The Class of 2023 has officially graduated and is ready to use their UIndy education for service in their communities. Meet first-generation college graduate Ky Marcayda, who recently received their Bachelor of Science in Psychology with concentrations in Gerontology, Clinical Counseling, and Pre-Occupational Therapy!
Why did you choose to study Psychology?
I chose Psychology as my major because mental health is often overlooked in areas of healthcare that generally tend to be very focused on the physical aspects of health, like occupational therapy. These two spheres of health often intertwine, and I wanted to assure that I had strong skills in both to help my future patients be their best selves.
Why did you choose to study at UIndy?
I chose to study at UIndy because of its small class sizes and campus. I thought that both of these factors would supplement my learning experience and help me slowly make strong and personal connections that I could take with me beyond my time spent at university, both of which proved true in the end.
Are you a part of any extracurriculars (either on or off campus)? If so, what are they and what is your role?
I’ve been involved with the Circle K International Club on campus and have been a general member and treasurer. They’re known for their volunteer capabilities and have reached a number of different communities in the Indianapolis area and across the rest of the state of Indiana. Even during the height of the pandemic, this club and the people involved ensured that those that were least fortunate had ample support, resources, and kindness.
Are there any faculty or staff members who have significantly impacted your time at UIndy? If so, who are they and how did they influence you?
Several professors have had a positive impact on my experience at UIndy, including Prof. Kylee Maurer, Dr. Dean Wiseman, Dr. Shawn Hurst, Dr. Stephen Nawrocki, Dr. Jackie Hess, and Dr. Debbie Warman. Without them, I don’t think I would have been able to push myself beyond my limits and be the student or person that I am today. Not just academically, but beyond that as well. They taught me to get out of my comfort zone and showed me that getting extra support academically is a strength rather than a weakness.
Other faculty and staff that have had an influence on my time at UIndy are Steven Freck, Robbie Williford, Dr. Jessica Bannon, and Dawn Hershberger. All of these individuals head a department on campus and are extremely crucial to the smooth function of UIndy. I have had the privilege to work with each of them. If patience is a virtue, then they each have that tenfold, as they deal with many different issues that arise in their respective positions on campus! From them, I was able to see how different empathy can look in various settings. Giving someone a bit of grace and a listening ear can go a long way, and what seems like a small conversation to one person can be life-changing for another.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at UIndy?
One of my favorite memories from my time at UIndy is Midnight Breakfast. Even though you could probably have breakfast at any time on your own terms, it was nice to see people get together, relax, and have fun before finals week truly began. Seeing people try to survive that mechanical bull was also pretty interesting too!
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue on to study Occupational Therapy in the graduate program here at UIndy.
How did your degree program prepare you for your next steps?
My degree program prepared me for next steps in my education by fostering my work ethic, motivation, and detail-oriented nature in preparation for graduate school and the professional field of Occupational Therapy that will come after it.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Some advice I’d give to incoming freshmen is don’t be afraid to repeat some classes to get a better grade. It happens to more university students than you think, and there’s absolutely no shame in it. Even if it sets your graduating year back by a semester or even a full year, that’s simply going to translate into you investing more time into your future and gaining more knowledge than you had before.
