PSY Student Spotlight: Skyler Mays

November 25, 2024

Meet Skyler Mays, a second-year psychology major with a double minor in Women’s and Gender Studies & Korean. Skyler is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI), a program at Michigan State University that was designed to support and empower women students with leadership aspirations.  

 

Why do you study psychology? 

I chose to major in psychology because I have always loved learning about the mind and how seemingly small predispositions can majorly impact people in different ways. I love seeing the inner workings of the brain processes and because psychology is still evolving, there is always something new to learn which is another aspect I enjoy. Psychology is such a broad field which allows me to explore any profession, giving me freedom when it comes to my career.   

 

What interested you about WLI, and what are you looking forward to this year? 

I’m so excited to be a part of the Women’s Leadership Institute. The WLI is composed of successful young women who aspire and plan to not only better our own futures, but the futures of others as well. I find it crucial for me to be in a space of like-minded women because that is where I thrive, and there’s nothing like having a community to push each other further. I view WLI as a home away from home, offering me the same sense of support that my mother has given me. WLI is helping me, along with other young women, hone our leadership skills while providing a sense of camaraderie as well.  I’m looking forward to networking within the WLI this year. I cannot wait to build lasting friendships with the other members but also form professional relationships with the alumni and experienced women leaders. 

 

What are your goals for the future? 

My goal for the future is to obtain my PhD in clinical psychology. Of course, I have smaller goals in between seeing as I still have undergrad to complete, but that’s currently my big picture dream. I plan to conduct research leaning towards women focused studies such as pre and perinatal psychology or neuropsychology.   

 The WLI’s mission is to ignite women leaders while their vision is to advance leadership equity for women globally. The program aims to create a sustainable community by providing high quality programming for MSU’s students, faculty, and community. To learn more about the institute, view application materials, and take advantage of their resources, visit their website.