What have you been up to since graduating from Bowdoin?
It’s crazy, I’m actually going back this weekend for my five-year reunion, which is wild to think about. I can’t believe I’ve been away for five years. After graduating, I got a job at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where I worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator in neurogastroenterology. I worked primarily with children and adults with functional gastrointestinal disorder or disorders of gut-brain interaction, which often have strong connections to psychological conditions like anxiety and depression. That experience was really wonderful, and a lot of the team were Bowdoin grads, which was great to see and speaks to the strength of the alumni network. I worked on six different clinical research projects and gained exposure to both medical and psychiatric aspects of care. I also was able to complete my own research projects outside of work and present them at conferences and collaborate on some works that got published. I was initially drawn to the role because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue a clinical or research path in psychology, but I knew I was interested in both. I really enjoyed the experience, and it set me up well for graduate school. Ultimately, I felt more drawn to the clinical side, which is more of an emphasis for PsyD programs.
In 2024, I started my doctoral program at The Chicago School, where I’m now going into my fourth year to become a clinical psychologist. As part of the program, we complete practicum training, also called externships, where we do supervised clinical work. Last year, I worked at the Advocate Health Care Pediatric Developmental Center, primarily with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders and developmental delays, where I conducted diagnostic testing and worked closely with families. This year, I’m at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital on the Primary Care Behavioral Health and Health Psychology track. I conduct individual and group therapy with patients with a range of medical conditions, including cancer, chronic illness, and spinal cord injuries, and support their mental health needs, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD. Starting in July, I’ll be transitioning to my final externship at Loyola University Medical Center on the Psychosocial Oncology track, where I’ll be working with cancer patients and their families. After that, I’ll apply for my clinical internship, which is similar to a residency, and after completing that year, I’ll be done with the program.
Why psychology?
My interest in psychology really started in my childhood. I grew up living year-round at a children’s medical camp where my mom worked. Every summer, there were different camps for children with conditions like spina bifida and asthma, as well as a burn camp for kids with severe burns. Being in that environment and seeing the integrative health care model, interacting with social workers, doctors, patients, and families, really sparked my interest in healthcare overall. I took AP Psychology in high school and completely fell in love with it. I found it fascinating and started to think it could be a career. I originally came to Bowdoin on the pre-med track and remained on that path until my senior year. During COVID, I saw just how significant the need for mental health support was. I realized I could do more of what I was passionate about through psychology than through a traditional medical route. I especially love health psychology, the connection between mind and body, and being able to treat both psychological and physical conditions to promote wellness. I’m really drawn to listening to people’s stories and understanding their experiences, and using that to inform care.
Are there any classes, professors, or experiences that had a lasting impact on you?
In psychology, Professor Hannah Reese had a big impact on me. I took several classes with her, including Psychotherapy and Behavior Change, which was one of my favorites. In that class, we had to choose a behavior to change, like exercising or walking more, and stick with it throughout the course. At the end, we reflected on our progress with the class. That experience was really valuable because now, as a clinician, I’m helping patients make behavior changes, and I’ve had that firsthand experience of how challenging that can be. It helps me empathize and troubleshoot more effectively.
I also had Professor Suzanne Lovett for Infant and Child Development, which was really impactful. That class gave me my first structured exposure to working with children. We had an internship component where I worked at the Bowdoin Children’s Center, observing and writing reflections. It’s one thing to learn about development in a classroom, but another to actually observe and apply it in real life. I also had the opportunity to work with her as a discussion group facilitator for her Introduction to Psychology course, which fostered an interest in teaching for me.
Outside of psychology, I had some amazing professors as well. Professor Michael Danahy in Organic Chemistry made a challenging subject engaging and enjoyable, and he is so passionate about helping students. Professor Belinda Kong in Asian Studies and English was also really impactful. I took her Writing China from Afar course where I feel I really came into my own with my writing and got to learn more about my heritage. She’s an incredible writer. Professor Connie Chiang in History and Environmental Studies was also very engaging and passionate. I took her Asian American History course, which was one of my first courses, and I learned more about my heritage. She is a wonderful teacher. That’s something I really value about a liberal arts education. Even though I’m not directly using all those subjects, I still draw on skills and perspectives from those classes.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates interested in your field?
I know it sounds cheesy, but absolutely lean on the alumni network. That’s something I’m really grateful I learned at Bowdoin. The career center is such an incredible resource, and not all schools have that. I met with advisors there who helped me with networking, and that’s ultimately how I found opportunities, including my job at Mass General. A Bowdoin alum was leaving the role, which made it a perfect transition. I highly recommend reaching out to people, whether through LinkedIn or Bowdoin connections, and asking for a quick 15 to 20 minute conversation. It can really help you clarify your path and open doors.
Also, really enjoy your time at Bowdoin. You’ll never again have the chance to be in the same place with your classmates and professors in that way. I lost part of that experience due to COVID, so I always encourage students to fully take advantage of it, both academically and socially.
