What’s your favorite part about being a School Psychology student at Fordham?
There are a number of aspects to my education at Fordham that I appreciate. First and foremost is having access to the faculty and feeling supported in my research. I came into this program with a general idea of what I wanted to investigate and I’ve experienced a tremendous amount of encouragement and guidance from all members of the PES faculty. Second would be the location of the Lincoln Center campus and the variety of opportunities in the NYC area. Last, but certainly not least, would be my fellow classmates all of whom are genuinely good people.
How do you spend your time when you’re not at Fordham?
In addition to being a full-time student I work clinically at an outpatient mental health center in Brooklyn and teach undergraduate psychology courses at two different institutions. My time is generally spent course prepping, seeing clients, or in transit! Besides that I play a mean game of ping pong, fail respectably at learning the Banjo, spend time with my lovely fiancée, and enjoy live music.
Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.
Professionally, I am a licensed creative arts therapist and a registered drama therapist. Personally, I have five siblings.
What are your future career goals?
I really enjoy teaching and wouldn’t mind sporting a tweed jacket for the entirety of my career, so academia is an option I am considering. Also, working in a school as a psychologist and/or designing trauma-informed, school-based mental health interventions.
Have you ever feel discouraged as a graduate/PhD student?
Absolutely. I think that is an integral part of any journey worth undertaking. After I was able to get over the first hump I encountered I realized that there would be many more along the way and I could get through them and push forward.
What is some pieces of advice you would give to the graduate/PhD students today?
I’ll pass along a piece of advice that was given to me by a mentor before I started: Graduate school is a marathon. The real test is whether you can summon the stamina to make it to the finish line. Keep two sets of eyes, one that focuses on the task in front of you and the other that maintains a steady lock on the finish line. Also, have fun with it.
