Jenna Rodriguez is driven by a desire to understand people: their drives, their challenges, and how best to support them and help them overcome life’s difficulties. Her drive led her to Stevenson University, where she is double majoring in Psychology and Counseling and Human Services.
When Jenna began her looking at colleges, she knew she wanted a school with a strong Psychology program. As her search continued, Jenna narrowed her list down to two schools.
“I visited Stevenson multiple times, but it was a Psychology class that made me choose to come here,” Jenna said. “Seeing the small class sizes, the exceptional professors, and the emphasis on career preparation all confirmed Stevenson was the right fit for me.”
Focused on a Career Helping Others
Jenna has structured her academic life at Stevenson around a simple goal: helping others. She has taken electives to familiarize herself with current topics and issues facing professionals in the human services field.
“My Psychology and Counseling and Human Services classes are always interesting and have allowed me to gain the skills needed for a career in the helping profession,” Jenna said. “After graduating, I plan to earn my master’s degree and pursue a career in counseling or social work. I’m committed to making a meaningful difference in others’ lives during their hardest times.”
In addition to her coursework, Jenna has participated in an internship with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. Working out of the department’s Catonsville office, Jenna sat in on meetings, shadowed case managers and intake workers, and joined case managers on house visits and school visits.
“This internship allowed me to learn about a population I had not encountered before,” Jenna said. “During the internship, I acquired knowledge about the juvenile justice system, the courts, and case managers, and saw how the human services field fits into a system like DJS.”
Making Her Mark on Campus
Once she came to Stevenson, Jenna didn’t wait long to get involved. She became a Student Ambassador, joined the Psychology Club and Baking Club, and participates in both the Honors and Leadership Scholars programs.
On top of her work with on-campus clubs and organizations, Jenna also continued volunteering weekly in her church’s special needs ministry, HUGS, where she worked alongside individuals with disabilities.
“I am most proud of my involvement on campus, and the leadership roles I’ve taken on” Jenna said. “As a member of the Psychology Club executive board and as senior Student Ambassador, I’ve learned time management and communication skills as well as how to work within a team and adapt to new challenges every day. I recommend new students at Stevenson take the time to get involved and use all the resources available to you.”
