College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Name: Kimberly DeGroot

Major: M.A. Clinical Psychology Concentration

Graduation Year: May 2023 

Hometown: Bowling Green, Kentucky

Preferred Pronouns: She/her

Why did you choose WKU? 
I chose WKU because it was close to home and it offered a Clinic Psychology program. I was not completely sure if I wanted to continue my education after graduating with my bachelor’s degree, but I jumped at the opportunity when I read about WKU’s Clinical Psychology Concentration.     

Why did you choose your degree program? 
I chose my degree program because it is practice oriented. I really like that we have had the opportunity to apply what we are learning in the classroom to volunteers from the WKU community. Additionally, we are given the time to improve our therapy and assessment skills in the Psychology Training Clinic.  

How have you already applied what you are learning? 
Through my practicum classes, I have already had the opportunity to perform both assessments and therapy on adolescents and adults. I am looking forward to improving my skills as I work in the training clinic and work with my internship in the upcoming school year.    

What do you hope to do after graduation? 
I am not exactly sure at the moment, but I do know that I hope to work with individuals on the autism spectrum in some capacity. I enjoy giving assessments, so I may focus on autism assessments in the future. I am also interested in working with young adults on the autism spectrum, specifically to help them learn the necessary skills to gain or maintain employment. 

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?
I have really enjoyed the classes, such as Practicum in Psychological Assessment (PSY 562) and Personality Assessment (PSY 660). Because I have an interest in assessments, I believe that these classes have helped me prepare for a potential career after graduation. I still need to take the time to learn assessments specific to autism, but these classes have given me the basic skills to learn new assessments in the future.     

What has been the best part of your WKU experience? Why? 
So far, the best part of my WKU experience has been working with my professors. It is very easy to ask questions or talk to them when there is a problem.

What advice do you have for future Hilltoppers? 
Go for it. If you think you have an interest in furthering your education, pursue that interest. It can be a stressful process, but it is definitely worth it if it is something that you are passionate about.

Are there any life experiences that impacted you in your pursuit of obtaining this degree that you would like to share?
I spent three summers working at a camp run by the city of Bowling Green called Camp Happy Days. The camp is a free summer day camp designed specifically for those with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical challenges. My experience working with Camp Happy Days helped me develop a passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum.