Why did you initially decide to become a Peacock?
I chose 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 because I wanted more than just a degree, I wanted transformation. After building a career and realizing I was in the wrong field, I knew it was time to reinvent myself. 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 stood out not just for its academic programs, but for its values, especially the Jesuit mission of service, purpose, and reflection. It felt like the right place to start my next chapter, not just professionally, but personally.
What graduate program did you select at SPU and what inspired that choice? As a graduate student, what other activities do you participate in outside of getting your degree?
I鈥檓 graduating with a Master鈥檚 in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. My time at 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 was focused on growth both inside and outside the classroom. I鈥檝e always been passionate about service and giving back, whether it was through mentoring, nonprofit work, or community fundraising, and the values of 猫咪社区 Peter’s are deeply aligned with that.
I began my career in exercise science, working in corporate fitness before transitioning into administrative roles in the finance sector. Spending nearly two decades in the corporate world gave me a front-row seat to both highly functional and deeply dysfunctional organizations. Those experiences sparked my interest in leadership, workplace culture, employee engagement, and retention, ultimately leading me to pursue a degree in I/O Psychology.
Service and community impact have always been important to me. For several years, I鈥檝e volunteered as a mentor through Read Ahead, supporting elementary students with literacy skills. I also served on the executive committee of the New York Foundling鈥檚 junior board, a child welfare organization I care deeply about, supporting initiatives around foster care, adoption, education, and mental health. Additionally, I鈥檝e participated in endurance events with Team in Training to raise funds for cancer research and continue to stay involved with several other charitable organizations.
Was there a moment for you that truly cemented that this is the place you were meant to be?
Yes, there was a moment early on that made it clear I was exactly where I was meant to be. I had a meeting with my advisor, Dr. Feinberg, and while I was waiting, I saw him go out of his way to help another student. I was genuinely blown away by his dedication and care. That moment stuck with me, and he鈥檚 continued to show me that same kindness and support throughout my time at 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚. That level of mentorship confirmed I was in the right place.
The Jesuit identity and faculty mentors deeply resonate with me. The Jesuit value of being 鈥渁 person for others鈥 mirrors how I鈥檝e tried to live my life, through volunteering, mentoring, and lifting others up. And the faculty here made a huge impact. They didn鈥檛 just teach, they challenged and supported me.
As a 2025 graduate, what are your plans for after you receive your Master鈥檚 and how did 猫咪社区 Peter’s prepare you for that? Is it the path you expected? If it wasn’t, how did the skills you gained at 猫咪社区 Peter’s help you figure out your new direction?
As a 2025 graduate, my path has been anything but traditional! I returned to school to shift careers and pursue work that aligns more with who I am now. I鈥檓 planning to work in organizational development, with a focus on leadership, culture, and consulting. I鈥檓 also considering business school as a next step. 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 gave me the confidence, clarity, and tools to pursue this new direction.
What advice do you have for any incoming freshman or new students at 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚?
Don鈥檛 be afraid to change. Who you are on day one doesn鈥檛 have to be who you are at graduation. Be open to growth, to discomfort, and to new paths you didn鈥檛 expect. Get to know your professors, lean into the community, and trust that your journey, no matter how winding, can lead you exactly where you鈥檙e meant to be.