Student Spotlight Archives - The ��ɫ��Ƶ (MSP)

PsyD Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:02:53 +0000

Jasmine Ionie Hobson

Hometown: Redford,��ѱ�

Program: PsyD

Book(s) I would recommend: Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

Favorite Quote: “Accept everything about yourself, I mean everything. You are you and that is the beginning and the end, no apologies, no regrets.” – Clark Moustakas

Fun Fact: I can read ancient Latin.

What is a cause you’re passionate about?

I am passionate about bringing a liberatory focus into the therapy space to help marginalized groups discover their joy, passions, and strengths and empower them to express themselves outside of the therapy space.

Why did you choose to attend MSP?

I chose to attend MSP so I could continue to foster and work on my skills as a humanistic/existential therapist in a space that is dedicated to collaboration, self-reflection, and social justice.

What do you plan to do with your degree?

With my degree, I plan to continue advocating for marginalized and oppressed communities and helping to create a more accepting, affirming, and accessible space in the therapy world for these groups, especially the Black and LGBTQIA+ community.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I first got interested in the mental health profession in high school after seeing so many peers suffer from mental health issues and not have any proper help. Although I studied psychology in my undergraduate, I didn’t decide to pursue psychology as a profession until after graduation, when I realized that becoming a therapist was my true passion in life.

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MA Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:49:23 +0000

Emily Berger

Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.

Though many people associate Plath’s work with morose narratives, I categorize this as a must-read, especially for individuals in the field of psychology. This brilliant and semi-autobiographical work demonstrates the impact of societal norms and their powerful impact on mental health. Whether an individual chooses to conform to these imposed ideals or��chooses to��explore a different path��can make a lasting impact on life satisfaction, feelings of disenfranchisement,��and��meaning making and purpose. Importantly, this work highlights the concept of free will and choice and its variability resulting from cultural norms��at a specific��time in history, as well as gender and other multidimensional identities.

This novel demonstrates that a work published in 1963 has the capacity to encapsulate a universal human experience that transcends time and remains a poignant example in today’s world.

Favorite Quote: “If neurotic is wanting two mutually exclusive things at one and the same time, then I’m neurotic as hell. I’ll be flying back and forth between one mutually exclusive thing and another for the rest of my days.” – Sylvia Plath

How does a psychology degree fit into your life’s plan?

My life’s plan has always been to help others in some way. I believe strongly in sharing my story with those in my life in order to give them something I wish I had in difficult times, a sense of universality and connection. That they are not alone and there is a way through.

With my degree in psychology, I will continue my studies at the doctoral level. Along the way, I endeavor to foster this ideal of connection and normalization of the things we are taught to hide, shine a light in the dark corners, and make it easier for those hiding to step into the light and be seen, find connection, and move toward healing.

What makes MSP special?

The culture and class size at MSP are a significant strength of the school. Feeling like faculty are accessible and open to help makes a meaningful difference. The relationships I have created at MSP have grown deep and lasting over a short period of time. The smaller school and class size offer a sense of community and support.

What is your plan for after graduation?

After graduation, I look forward to resting and traveling before diving right back in with my PsyD in September!

What have you learned from other students?

Being in a small but diverse cohort has shown me that sometimes it’s the most unsuspecting person you will find a connection with. It reminded me to be open-minded with future colleagues, students, and clients and to embody unconditional positive regard because sometimes the most beautiful friendships are found in unlikely places.

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MA Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Wed, 06 May 2026 15:15:02 +0000

Bella Stormbringer

Hometown: International Falls, MN

Program: MA

Book I would recommend: The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman

Favorite Quote: “To oppose something is to maintain it…” – Ursula K. Le Guin

Fun Fact: I stepped on a sea-urchin while barefoot once.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I’m passionate about transgender rights. I’ve been transitioning myself for the past 3 years. In that time, I’ve seen how much harder things are getting. I’m very outspoken about the need for access to things like HRT and surgeries.

Why did you choose MSP?

I chose to attend MSP based on my feelings during multiple campus visits. When looking at schools, I met some of the professors and students here during an open house and was absolutely blown away by their energy, desire to engage, educate, and share. I knew at the first visit that I would be at home here.

What do you want to do with your degree?

I plan on using my degree to become a clinical therapist, though I have yet to decide if I want to jump into a doctoral program. I’d like to work with the LGBTQ+ population and provide support where I can.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I became interested in the mental health profession after I had my own experiences needing therapy. That experience was something I wanted to be able to pass on to other people and give back to the communities that helped me out.

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PsyD Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Wed, 06 May 2026 15:09:33 +0000

Zunaira Tirmizi

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Program: PsyD

Book(s) I would recommend: White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

Favorite Quote: “Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives.” – Carl Sagan

Fun Fact: I am really into space and enjoy stargazing and looking for UAPs and extraterrestrials.

What is your plan for after graduation?

I plan to practice in a hospital and a medication-assisted treatment clinic, focusing on addiction and neuropsychological disorders.

What’s your favorite spot on campus and why?

I love how MSP is surrounded by woods and lush greenery. It’s beautiful to see the leaves change color in the fall and to enjoy the green scenery with classmates in the summer.

Tell us something you’re involved with here at MSP,

I am involved in several research projects, which is exciting because it allows me to attend conferences in diverse places and speak about my passion. I am also a member of Psi Chi and the IDEA Club.

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