Graduating Senior Spotlight: Lexi Addie

What brought you to the University of Minnesota and how did you end up choosing your major and minor(s)?

I ended up at the University after reading that they had one of the top psychology programs in the US, and learning about the tuition reciprocity the U has! I always had a passion for kids and was a nanny all through high school. I did not know developmental psychology was even an option for a major until I came here and took an introductory class. I quickly felt at home in the Institute of Child Development (ICD) and enjoyed learning from all the professors, including Dr. Chryle Elieff and Dr. Henriette Warren. 

I did not know how interested I was in the neuroscience aspect of psychology until after starting work in a neuroimaging research lab. After working there for a short period of time, I found my passion for neuroscience and mental disorder assessments and diagnostics. I love everything related to the mind and brain, and the U has helped open my eyes to all my interests! 

Which CLA class or professor has had the biggest impact on you? Why?

Chryle Elieff–I had my first class with her in my sophomore year and enjoyed her quirky, personable way of explaining scientific methods. It brought a new light to the terms I had grown bored of and reignited my interest in psychology and research. She is such a personable professor who cares about connecting with her students and teaching them in understandable terms. I have always enjoyed the way she brings in her personal anecdotes to some seemingly black and white topics. She has changed the way I think about certain things and sparked a new interest in research and psychology! 

What course would you recommend for other students in your major? And for students outside of your major, what course would be a good introduction to what you study?

One course I would recommend to other developmental psychology majors is CPSY 3601 - Introduction to Child Life Theory and Practice–for those interested in the more clinical or hospital aspect of psychology, this was a great class to get your foot in the door! It has also really helped me in my clinical work with children at the hospital where I work. For students outside the major, I would recommend the same class! It does not go as in-depth into the psychology, but focuses more on the children's experience as a whole within the hospital.

Tell us about a class you still think a lot about.

A class I still think about a lot is Behavioral and Emotional Problems of Children. I took it with Dr. Ka I Ip, and he was another one of my favorite professors. He was extremely funny and easy to relate to! I really enjoyed learning from him. I think about this class often because it was the class that sparked my interest in mental disorder diagnostics and assessments. The criteria, symptoms, and etiology of different disorders and illnesses were extremely interesting to me.

What has been your favorite part of your experience with your department(s) and within your major(s) and minor(s)?

My favorite part of my major was getting to look into different research labs and getting the in-field experience, as well as the interviewing experience. I also have really enjoyed getting to learn from a variety of different professors who come from all different backgrounds. My education feels extremely well-rounded thanks to all of my professors and especially my advisor, who has helped me along the entire way–Meghan Allen Eliason! The ICD here at UMN is really an amazing program, and is highly regarded for a great reason. I would not have wanted to learn from any other program in the country.

What is one aspect of your major or minor that has surprised you? What do you wish more people understood about what you study?

One aspect of my major that surprised me is the amount of schooling you need to get to your desired profession. Coming in as a freshman, I wish I knew how much schooling you needed to become a neuropsychologist/therapist. Most higher-paying psychology careers require graduate school. I wish more people were able to learn more about all the graduate school requirements, including extracurriculars, research hours, and more, that are needed to become a competitive applicant. I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into as a freshman, but I would not change a thing!

What are some ways you have found community within your major/minor department(s)? 

One way I have found community is through talking with and getting to know the people in my classes. It is so easy to come into class every day, sit in the back, not talk, and then leave class. Getting to know and connecting with your peers is so important and has really helped me. I have even met with some upperclassmen in the past who have helped shape my future career path and gotten me on the right track for graduate school. Just being friendly and reaching out to people was an amazing way for me to find community and make connections.

Which of the core career competencies do you think will help you the most in your future career?

Teamwork & Leadership will help me most in my future career! I am on the women's club lacrosse team and have become an officer in the past year, and I use these skills all the time. I think it is super important to be able to collaborate with different people and be a leader. In the psychology field, we often try to put our minds together to solve different patient/client problems.

What's next for you? What are your post-graduation plans?

I am planning to apply for graduate school for my doctorate (PhD) in clinical psychology! I may take a gap year off and work in clinical/research labs to increase my chances of being accepted, as these clinical programs are extremely competitive and often take multiple application rounds to be accepted.

If you had the world's attention for 30 seconds, what would you say?

I would probably say that the best things in life come to those who wait. I don't mean this as in sit and do nothing and wait, I mean this as in those who go after what they want with an open mind and do not force things. This includes career opportunities, friendships, and just in general.

Is there an app you hate but use anyways?

Snapchat–nothing I hate more than seeing boring pictures of your forehead or ceiling, but I use it to keep up with friends and post on my private story. 

If you could be any member on a TV show, who would you be?

Cece Parekh–she’s funny, a model, and has amazing friends. Or Rachel from Friends! Friends and New Girl are the top 2 shows for me.