Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Psychology
Minors: Social Work; Gender Studies
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Student groups, clubs, organizations, jobs, internships, honors, or athletic affiliations: Admissions Office Front Desk, Resident Assistant
What made you choose Salem State, and what is one thing a prospective student should know about our campus community? I was hoping for a change of scenery and something different from my hometown. While I was initially looking at larger, busier schools in Boston, I was incredibly thankful to find a smaller, cozier area in Salem. I loved being by the water and the safety of being close to all my campus resources. It's incredibly important to use them while you're here.
Once you got to campus, what made you say, "This is the place for me?"
At first, I thought I had settled in rather quickly. I was so far from home, and I was already getting comfortable on my own. But a month in, the homesickness set in, and I started to freak out. But I had people there for family and me, sending love. I knew I was doing something that made me happy: I was making connections and feeling more supported every day, despite how hard college was. Things weren't easy, but it was fun.
What made you choose your major? What about your area of study ignites your passion?
I've always been passionate about using patience, empathy and kindness in any career or hobby I'm interested in. It quickly became clear that psychology and its related fields connected most closely with my interests. Meeting people where they are, helping them talk out their next steps, even in a practical way, is inspiring to me, and I am so excited to continue this passion.
Do you live on campus or commute? If you live on campus, what have you enjoyed most about your experience? If you commute, how have you stayed engaged with the campus community?
As an on-campus student, I loved the size of the campus and the surrounding community. It's just small enough to run into someone you know, and just big enough to always meet someone new. After four years of living within Harrington (Central) Campus, it feels like an incredibly familiar space with even more familiar faces.
How have you grown as a person during your college experience?
While my freshman year was about settling in and finding my footing, I cannot begin to describe how different I feel from where I started at Salem State. I gained confidence, skills and passions I thought I had lost. This may just be part of growing up, but it truly feels like I have stepped into my own spotlight and have grown excited about my future and the opportunities ahead.
Can you describe a challenge that you overcame at Salem State?
Academically, I had great resources through campus as well as my personal tools and schedules. However, I struggled with being away from home for so long while experiencing so many new things. I could almost always call home, but it could get isolating at times. When I arrived, I knew no one in the area, so finals season could be a lot when I missed home, had to make travel plans, and more. Each semester, though, it got easier to work with the flow and plan ahead. It takes time to learn what works for you!
Could you discuss the relationships you've developed with faculty members and how these relationships have influenced your learning and personal growth?
While my connections with professors have been short-lived, I have had a few who have taught multiple classes or over multiple semesters, who have really stuck with me. Felix Amato, Anne Noonan — it's professors like these that, while we don't keep in touch, inspired me to work harder than ever before to accomplish what I need, broaden my horizons and improve my work. They make me proud to have attended Salem State and to have bettered myself as a student and worker.
Can you describe the educational value and affordability you've experienced at Salem State University? How has the university supported your academic journey regarding quality and accessibility?
As an out-of-state student, Salem State kept tuition consistent and simple. As I did most of the paperwork and planning for my own education, I was privileged to have a family that financially supported me along the way. Salem State was a great help in keeping it an easy-to-understand, thorough process that ensured my billing was accounted for, even when I wasn't quite sure I had it right. I am thankful for their support through and through.
Salem State emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Can you share any memorable experiences where you've applied classroom knowledge in real-world settings or through projects?
Not only have I been given the opportunity to work with development coalitions in the local area, but on-campus resources such as Reading Day and other research-based efforts have been a great experience overall. I had worries about being able to personalize my major and studies, but my senior seminar allowed me to study any social-relational dynamic for the entire semester, making for a great end to my degree. Overall, I was given ample room for creativity, along with platforms to showcase my personalized research.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how do you believe your time at Salem State has equipped you for success in pursuing these plans?
Despite the move from Florida, I am looking to stay in the area after graduation and explore local human-service agencies to broaden my horizons. I'm excited to see more of Massachusetts and understand the area from a social work and psychological perspective. Between all my on-campus jobs and related experiences, I am more than passionate about working within the community that has supported me for the past four years.