She plans to pursue her Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.
Alyssa Dowdy, a senior psychology major with a double minor in criminal justice and sociology/anthropology, already achieved one of the goals she has worked toward for the past four years.
After her graduation, the Winston-Salem, North Carolina, native plans to pursue her Master’s of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to become a certified rehabilitation counselor. She chose HPU to help her get there.
“The opportunities provided to the students here really give us multiple chances to be successful in whatever field we are passionate about,” says Dowdy. “I loved the small class sizes and knowing that I wouldn’t be just another number to my professors.”
Unmatched Mentorship
From her first visit to campus, Dowdy felt it could be her home instantly. Her freshman-year course with Dr. Sadie Leder Elder inspired Dowdy’s passion for psychology. After attending one of Elder’s first classes, Dowdy approached her to express interest in conducting research with her as soon as possible.
“Dr. Elder’s energy and personality is unmatched,” says Dowdy. “She has been highly conscious of my goal to go to graduate school and helped to ensure that I was a competitive applicant. Dr. Elder did this by pushing me to seek opportunities outside of my comfort zone, like presenting at a national conference or applying for and receiving a research grant. Dr. Elder is truly an amazing faculty mentor who I know I will remain connected with after my time ends at HPU.”
Elder described Dowdy as one of the most dedicated, determined and focused individuals she has worked with. Dowdy is an extraordinary student who takes advantage of the many academic opportunities HPU offers and maintains a rigorous job as a registered behavioral technician for children with autism while also remaining engaged in philanthropic and social organizations, Elder says. At the same time, Dowdy worked as Elder’s undergraduate research assistant. Dowdy’s time-management ability to successfully accomplish all her roles was often astonishing.
“Alyssa has gone above and beyond to demonstrate her intellectual curiosity and insatiable desire for knowledge,” says Elder. “She is passionate about psychological subject matter and diligent in her efforts both inside and outside of the classroom. She routinely asks insightful questions and earns unparalleled grades on our assignments. She has an enthusiasm that is infectious and the type of demeanor that pulls the best out of the people around her.”
Accelerated Access to Research
In addition to Elder, Dowdy connected with multiple HPU psychology professors and faculty members who she knows truly care about her success and growth.
“They have encouraged me in the pursuit of my goals and have worked to further connect me with opportunities to be successful,” says Dowdy. “My psychology classes allowed me to become a registered behavior technician, implementing ABA therapy to clients with autism spectrum disorder. This position has given me professional experience in my field even before graduating. I have also had a lot of research experience during my time at HPU that has helped me to become comfortable conducting research and communicating my research with others in a professional setting.”
Starting with her sophomore year, the Honors Scholar Program taught Dowdy how to engage in research outside her field. During her junior year, she began working alongside Elder to combine their research passions to form a new research subject.
“This research idea was looking at the correlation between romantic rekindling (getting back together with an ex-partner) and perceptions of intimate partner violence,” says Dowdy. “I have been working with her for two years and have been able to present my research on multiple occasions. I presented my research at High-PURCS last year and recently presented my research at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology national conference in Atlanta, Georgia. In April, I presented my research at the Southeastern Psychological Association conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.”
In addition to her national presentations, Dowdy earned a research grant. These feats are essentially unheard of for undergraduates, says Elder.
“Her natural maturity, abilities and confidence have grown during her time with us, but this is a testament to both her hard work and the amazing faculty who support our students,” says Elder. “The true passion of an educator is knowing you have assisted an individual on their life’s course. I know that Alyssa is someone who will go on to do wonderful things with her life and make the world a better place through her efforts. I am touched to have played a supportive role in her journey.”
In addition to research and support in her specialty field, Dowdy says HPU’s focus on life skills taught her to be more motivated, coachable and expanded her emotional intelligence.
“Through the endless amounts of opportunities at my fingertips, I have become highly motivated to do and achieve all that I can during my time at HPU,” says Dowdy. “Working alongside faculty on big research projects has allowed me to further learn how to take and implement feedback, which is important in any professional or educational setting. My emotional intelligence has also grown during my time at HPU. Being more aware of others and their feelings allows me to be a better team player and a better leader.”