Graduating Senior Spotlight: Q&A with Emma Leischow

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

I came to Minnesota because it was close to home while also gaining a new experience and opportunity. The University of Minnesota is an amazing school with a ton of amazing resources and opportunities. I ended up in psychology because of my passion for it and the ability to use my degree in a variety of fields. Furthermore, I did a sociology minor to explore more of that interest of mine and I am so glad that I did. Both the Department of Psychology and Department of Sociology are amazing and I would highly recommend them. 

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

I think almost all of the Psychology and Sociology professors had a great impact on me and my studies. I have felt really supported throughout my journey here at the University of Minnesota. I think specifically my classes Psychology of Women and Gender and my Psychology of Counseling courses were the most enlightening and motivating to me.

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?

I would recommend taking as many psychology classes that you can that range across all areas of psychology. I found it super beneficial to take all types of classes to be more informed and well-rounded in this subject. I also find that taking as many classes as you can allows you to really understand what type of work you want to do after graduating.

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

I still think about Psychology of Women and Gender and Psychology of Stress and Trauma even after many semesters since taking them. Those two classes were really fascinating.

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 experience within my departments is the amazing staff and faculty who really supported my learning. Furthermore, the students within the psychology and sociology departments are amazing.

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 that surprised me is how broad psychology is and the variety of opportunities within it. A lot of people I know in the department are going into different fields from me and others after graduating. It is super interesting to learn about how a psychology degree can be used in different ways.

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

Since it is such a huge department, I find other psychology majors in a lot of different contexts. An example of this would be at my campus jobs; a lot of my coworkers and peers often were in psychology and we were able to connect with each other about that. 

What is your dream job? How is your liberal arts education helping you reach your post-graduation goals?

I hope to work as a child and adolescent therapist and going to grad school in a few years. CLA helped me know what my possibilities and opportunities are post-grad along with the core competencies in career readiness.

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

Teamwork and Leadership!

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

I would say to follow your dreams, trust your gut, and do what is best for you. You know yourself best and you got this.

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

I would want to be Alex Russo on "Wizards of Waverly Place." She dresses cool, is super charismatic, and has literal magic.

Is there an app you hate but use anyway?

Snapchat. I hate the app but use it because a lot of my friends still use it for communication.

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

I will be working as an early childhood educator for now and plan to go to graduate school for counseling psychology in the future.