This month’s featured student is psychology major Rosa Jimenez.
UWPsych: Why did you choose to study Psychology?
Jimenez: I grew up in a rural area that didn’t offer a lot of mental health resources nor a lot of resources for Latine individuals. I was inspired to become what I thought was needed more and intend to use my upbringing and rural background as a drive to bring mental health resources to those who don’t have access to it. My post-graduate plans include providing mental health services to those in the criminal justice system as well as to the Latine population. I hope to be able to help people reclaim their sense of control and care for their mental welfare. As a Latine student, I hope to be able to give back to my community and be a resource for Latine individuals facing incarceration and mental health challenges.
UWPsych: What is a favorite psychology class you have taken?
Jimenez: My favorite class so far has been Psychopathology (Psych 405) with Professor Jeff Henriques. I really enjoying learning about the different kinds of mental disorders and learning about how we can work to destigmatize getting mental health help. I also really enjoy Professor Henriques’s teaching style and attitude in class; he makes it engaging and educational at the same time.
UWPsych: How do you spend your time outside of school?
Jimenez: I spend a lot of my time at the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE); I work for them as a Peer Mentor, and I couldn’t love my job more! The CAE provides a safe space for students to succeed on campus and has a lot of really cool people I love to hang out with. You can also find me dancing with Fuego Dance Crew or hanging out with my siblings from Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.
SHOUT-OUT: During my freshman year I was fortunate enough to work in a lab with Dr. Karen Schloss. She really helped me see a different perspective on Psychology which ultimately inspired me to follow the path I’m on now.