"CBU paved the way for a successful internship and a strong foundation for my first year as a school psychologist. I completed fieldwork in the three local school districts around CBU during my practicum hours."
Quick Facts
Program: M.S. in Education, PPS School Psychology
Graduation Year: 2012
Current Job Title: School Psychologist at Riverside Unified School District
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Current City: Riverside, CA
Life at CBU
Why did you choose this graduate degree program? What interested you in this particular
field of study?
My career ambitions changed when I started working as a one-on-one aide for a severely
autistic kindergarten student. During this time, we developed a close bond, and I
watched him make great progress toward his social and behavioral goals. It was then
that I sensed my calling: to combine my love of psychology with the academic, developmental
and emotional needs of children. The field of school psychology was a perfect fit
for me. I love using my knowledge, expertise and resources to understand why a child
is struggling in school, communicating that knowledge with others, and setting up
that child for success.
What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I chose CBU because of its excellent reputation in the area of education, its Christ-centered
atmosphere, the beauty of the campus, its proximity to my home, the convenience of
the evening program, and the ability to continue working while I was earning my degree.
What did you think about your professors?
The professors truly cared about us as students, respected our individual needs and
personalities, and reflected Christ in their attitudes and actions. I loved how our
adjunct professors brought in real-life stories and amusing dilemmas for us to discuss
every week. The director of the program went the extra mile to assure that her students
successfully began their careers.
Did you complete any fieldwork?
I completed fieldwork in the three local school districts around CBU during my practicum
hours. Each experience was as unique as the psychologist I was working with. School
psychologists in the field are generally caring and accommodating to graduate students
whenever they can be.
How did you grow while in this program at CBU?
During my time at CBU, I not only grew in my knowledge of the field, but also in my
ability to work with other like-minded individuals, and I developed long-lasting friendships.
Life after CBU
What have you done since graduating?
I had the opportunity to work as a substitute psychologist for a year in a neighboring
school district before obtaining a permanent position in my desired school district.
I have developed a passion for working with students with learning disabilities, especially
dyslexia.
How has your time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after grad school?
CBU paved the way for a successful internship and a strong foundation for my first
year as a school psychologist.
Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life
today?
CBU has taught me to hold myself to a higher standard than my colleagues. As I go
about my day I am not only serving my school district and the students I am working
with, but am also using my talents and abilities to serve God as he has equipped me.
How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
When a child is struggling in school for a variety of different reasons, interventions
don’t seem to be working, and discouragement sets in—that’s where I come in. I use
my knowledge and expertise to discover what exactly is going on with this student,
how we can help them, and how we can support the family. That is truly rewarding.