Student Ambassador: Natalia Vasquez

Hi prospective students!

 My name is Natalia and I am currently a doctoral student in WJC’s PsyD program. I obtained my bachelor's degree in Psychology at Worcester State University in 2021 and my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at WJC in 2023. William James helped foster my professional and academic growth in the masters program and has also helped me get one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a psychologist through their PsyD program!

 As a Latina, I have been passionate about working in the field of mental health to offer more representation of my identity and give back to the community. WJC was a school that really stood out to me because of the variety of concentrations they offered. The Latino Mental Health and Clinical Health concentrations were the two that helped solidify my decision to choose WJC. 

 Additionally, as someone who came straight from undergrad, I felt as if I was lacking in clinical experience. WJC’s emphasis on experiential learning allowed me to put everything that I was learning in the classroom to use in each practicum/internship site I was at right from the start of the program. This type of extensive clinical experience is unique and I recognized it was not something that was offered in other masters and PsyD programs. 

 After completing my doctorate, I hope to become a health psychologist in a hospital or private practice setting. I wish to also offer assessments in Spanish which is a service that is high in demand. My advisors and professors in the program have been nothing but supportive when it has come to my academic, professional, and even personal goals. Faculty come from all different types of background and experience which allows students to gather new insights and networking opportunities. 

 I strongly encourage new students to take advantage of all the resources William James has to offer. This goes beyond just speaking with faculty or declaring a concentration, but joining student groups and attending panels to build a stronger sense of community. I would be happy to speak with any incoming first year or prospective student with any questions, comments or concerns you may have. Please feel free to reach out to me via e-mail!