Why did you choose BHSU?
I chose BHSU because it felt like home, and I loved the surrounding area. The small class sizes and sense of community made the decision even easier.
Why did you choose Psychology?
I chose psychology because I have always been interested in what makes people do what they do. With plans of pursuing Law School, I knew understanding what was happening in peoples' brains was going to be extremely helpful.
In your experience, what do you see as the most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program?
The most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program is the faculty and their willingness to help. Whether it is questions on assignments, class schedules, or helping plan for life after graduation, the professors at BH were always willing to help!
What do you plan to do after graduation? (OR if you ask a graduate: “What have you done after graduation?”)
After graduation, I got a job at the States Attorney’s Office where I am a legal assistant in the juvenile department. I prepare legal documents for multiple attorneys and process court papers.
- What have been your experiences outside the classroom at BHSU?
Between dorm life, intramural sports, and different events held on campus, I was able to meet new people and take fun breaks between schoolwork. During my time as a research lab assistant, I learned valuable knowledge and experiences that helped me stand out in interviews and get a job after graduation.
- What is one piece of advice you would give incoming freshman?
Be a part of something! Research labs, CAB, clubs, ect. are a great way to grow your community of friends while networking and gaining leverage for resumes!
Why did you choose BHSU?
Growing up in Arizona, I never imagined I would end up in South Dakota. I knew someone going to a nearby university and decided I wanted a sense of adventure moving to a completely new place. I ultimately chose BHSU for the smaller class sizes, sense of community, and beauty in the surrounding environment.
Why did you choose Psychology?
I knew in high school that I wanted to pursue psychology, after taking an AP Psychology course and watching films that depicted mental health issues and the need for awareness and providers. Our brains and how we interact and view the world around us can be so interesting that I am driven to want to understand it all. I love that the learning is endless and I love how broad the field is.
In your experience, what do you see as the most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program?
Small class sizes mean building closer relationships with faculty and other students. There is a variety of research labs for different interests. I also enjoyed the various clubs at BHSU specific to psychology! The most beneficial aspect for me was solid mentorship and encouragement that brought me on the path to graduate school.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduating BHSU in 2021, I was accepted into a combined PhD program in Counseling and School Psychology. At this point in my program, I have had various clinical experiences, including schools, working with college students, and with clients with severe mental illness. Currently I am part-time providing therapy services and assisting with psychological assessment at a local community mental health center. After I graduate with my PhD, I would like to become a professor and provide contracted psychological evaluations part-time.
What have been your experiences outside the classroom at BHSU?
When I attended BHSU, I was extremely involved. I was the president of Psi Chi and Psychology Club, a research assistant for the Students of Law and Psychology lab, and an intern for one semester in the psychology department. Outside of the psychology realm, I worked two jobs, as an assistant for the Admissions Office and as a Senior Resident Assistant (SRA) for residence life. I volunteered a few times at the domestic violence shelter and animal shelter in Spearfish. All of these experiences helped me grow as a future professional and as an individual.
What is one piece of advice you would give incoming freshman?
My most important piece of advice is to GET INVOLVED! Though that advice is common to hear, it made all the difference for me as someone who moved to a completely new place and knew no one at BHSU or Spearfish. Through getting involved, I met lifelong friends, was encouraged by faculty and supervisors to pursue my PhD, and am proud of the mark I was able to leave behind. Start saying "yes" to opportunities and see where it may lead you!
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.
Recently we asked Ava Sauter, a senior Psychology major, a few questions about her experience here at BHSU.
Why did you choose BHSU?
I began my academic career wanting to become a high school English teacher and BHSU was well known for its education program.
Why did you choose Psychology?
My decision to go into psychology can be attributed to a number of great professors. These professors sparked my interest in psychology and guided me into a new way of thinking about the world. They helped me develop a passion that has ultimately shaped my future.
In your experience, what do you see as the most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program?
The most beneficial aspect is by far the people that hold it up. I say “hold” because these individuals take what they are given and use it in the most effective way to create a department that is aimed at preparing students for lifetime careers in psychology. They make the department great.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
That’s a very good question. The truth is that I’m not sure at the moment and I kind of like that. I know that I want to travel for a while and challenge myself in other ways than just academically. The ultimate plan is to attend graduate school and get my PhD in research psychology working with aspects of trauma.
What have been your experiences outside the classroom at BHSU?
I have to be honest and say that if I wasn’t in a classroom at BHSU, I probably wasn’t at BHSU. The Spearfish community has been very good to me and has provided the medium for a number of great adventures.
What is one piece of advice you would give incoming freshman?
Find your passion. It gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
Why did you choose BHSU?
Initially, I chose BHSU because of its location. I stayed here because I truly enjoy my courses and professors.
Why did you choose Psychology?
At first, I was drawn to psychology because it is such an interesting field. Over the course of my college experience, I have come to the realization that this field fits well with who I am as a person.
In your experience, what do you see as the most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program?
The interaction with the professors in this department has been the most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program for me. They are truly interested in expanding the knowledge and skill set of their students and helping them prepare for life after college, whether they continue with graduate school or join the work force.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I will be applying to a few different Clinical and Counseling Psychology programs this fall. Once I’m done with graduate school, I hope to be a counselor and work with couples. I can also see myself teaching at a university level.
What have been your experiences outside the classroom at BHSU?
I’ve had the opportunity to take part in different organizations and activities which has allowed me to meet new people and make friends. I have had the privilege to intern with the BHSU Psychology Department this semester and have taken on the role of teaching assistant for a number of classes. As a teaching assistant, I have been given the opportunity to lecture and conduct study sessions and have gained valuable knowledge thus far that will help me with graduate school and beyond.
What is one piece of advice you would give incoming freshman?
Work hard and get involved early; your college education is what you make of it, and it will be over faster than you think.
