Student Spotlight: Sanaya
What made you pick psychology as your major?
My four-year study of psychology gave me a thorough understanding of how the mind works; helping me to see how the population I will collaborate with processes, communicates, and functions. I thought the psychology major would be the most impactful. I love anything that will enhance my mind and way of thinking. My minor is in Applied Adult Disability Studies (AADS) so I can dive deeper into my future clients and go beyond the surface level of what one might consider “difficult.” “Difficult” simply isn’t in my vocabulary. I find each waking second as a learning opportunity, creating new perspectives, and helping with my adaptability. I have a second minor in Deaf Studies to communicate with the masses, while helping people understand that this is more than a career. I love languages and wanted to broaden my perspectives. I envelope my mind in this, and I truly want to make a difference for the future by breaking down biases, stereotypes, and those hurt in this community.
Do you have a preferred area of focus?
I have devoted my four years to becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Although I wanted to focus my studies with children, the only disability studies minor that Towson offered was with adults, so I am hoping to leverage this knowledge in my future work with children. I will begin Towson’s Doctorate program for Occupational Therapy after the spring semester of 2023.
What are some successful study strategies that work for you?
I stand by flashcards to get me through my 4 years here. They help with recall and with every
written card, new information enters. I will also say that for subjects that are challenging to put
on a flashcard, it’ll be wise to watch videos that have animations. I also highly recommend using a calendar! It helps me organize my thoughts and visualize what I have to do (it’s also very satisfying to check off boxes). My last piece of advice is waking up early. I wake up at 5:30am each morning (except for weekends). This allows you to start the day and not allow the day to start you. I try to complete all my work by 9:00pm and then give myself an hour to an hour and a half to decompress, so I fall asleep by 10:00pm or 10:30pm at the latest to get 8 hours of sleep each night. I begin my days by doing the assignments that I find to be difficult/time consuming because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. If you leave the stuff that drains you to the end, it won’t be done to the best of your ability. While this can be challenging for me at times knowing that what I’m doing is going to get finished so I can relax is what motivates me to push through. I also try to find purpose in what I’m doing because it is beneficial. I’ve always believed myself to be a motivated individual and it is because my parents instilled great traits.
What are some of your favorite classes that you’ve taken so far at Towson?
I have 2 memorable professors in my Towson University career. The first professor that has
impacted me greatly is Professor Meredith Ritchie in the AADS department. Her bubbly and compassionate spirit allowed me to solidify my career path for the future, bringing new and fresh perspectives into disability. Professor Ritchie emphasized that disability has an abundance of layers that needs to be explored. Any AADS class that she teaches is impactful and will change your perspective in a positive manner. The second professor that has made me into an even more versatile individual is Professor Michelle Chester. Her creative writing class has allowed my uniqueness to flourish and allows me to see my profession in a more psychological and creative way. Professor Chester provided me with an insight on how to balance my studies while also having fun and enjoying my courses. She never shies away from my ideological approach to writing; I am forever grateful for her.
Do you know what you want to pursue after undergrad?
I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was young. During my 8th-grade year of middle school, my mother gave me a book of the various career paths of being a doctor. I found information about Pediatric Occupational Therapy (POT) which was a perfect mix of Special Education and doctor roles. I have always loved being around kids and working with them. My mom got me involved with the Special Olympics, and I began volunteering for them. I learned more about working with those with disabilities which piqued my interest in POT.
Being a Pediatric Occupational Therapist is something that I don’t take lightly. My passion for working with children with disabilities is something that I truly want to do for the rest of my life. I recognize that there will be trials and tribulations. However, I am equipped to persevere not only for myself but for the betterment of the lives that will be in my hands for the future. My mind aches studying to make sure I can provide the best service possible to my future clients.
Do you have any advice for students in the major?
Trust that what you’re doing in this major is impactful. There are going to be people that doubt this major with every waking bone in their body, but you have to stand strong in what you’re doing and understand that you’re going to change the minds you encounter in a positive way.