Why did you initially decide to become a Peacock?
I chose Saint Peter’s 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. Saint Peter’s 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’m graduating with a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. My time at Saint Peter’s was focused on growth both inside and outside the classroom. I’ve always been passionate about service and giving back, whether it was through mentoring, nonprofit work, or community fundraising, and the values of Saint 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’ve 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’s junior board, a child welfare organization I care deeply about, supporting initiatives around foster care, adoption, education, and mental health. Additionally, I’ve 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’s continued to show me that same kindness and support throughout my time at Saint Peter’s. 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 “a person for others” mirrors how I’ve tried to live my life, through volunteering, mentoring, and lifting others up. And the faculty here made a huge impact. They didn’t just teach, they challenged and supported me.
As a 2025 graduate, what are your plans for after you receive your Master’s and how did Saint Peter’s prepare you for that? Is it the path you expected? If it wasn’t, how did the skills you gained at Saint 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’m planning to work in organizational development, with a focus on leadership, culture, and consulting. I’m also considering business school as a next step. Saint Peter’s 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 Saint Peter’s?
Don’t be afraid to change. Who you are on day one doesn’t have to be who you are at graduation. Be open to growth, to discomfort, and to new paths you didn’t 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’re meant to be.