As a current senior in her second semester at SNC- with about one month of her undergraduate education left to go – I have found myself reflecting on the past four years more and more. Part of me is excited to move on, ready to see what post-graduation life looks like with graduate level studies and an entire new level of independence; while another part of me feels like there is simply not enough time left to say goodbye to everything my time at SNC has given me. 

I suppose it is normal to feel both ways, really, so here I am- a recent admit to graduate school who is confident that she is ready to take her next step in life, and simultaneously a senior in college who is trying to take in every bittersweet moment while she still can. Like I mentioned before, I have been doing quite a bit of reflection as of the late, and that has included thinking about the classes, experiences, and connections that have helped me to get to this moment.

Starting in the fall of 2024, I will be enrolled as a full-time graduate student in an S.S.P. (Specialist in School Psychology) program. After I officially committed, one of the current students enrolled in my program reached out to me and passed along a welcome packet, complete with everything from potential apartment complexes to check out when looking for housing to tips for first-year students. One of the tips that stood out to me in particular emphasized the importance of trusting in your abilities, and how I would not have made it into a graduate program if I wasn’t capable of or ready for it. Circling back to thinking about what my time at SNC has brought me, it gives me comfort knowing that my time as an undergraduate student has given me several tools that I know I will continue to use as a graduate student and an eventual school psychologist. Similarly, I know it is through the St. Norbert experience specifically that I am well-prepared for my next step. These tools span far beyond what I have learned in my Psychology courses at SNC (though those have been extremely beneficial on their own!) 

As someone who hopes to work with rural students in the future, I realize that education is extremely multi-faceted. There are several factors that come into play when it comes to student success in the classroom; whether it be a disconnect between the instructor and the student, or something potentially more serious such as concerns surrounding mental or emotional health. As far as my own educational journey goes, I realize that attending a small, liberal arts college was an extremely valuable experience because I had the privilege of learning in small classes. This enabled me to be more involved in my classes and throughout my time as a student, where I have fostered close relationships with both my professors and students within the psychology discipline. As an aspiring school psychologist, the content in classes such as Abnormal Psychology and Research Methods in Psychology has been valuable; but my training has gone beyond my expectations due to the educational quality of the SNC professors. Through their varying methods of instruction, I have been more engaged in my own learning process, and am more comfortable sharing my thoughts in class. I have received an education that has been catered to my own individual needs. This has caused me to have a solid foundation of knowledge and skill set headed into a graduate program in psychology. 

Beyond my time spent in the classroom,  I would also like to remark on my time spent as the President of SNC Psychology Club- a role that, as a freshman, I never would have thought I would be capable of handling. This past year, however, I have taken on that responsibility and learned several valuable lessons in the process. As President, I am responsible for running club meetings, delegating tasks to other eboard members, planning events, and working with a faculty sponsor. The idea of working in leadership positions has always intimidated me, but becoming President of Psychology Club at St. Norbert has both pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me that I am capable of leading. School psychologists have several responsibilities that are expected of them, and leadership can come into play as school psychologists seek to advocate for and support students. Overall, this role has helped me grow as an individual and feel more comfortable with speaking up, organizing group activities, taking charge, and representing a certain student population. I realize these are all valuable areas to be competent in as I begin my program curriculum and transition into working within a school setting. 

Finally, I would like to highlight my involvement in the DDM Lab as an extremely valuable experience that has helped ease my nerves about starting graduate school. Through my time spent as a lab assistant, I have not only gained scientific skills such as working with EEG equipment and creating a poster presentation; but I have been able to delve deeper into the research process, collaborate with other students in pursuit of a common goal, and present findings from our research at a conference. As a graduate student, I expect to be engaging more with research, statistics, and scientific literature in different capacities- things that I have been more exposed to as a lab assistant in the DDM Lab. Additionally, as a future graduate student, I realize that being able to effectively work with other students in my cohort, as well as communicate with the professors I will be learning from and working with, is a vital skill I will need to possess. It is through my involvement in the DDM Lab under Dr. Lopez’s lead that I am more confident in my abilities to work with others at a higher academic level. 

My time as a St. Norbert student may be coming to a close, but a new chapter of my education is just beginning- something I am both extremely excited about as well as a little bit scared for. Though I realize it is normal to feel uneasy when beginning something new, I am much more confident knowing I have several experiences and skills under my belt that will help me as I take my next step.