What was your favorite part of being an MSU Psychology student?
One of my favorite parts of being an MSU Psychology student has been how expansive and applicable the field is. Every course showed me a different way psychology can be used–from research and clinical care to advocacy, education, and policy. I loved that I was constantly encouraged by my professors to think critically about people, systems, and behavior, and to connect what I was learning in class to real-world experiences!
Tell us about where you found your community at MSU.
I found my sense of community at MSU through spaces that valued connection, mentorship, and shared purpose. The MSU Research in Autism and Developmental Disabilities (RADD) Lab was especially meaningful to me! I first entered the lab as a student in Dr. Emily Jensen’s class and later became a research assistant, where I strengthened my research skills and built lasting relationships. The lab is truly such a warm, welcoming environment that has allowed me to grow academically while feeling supported as a person.
That same sense of belonging extended into my involvement with the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), where I connected with other pre-medical students navigating similar goals. Being part of AMSA helped make a large campus feel more personal and collaborative, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to help foster that sense of community for others while serving as PR Chair, Membership Officer, and President.
As someone from a military family, the Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students (CVMAS) also played an important role in my experience at MSU. With continued guidance from Mr. Patrick Forystek, I was able to navigate resources for military-affiliated students and feel supported throughout my time on campus. Together, these spaces helped me feel grounded, connected, and confident in my place at MSU.
Tell us about your favorite PSY classes!
One of my favorite courses was PSY 235: Social Psychology with Dr. Joseph Cesario. His teaching style made me excited to come to class every day, and the course really sparked my interest in social psychology. The material has continued to be highly useful and applicable, especially during my MCAT preparation. I later joined Dr. Cesario’s lab, where I learned so much both inside and outside of the classroom. I would strongly recommend taking a class with him to any PSY and non-PSY students!
This semester, I also had the opportunity to take PSY 339: Psychology of Women with Dr. Lucy Thompson. The course covered feminism, privilege, and power, and how social structures contribute to inequities. The content challenged me to be more intentional in how I approach situations, consume media, and understand lived experiences.
Looking back at your time at MSU, what have you learned?
The most important thing I learned at MSU was how to ask for help. Struggling in a class is not atypical and there are so many supports in place to guarantee student success. Going to office hours for Dr. Devin McCauley’s PSY 295 class made a significant difference for me–not only in my grade, but in my confidence with math, my own research, and my ability to understand and evaluate research more critically. These skills will be essential as I move forward in medicine.
What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself as a freshman?
I would tell my freshman self that you are capable of more than you think, and that you belong in the spaces you aspire to be in. I came to MSU unsure of myself and am graduating having started a volunteer organization, served as president of multiple student groups, participated in two research labs, and worked in a Spanish-speaking living-learning community. MSU helped me grow into someone who trusts herself and her abilities.
What’s next for you after graduation?
After graduation, I will be attending medical school. While I can’t share specific details just yet, I am excited to continue my training and work toward a career that combines clinical care, research, and advocacy!