When I first began my journey here at Waynesburg University, I was a scared and rather introverted girl who had no plans to partake in much on campus and only focus on what I needed to. It was a rough start, to say the least. I was not taking my classes seriously, and my grades were the worst they had ever been in my first semester. But Professor Jellison made me realize I needed to pull myself together and focus on fulfilling my dreams, and I thank her for doing so and not sugarcoating it.
The next year, I began to thrive. I joined Wu’s Line on campus, participated in the Fall play, and began working in the Writing Center. My grades and mental health improved. I made many friends around campus and began to find my “found family.”
Looking back now, I am a completely different person from my freshman year self, and Waynesburg University is to thank for that. I have gained so many skills and have had so many opportunities thanks to the university. I became the director of Wu’s Line and played a big part in helping the organization become an official club. I finally reached the Dean's List and even won best poster presentation at the University’s symposium for my research class.
I have absolutely thrived in my major in many ways. Firstly, I learned so many different therapy techniques and the proper time/place to use them. I learned the inner workings of the brain and gained experience working on my own research study with another psychology student. Through many recommended readings and on hand experience, I am confident now that I can be a successful counselor. My personal favorite class was Abnormal Psychology with Professor Knight; I learned so much in my field of interest and got to explore an abnormal disorder of my choosing in greater length. And I thank Professor Knight for teaching us so much in such a short time.
After graduation in May, I plan to head to the city of Pittsburgh to obtain my Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling at Duquesne University. I would not feel nearly as prepared as I do now if it weren’t for the amazing professors in the Psychology program. They have worked hard to craft the best major with a strict schedule and work that not only challenges the students but also teaches them the information. I could not have chosen a better school to thrive in, and I am going to miss every moment of being on this campus.
