PSY Graduate Spotlight with Dhwani Bagrecha

May 2, 2025 - Shelly DeJong

Meet Dhwani Bagrecha, a soon-to-graduate psychology major with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation as well as a minor in Leadership of Organizations.  Dhwani recently shared with us about the best part of being a psychology student, what she wishes she had known as a first-year student, as well as giving a few shoutouts to people who helped her along the way. 

 

Favorite part of being a psychology student at MSU? 

My favorite part of being a psychology student at MSU has definitely been the diversity of topics and how relevant everything feels to real life. Classes like Social Psychology, Stereotypes & Prejudice, and Psychology of Close Relationships made me see the world—and my interactions with people—through such a thoughtful, research-driven lens. It’s also been amazing to take what I’ve learned and apply it across everything I do, whether it’s in my HR roles, research projects, or even just day-to-day leadership. Psychology at MSU doesn’t just stay in the classroom—it’s something I carry into every space I’m in. 

 

What do you wish you had known as a first-year student? 

Looking back, I wish I had known how important it is to be comfortable with change, to keep putting yourself out there, and to stay persistent, even when things feel uncertain. Saying yes to opportunities—especially the ones that intimidated me—led to some of the most life-changing experiences. I came to MSU from over 8,000 miles away as a scared kid, unsure of myself and my path. But through it all, I kept showing up. I applied to over 500 internships before landing one, pushed through moments of doubt, and leaned into the unknown. 

Now, I’m leaving completely transformed—with confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. I’ve met some of my best friends, found mentors who truly saw me, and discovered passions I never imagined. If I could go back and tell my first-year self one thing, it would be: keep going—it’s all going to be worth it. 

 

What are your plans for after graduation? 

After graduation, I’ll be pursuing my master's degree in information science at the University of Michigan. I’ll be studying User-Experience Research and Design, Human Computer Interaction and Social Computing. 

 

Would you like to give a shoutout to anyone? 

I’m so grateful for the incredible faculty and staff who’ve supported me throughout my MSU journey. A huge shoutout to Lindsay Spitzley and Andrew Murray, my amazing academic advisors in the Psychology department. They’ve been such consistent sources of support, always helping me navigate my academic and career plans with care and encouragement. 

I also want to thank Dr. Bill Chopik, my PSY 493 professor, whose class on close relationships was one of the most engaging and insightful courses I’ve taken at MSU. 

Beyond the psychology department, I’m incredibly thankful to Dr. Amanda Guinot Talbot, the director of the Women’s Leadership Institute, for giving me a community and creating a space that empowered me to lead with authenticity and confidence. And a big shoutout to Dr. Laurel Ofstein from the Entrepreneurship & Innovation program who helped me grow not only as a student, but as a future innovator and changemaker. 

MSU wouldn’t have been the same without these incredible mentors, and I’m so lucky to have learned from each of them.