Student Ambassador: Marina Boulos

Hi prospective students!

My name is Marina, I was born and raised in Massachusetts and speak Arabic. I’m currently a third-year student in the Clinical PsyD program at William James College, with a concentration in Children and Families of Adversity and Resilience (CFAR) and an emphasis in Global Mental Health. Beyond my studies, I stay actively involved as a co-leader of the Southwest Asian/North African Student Alliance and Allies (SWANA), a library work-study student, a teaching assistant, and a Specialized Training and Academic Retention (STAR) Fellow.

I earned my BS in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts–Amherst in 2022. Transitioning from UMass, with its large lecture halls of 300+ students, to the smaller, more intimate class sizes at WJC was a stark but worthwhile shift. While I appreciated the energy of a big university, I wanted an environment where I could build meaningful relationships with faculty and professionals in the field. My passion for psychology deepened through my experiences in a minority health-focused psychology lab and as a teaching assistant in Developmental Psychology. These opportunities, combined with my growing desire to make an impact, solidified my decision to pursue a path in clinical psychology. It also didn’t hurt that my brother had attended WJC’s PsyD program and spoke highly of his experience!

One of the biggest reasons I chose William James College was the hands-on experience. Unlike many other programs, WJC offers clinical training from the very first year, which was a huge draw for me, especially as someone coming straight from undergrad. Gaining early exposure to clinical work has helped me build both my knowledge and confidence in the field.

My background has been a strong motivator in my journey toward becoming a psychologist. As an Egyptian American, I have a deep passion for working with underrepresented and underserved children and their families. My goal is to become a child psychologist in a hospital or private practice setting, where I can support children and families navigating complex experiences and advocate for their needs. Coming from a family-oriented culture, I truly value WJC’s focus on the role of family in a child’s development, it’s something I connect with on both a personal and professional level.

Some advice for students, be kind to yourself during this process. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but remember that you deserve a voice in any space you enter. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and connect with students from different years in the program, they offer invaluable insight from firsthand experience. I’d love to answer any questions you have, so please feel free to reach out!