Hawks Hired highlights the accomplishments of soon to be and recent RWU graduates as they finalize the next steps in their career journeys. Serena graduated in May 2024, and is now a student at Baylor University in the School Psychology Masters program. Read on to learn more about her next chapter since graduation.
What was your program of study at RWU? B.A. Psychology with a concentration in Cultural Studies
Graduation year? 2024
Where is your next adventure? After graduation, I moved to Texas to attend Baylor University for a 3-year graduate program to be a school psychologist (EdS). While attending class, I also worked at the Baylor Center for Academic Success and Engagement. In this role, I have weekly one-on-one meetings with undergraduate students to discuss how they can be the best students possible and be their accountability buddies! This role has made me realize that I want to work in a public school and teach about school psychology to undergraduate students to increase exposure to this unique profession!
What are you most looking forward to in this new role? I look forward to advocating for children and families who cannot advocate for themselves. I want every child to have access to the accommodations and services they need to feel successful in their public education.
What was the process like of landing this job/next opportunity? I knew I wanted to work in a school but not be a teacher. With my psychology degree, there were so many avenues I could choose for grad school. I was maybe thinking of a guidance counselor because I had a guidance counselor in high school who greatly impacted me. I had no clue that school psychology was an option until I overheard a peer say what she would apply to grad school for. I took her idea and ran with it! I applied to four schools around MA and RI, but all signs somehow led me to TX. Receiving my role at CASE, my program director led me to apply for this position as an academic mentor.
Who helped you during your job search/graduate school process? My family, friends, and Kevin Deeb, for pushing me to leave my comfort zone and take the chance!
What advice do you have for students finding a job/going to graduate school? Your education and experience will stay with you forever! Take risks while you can, even if they are terrifying (including moving across the country to a state you have never been to)!
Want to share your next steps with the CCPD? Email Kevin (kdeeb@rwu.edu) in the CCPD to learn more about sharing with us!
