Major: Psychology; Art Therapy
Hometown: Weirton, WV
How did you choose your major?
I chose my major because I have always gravitated to psychology and understanding the human psyche! I love getting to know the cognitive changes that come with experiences and development within age groups. Because I have enjoyed art and self-exploration since middle school / high school, I realized that art therapy was the perfect major to add on to my current education. This aspect explores the potentially nonverbal cues and deeper understanding that can arise from a subconscious level. I love it! These majors together feed my desire for knowledge and freedom of creation.
How would you explain your major to a new WVU student? What advice would you give them?
I would say in my experience the Psychology major is very open for personal preference. I am in classes with people who are learning with a goal to work in primary schools and others who want to go to medical school, so it is very open for many different people and personalities. Advice I would offer would be to look for opportunities of growth! If you are interested in research, discuss that with professors, go online and apply for as many internships and jobs as you want, and allow yourself to have those experiences. They are not handed to anybody – companies will not knock down your door when other people are showing much greater interest. Whatever it is you want to do, just be passionate about it 😊.
What was the hardest (Eberly College) class that you loved? Why?
My hardest class without question was my neuroscience class (PSYCH 301). Despite it being so difficult and time consuming, it opened my eyes to understanding the neural chemicals that cause behaviors including addiction, stress, and bonding (among other things). During this class, I would teach all my friends outside of the major about what was potentially going on inside of the brain when they were feeling certain things. It was a very eye-opening experience, and I hope to continue to understand more about the brain and its effect on psychology in future classes.
What do you want others to know about you that is not on your resume?
Something that’s not on my resume is my core desire. It’s hard to express through words, but I think it is so important to enjoy life in any given situation. It’s okay to have fun even when you’re working towards a degree! Also, it doesn’t have to be someone else’s version of fun. My fun is sitting outside in the grass… preferably with coffee. It’s these small moments of sunshine and warmth that continue to motivate me to enjoy my days and actively participate in classes.
What have been your keys to success?
Some things I actively do to assure that I am in the best state of mind includes setting my goals for the week, crossing them off a list, and making sure I have enough leniency for breaks and enjoyment! I do not like to plan my day out entirely because it can overwhelm me, so I try to take it little by little and not force myself into an uncomfortable state. This is always beneficial when the semesters get so busy with heavy course loads!
Do you have a favorite professor or instructor? What makes them special?
Dr. Anne McFarland continues to encourage me in many positive ways. Being my Art Therapy advisor and a professor for my art therapy classes, she is attentive to my needs as a student and her class designs are very supportive of self-expression. I am so grateful to be given the space I need to thrive as an individual in a space – thank you!
What was your reaction when you found out you were an Eberly Scholar? How has this opportunity made a difference in your life?
I screamed! I called my parents, my friends, anybody who would listen. It was so exciting to me to see my hard work that I have done and continued to do is getting recognized in the highest degree by my college. The opportunity to be an Eberly Scholar offers me a vote of confidence by the people who chose to give me this scholarship and encourages me to continue to strive for what I desire in life and educational endeavors.
About Eberly Scholars
In association with the ongoing generosity of the Eberly family, the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board established the Eberly Scholars program in 1988. Each year, up to 25 students majoring in the arts and sciences are designated as Eberly Scholars. They are provided with scholarship support in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement. This award is the Eberly College’s most prestigious scholarship honor for undergraduate students.Meet all of this year's Eberly Scholars.
