made the decision to attend BHSU because it was the perfect fit for me; I come from a very small town and BHSU gives you that small town feeling and class size but still has options for you to choose from.
Why did you choose Psychology?
I had decided to major in Psychology before I had even applied to any colleges. I have always felt this “pull” toward attempting to understand people and their behavior, or what makes them tick. I’ve also always felt the need to help others in ways they might not be able to help themselves, and Psychology always seemed to be the perfect tool. I’ve always said that my biggest life goal is to save a child’s life because so many seem to be lost and hurting nowadays, and I feel that Psychology will only help prepare me more for that.
In your experience, what do you see as the most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program?
The all-around atmosphere in the classrooms and the approachability of the professors in the department is the most beneficial. Every class I’ve been in has been so full of life and has had such open discussions that I find it would be near impossible for someone to have an opinion that wasn’t respected by everyone else in the class. Most, if not all, the professors have an open-door policy which makes approaching them with questions and concerns, whether in their office or in class, so much easier than other universities where you may only be a number on a roster and a face in the crowd: Professors make a point to know you at BHSU.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
The most recent plan is to apply to Master’s level programs for School Counseling so that I can work with young students in the Black Hills area, or at least in South Dakota. I would like to emphasize in an area that allows me to work with minority populations, specifically the Native American population. Whether or not my future entails going after a PhD is still up in the air, but not completely ruled out. After graduation, I’d mainly like to see where life takes me that I’m most happy.
What have been your experiences outside the classroom at BHSU?
I’ve been involved with the Theta Nu sorority and peer mentoring for Student Support Services and General Psychology students, which has allowed me to make life-long friends and learn valuable leadership and interpersonal skills. I’ve also had the privilege to be a teaching assistant for several psychology classes and take part in research valuable to the education community which has given me priceless knowledge and helped prepare me for graduate school and whatever else may lie ahead of me.
What is one piece of advice you would give incoming freshman?
Don’t forget who you are and about your own happiness. Sometimes you need to put yourself first so that you are okay with you. Don’t let anyone tell you who you are and where you should be, the only person who can tell you what you need to be doing with your life is you. Listen to yourself and follow your heart.