What made you choose a double major?
I chose studying both psychology and art as they are both my two biggest interests. I love learning about the mind and I think mental health is an important topic to be educated on. I also chose to study art because it has always been a passion of mine. I hope to be able to incorporate the stress relief I feel from art into my practices in psychology.
What is your career objective?
My career objective is to become a clinical psychologist. I am currently applying to graduate schools and I am excited for the next step towards my career! I plan to work art therapy techniques into my own personal practicing styles, in hopes that art will be a connection between myself and my patients.
How has what you’ve learned in your courses so far prepared you for your future?
I have learned so much between my two degrees and it has been a fun adventure connecting the two together. I have learned about mental illness and how art can be used as a calming, anxiety-reducing tool for some individuals. I enjoy continually learning about new psychology cases, techniques, and opinions, and I have been able to link that knowledge to the knowledge I gain in my art courses. Both majors have taught me communication skills—verbally, non-verbally and through artistic expression. I believe both majors have taught me self-evaluation, self-expression, and the ability to adapt and connect with different individuals.
What opportunities have you had to work closely with a faculty member and what impact has that had on your education?
Since Carroll has small class sizes, I have been able to build relationships with many faculty members across my degrees. I am quite close to my psychology professors, who helped guide me into a career path that would allow me to keep learning and help spread my knowledge. In the art department, I am very close with a wide variety of professors; from art history to studio professors. I have been able to build relationships, and with these relationships I have won art scholarships and competitions because of the support, encouragement, and technical teaching that my professors provided me. I recently was given the opportunity to have a studio space through Carroll and with that, I get to collaborate and receive one-on-one feedback from many professors and creators.
What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your education at Carroll?
The most memorable experience I’ve had at Carroll was the Faces of Carroll project where I had the opportunity to sculpt the face of a Carroll University faculty member. This project was one of the most challenging and fun experiences I have had in regards to my art major. I was assigned to a English professor who was absolutely wonderful. We had a great time chatting and discussing our love for art as I sculpted her. This was my first sculpted portrait, but it would be the starting point for many more face and body sculptures to come!
How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person?
Carroll’s flexibility with majors allowed me to study abroad. I went to New Zealand for the spring semester of 2019 and it was such an amazing and surreal experience. I got to experience education in a different country while exploring my passion for traveling. The opportunity allowed me to take art courses abroad, where I got to learn about another culture’s art and art history. My (study abroad semester) was a wonderful opportunity for personal and educational growth, but I knew I had a welcoming community when I returned.
If you were recommending your major to a prospective student, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that if they have a passion for art, it is only going to grow when learning about, and experiencing more techniques, styles and mediums. I believe it is also important to explore all of your passions, and for me that included psychology. I think I got more out my art degree because I was also learning more about myself on a psychological level. I reason that this combination allowed for me to understand myself and my art on a new level, and I know that combining art with other passions will be a life-long goal of mine.
How has financial aid made a difference in your life?
I have received a number of scholarships through my art degree which have helped me pay for my education. I received a faculty nominated scholarship, along with the Wis Guthrie Scholarship for my sophomore portfolio. These scholarships, along with others, helped me pay for my education and gave me a sense of confidence and pride in my art works.
What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
My favorite place to study on campus is the Learning Commons under the library. I find it to be a comfortable place where I can talk to my peers and friends while getting work done. When completing papers or if I really want to concentrate, I like to go to the silent section of the library. The atmosphere is cozy and quiet and students are very respectful of the quietness of the space.
Learn more about the art program