News

Julie Vitale, Psychology Major, Class of 2015

It was Monday morning at 9:00am my freshmen year when I walked into Dr. Bassett’s class, and my psychology career began. As freshmen typically do, I arrived a full ten minutes early and waited anxiously for class to get started, hoping I wouldn’t have to speak in front of the class or share my favorite summer memory. Admittedly, I do not remember what was taught that first class, but I remember admiring the enthusiasm and passion for psychology that came from Dr. Bassett and filled the classroom of students. I am proud to say that this passion for psychology has not left me since, and this first morning was just a foreshadowing of the impact the Psychology Department would have on my experiences as a student under their tutelage.

My time at Roberts has been the typical college journey: late nights, tears, spontaneous food outings (shout out to China King), not having time to shower, being the loud person in the library, being the annoyed person in the library, somehow killing a presentation you planned an hour before, and of course making life long friendships. Through all the fun and stress of college life, I have been taught, encouraged, and consistently cared for by my professors. As a student living 7 hours away from home, the genuine care and investment in my life has taught me the power of care and what a gift it is when people go out of their way to know who you truly are. I feel prepared for graduate school and working in the field of psychology not because of my projects or exams, although those have definitely helped, but because I have been on the receiving end of feeling cared for, protected, and valued by my professor and the community at Roberts. I am excited about my future, and the commitment of my professors to their field and their faith have encouraged me to use my gifts to impact others.

While I have not taken the time to cherish every moment during my years at Roberts, the nostalgia of being a senior is hitting me hard. Those around me struggle with senioritis, and I struggle with not wanting to let go. In my last few months as a senior, as I arrive at my internship, I feel like the freshmen Julia again- nervous and hoping no one asks me questions. Growing up and changes are hard for me to adjust to, and it is scary to think about losing my undergraduate experience. However, it is humbling to feel insecure and to tackle the unknown because it has made me so aware that Roberts has become not just a place I familiar with, but a place that is a home to me.