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Student Spotlight: Aeva So ‘25 (PsyD)
What’s one way Roberts has helped you find your people?
I’ve really enjoyed learning from the faculty in the Psychology department. They are incredibly inspiring, and I enjoy hearing about their experiences and stories in classes.
In some ways, I feel like they are my “people” because they are passionate about mental health, serve those in need, and live out values that I resonate with. Specifically, I feel like they exemplify Christian stewardship, love, grace, discipline, and excellence in their clinical and teaching roles.
I aspire to be like them one day and am glad that I get to spend so much time with them!
What is one lesson you’ve learned from your practicum experiences?
In my first year of this program, I was asked to identify a practicum site that I was interested in. I thought, “Well, I don’t have any psychology experience besides my bachelor’s degree, so maybe I should play it safe and not pick anything too intense.” However, I realized that I might be unnecessarily limiting myself.
I was interested in working with a Sex Offender Treatment Program. I was scared that they would look at my resume and think, “You’re not qualified.” But I applied anyway and was accepted!
This practicum experience has changed my life. I discovered such a passion for rehabilitation within civil confinement/prison settings and serving individuals with a wide range of psychological needs. My experience working with this population taught me about the ways in which certain risk factors contribute to recidivism and sexual offenses; it also taught me about the hardships these individuals face once they have served their sentences.
The lesson I learned is to not doubt yourself and just do the thing you want to do!
What are your career plans after graduation?
The best thing about my program is that I have options for what I can do with my degree.
As of now, I plan to continue working with individuals with a history of sexual offenses and/or work within a prison population. I would also like to have my own private practice where I can do assessments and testing, psychotherapy, and offer Dance Movement Therapy. Another option is to work in a school as a school psychologist!
These options are only made possible because Roberts’ PsyD program is in both school AND clinical psychology. Most programs only teach one side of the work.
Aeva dancing
Being a recipient of the Women’s Giving Collective Scholarship was an incredible experience. What was it like for you to receive this award?
For the last 14 years, I had been pursuing a career in dance. But somewhere along my undergraduate journey, I felt that God had more in store for me. I picked up Psychology classes for fun throughout college and had developed such a passion for this field.
I came to Rochester in 2021, hoping to merge my love for dance and my knowledge of psychological care, and started my first year as a doc student. I firmly believed that God equipped me with a heart of servitude for a divine purpose, and I felt that pursuing my education at Roberts would allow me to tap into that.
But during my 2nd year, I thought I wouldn’t make it through. I was a practicum student clinician at the Wellness Center, doing counseling, therapy, and psychological assessments. I discovered that my scholarship and loans were not enough to cover my expenses for the year and it was devastating. It was like the rug was being pulled out from under me when I finally felt like I had my footing.
With no other options before me, I went to the financial aid office and asked if there was any financial aid that I had missed, and a staff member introduced me to the Women’s Giving Collective.
I felt like I was given a lifeline that day. The money I received from this scholarship went a long way. I felt reassured that God still had me, proving to me that he would put people on my path to touch my life in the ways that I hoped to reach others.
Even though my journey as a Roberts student is only halfway through, I am reminded of my purpose for being here in the first place and my mission of using the body, mind, soul, and spirit, to bring transformative healing to those in need. I’m so blessed to be part of an institution that cares for its students as people, and part of a loving community of brothers and sisters in Christ.
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Aeva (back right) and the Office of International Engagement during an AAPI dinner
What’s the most helpful thing you’ve learned here?
Lean into my interests. There are plenty of ways that being in this profession/field can burn you out, but it is absolutely invaluable to incorporate the things that you are passionate about into your work.
For example, I am able to think outside the box with my clinical approach and have used different forms of evidence-based creative arts interventions (i.e., dance/movement, art, poems, music, etc.)
It is so important for me to go beyond traditional talk therapy methods and use tools that serve the individual needs and interests of the people I work with. In this way, I can get creative, prevent burnout, and ensure that treatment is tailored to the needs of my clients.
What advice would you give to incoming Adult and Graduate students?
My previous therapist once told me, “You don’t have to be [in your program]. You can always leave.”
At first, I was too shocked to believe him. But it’s true. You are here because you want to be here. Despite the other things you could pursue right now, you chose to further your education.
So own it. Be proud of your work. And don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way!
Faculty Feedback
“I have loved every moment of getting to know Aeva, and I've had the unique opportunity to see her move about dual roles as a student and as a clinician. She exudes a sense of kindness, caring, and fun wherever she roams. She's grown so much in her time here, and I'm very proud to know her. As she continues where in the field she can best apply the many gifts God has granted her, one thing is for certain, she's going to make a difference in the lives of many.”