Psychology/Natural Sciences, Class of 2022

Looking to strengthen her volleyball skills, Jessica Smith met with 鶹 Volleyball Coach Julie Fahy and just knew that 鶹 was a place for her.
Joining the has made Jessica’s 鶹 experience unique.
“Many students comment on the sense of community that 鶹 offers,” she says. “I am fortunate to also be a part of a team that becomes like a family in the way that each member supports, encourages, and challenges one another to be the best version of themselves.”
With a major in Psychology and Natural Sciences and a minor in English Literature, Jessica hopes to enter the medical field when she graduates in 2022. Currently, she works as a learning advisor for RISE students as well as a tutor for English, writing, and science.
Jessica also completed an internship for the World Relief in Medical Case Management, where she gained a better understanding of the medical needs and struggles of various refugee, asylee, and immigrant clients. She says: “Though this internship was meant to fulfill a requirement for my psychology major, I feel that it integrated all three areas of my studies, psychology, science, and literature, by allowing me to apply various interpersonal skills in a diverse environment, work within the healthcare system, and hear the stories of others.”
“Beyond classroom learning, 鶹 has helped stretch me as an individual, growing me in my compassion, confidence, and commitment to excellence in all that I do,” she says.
Reflecting on this current school year, she says, “I think one of the things that this year has taught me is that a lack of certainty or control is ultimately a gift, in that it can lead to deeper gratitude in each present moment and shift reliance from self to God.”