I graduated from Tusculum with a Bachelor of Arts in the experimental concentration of psychology in 2019. The faculty in the psychology program were always generous with their time, incredibly personable and dedicated to ensuring that students had the best possible chance to succeed. I had frequent conversations with both my advisor, Dr. Kate Smith, and the department chair, Dr. Robert Gall, about my career aspirations and how best to manage my time at Tusculum to cater to those goals, from choosing my concentration to the decision to add a biology minor.
As a first-generation college student, this opportunity for one-on-one interactions was indispensable for me in navigating through the college experience and for figuring out what my options were post-graduation. Their encouragement led me to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical science, where I have the opportunity to conduct exciting research in the field of neuroscience. I am thankful that even though I have not been a student in their classrooms for several years, they continue to reach out and offer support. They were astounding mentors who provided me with insights and skills that have been enduring, enriching both my professional life and my personal life.
