Shea Calleri, '09
As a senior high school student, I knew it was time to start my search for a college, however I had no idea what I was looking for. I went to visit several colleges but none of them had the "it" factor. That was until I visited Fredonia State University. I instantly knew that this was the school I wanted to be a part of. Between the small community atmosphere, the friendly faculty and the endless opportunities for growth, I just knew. I began Fredonia State as a theater major, but I quickly changed to a psychology major my freshman year. Studying in the psychology department offered me ample opportunities such as developing novel research, participating in an internship, and joined multiple psychology related extracurricular clubs. Fredonia offered me educational experiences and life experiences that I truly do not think I could have had at another college.
After graduating from Fredonia State University with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minor in Sociology, I knew I wanted to begin working on my Masters degree. Because of my internship opportunity, working with teenaged parents, and my desire to work in children, I felt that school psychologist was the best fit for me. I was immediately accepted in to Niagara University's School Psychology program and the feedback given by the faculty was that I was accepted because of the opportunities and experiences I had at Fredonia and how they had shaped me for masters training.
After graduating from Niagara University at the top of my class (and being the recipient of the Outstanding Student in School Psychology award), I had almost no trouble obtaining a job with a contract company in Cleveland, OH. I am currently entering my second year as a full-time school psychologist working in 7 different urban charter schools.
Looking forward into the next couple years I plan to apply for candidacy in a Clinical Psychology PhD program. I know that the skills I obtained from Fredonia State, specifically during my independent study, will support my application and potential success as a doctoral level student.
I will forever be grateful that I choose an undergraduate college that not only prepared me for a Masters degree, but offered me experiences which will be invaluable in my daily practice and as I work towards my doctoral degree.