What is your major and minor? What other academic programs were you a part of?
Psychology Major
What are some of the jobs you held while at McDaniel?
I was both a Peer Mentor and an Advisory Board Member for the Peer Mentor Program. I also served as a notetaker for SASS and as an Academic Life Peer Counselor.
What organizations were you a part of at McDaniel? What positions did you hold?
I co-founded the Consent and Sex Education (CASE) club during my freshman year and have been co-president since then. I have also served as the secretary for Alpha Lambda Delta.
Have you enjoyed your time at McDaniel? If so, what did you enjoy the most?
I really have enjoyed my time at McDaniel. I enjoyed the opportunity to find and create communities across campus alongside my peers as well as faculty and staff members.
Who do you think was/is your best mentor?
There are so many! Dr. Cathy Orzolek-Kronner was the professor who connected Rachel Gunnerson (2021), Ariana Schneider (2020), and I. Through this connection, we created CASE which has been one of the most impactful portions of my college career. I am also extremely grateful for Dr. Holly Chalk who supported me both academically and professionally within the psychology department. I am so appreciative of her continual support throughout various classes, but also throughout the process of applying to graduate schools.
Describe your favorite memory at McDaniel.
I don’t think I can limit it to just one! Peer Mentor training and Orientation will always be a highlight since they were so fun and pushed me out of my comfort zone in so many amazing ways. Also, creating a space for survivors or sexual violence at CASE’s Take Back the Night rallies will forever remind me of why it is so important to do the work I want to do. It is truly hard to explain how empowering, healing, and inspiring these events were.
What are some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
During my sophomore year I experienced a lot of anxiety which really impacted my day to day life. Since McDaniel is such a small community and the professors are all so invested in their students, I felt comfortable sharing what I was going through and asking for additional support where I needed it. I am also a HUGE advocate for going to therapy! I think everyone should go to therapy, you do not have to be struggling to go, but you can learn so much more about yourself.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending Towson University’s Counseling Psychology program to pursue my LCPC license and eventually work as a therapist. I also hope to continue my advocacy work regarding sexual violence.
What would you tell yourself as a first-year student at McDaniel?
The next four years are going to be personally and academically challenging in so many ways, but the growth you will experience and the communities you will build are invaluable.
Where do you see the world in 10 years?
In ten years I hope to be working as a therapist on a college campus (much like McDaniel) and continuing my advocacy work against sexual violence. I’d also love to have a few adopted senior dogs because they deserve a loving home for their last years. Who knows, I might have a PsyD as well!
How do you reflect on your senior year during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Honestly, I struggled a lot knowing that the college experience I expected was cut short by over a year. It has been tough to not be in class with my peers or on campus, but I would not have found the job that I now love or had the time to read more and educate myself on so many important topics. It definitely made so many memories before the pandemic that much better.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the McDaniel community?
While McDaniel is not without its flaws, I believe each member of the McDaniel community can find their own communities and spaces to explore their passions and push themselves on campus. McDaniel claims to be a college that changes lives and it definitely changed mine
