College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Full Name: Alexa Naas

Degree program: Specialist in Education (School Psychology)

What year are you in the program? 1^st year

Hometown: Omaha, IL  

Why did you choose WKU’s School Psychology program?

From the moment I was introduced to the faculty and students of this program, I knew that they were passionate about school psychology and would help me obtain the skills I needed to be a successful school psychologist. I felt at home when visiting WKU’s campus and knew that Bowling Green would be a great place for the next chapter of my life.

What key activities/organizations have shaped your WKU experience?  

I am a first year student in the school psychology program. I am currently taking classes on the foundations of school psychology, assessments, applied behavioral analysis, and classroom management. I also work as a graduate assistant for a professor, which has allowed me to work in a research lab and gain a better idea of the responsibilities that a professor has. 

How have you already applied what you are learning? 

Though I am only in my first semester of this program, I am already getting to apply what I am learning. Not only have I directly applied what I am learning, by completing assessments with students and having conversations with those that work in the school system, I am using what I have learned in my everyday life. I find myself constantly having conversations with others about how their school experience impacted them and seeing new ways I can help the children in my life.

What do you hope to do after graduation? 

After graduation, I hope to obtain a job working in a school that allows me to help make school a place where all students thrive and feel safe and supported. I want to have a job that allows me to offer academic, behavioral, and mental health supports. While I don’t know exactly what location I want to live and work in, I hope to make a difference in the lives of the students I get the opportunity to work with.  

What experience(s) have you had during your years as a WKU student that have helped or is helping you prepare for a career after graduation?

Again, though I am still in my first semester of this program, I feel that my experiences are already helping prepare me for graduation. I have completed assessments with children, gained additional insight from those already working in the school system, and really gained a better idea of what my career will be and the ways I will be able to help others. I know that my future experiences in this program, such as practicum, internship, and my specialist project, will only further prepare me for my career!

What has been the best part of your WKU experience? Why?

The best part of my WKU experience has been being surrounded by a group of people who are passionate about this field that I love so much. I am constantly learning from everyone and feel like I have the best support system, both in my academic and personal life. This is the first time I have lived in a city where I had no previous connections, and that was such a big, scary decision! Everyone in my program made this transition easier and Bowling Green has quickly gained a special place in my heart!

Are there any life experiences that impacted you in your pursuit of obtaining this degree that you would like to share? If so, please do.  

While I was getting my undergraduate degree, I had a lot of fear that I would choose the wrong career path or just never truly find my passion. It was during this time that I had the opportunity to shadow a school psychologist. After one day with her, I knew this career was everything I had been looking for! The next semester, I worked with her one day a week to get a better idea of what this career would be. I worked with a few students weekly. Seeing their progress and how much the support team wanted to help these students succeed meant the world to me. I knew this is what I wanted every day of my career to be like!

What advice do you have for future School Psychology students?

Take every opportunity you can while in graduate school! There are going to be times you are pushed out of your comfort zone but believe in yourself and know you wouldn’t be in this position if you weren’t capable! You are in your program because others believe in you, so believe in yourself! There are so many possibilities of what your career can be as a school psychologist, so take time in graduate school to find out exactly what you want that to be. Oh, and always remember to have fun along the way. Make time to go to dinner with your cohort after those long days of class, they’ll be your favorite memories!