Student Ambassador: Sheridan Tupper

My name is Sheridan Tupper. I am a full-time student in the School Psychology MA/CAGS Program here at William James College. I am from and currently live in Northern Rhode Island, and I commute to WJC weekly. In 2022, I graduated with a double bachelor's degree in psychology, and Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of Rhode Island.

I found a few different options when looking for a graduate program for school psychology. I decided to compare the curriculum of the various graduate campuses and felt William James gave its students the most beneficial education. One of the many reasons I chose William James College was due to the early field experience. The School Psychology program introduces you to a practicum site at the start of your first semester! When comparing WJC to other graduate programs, most schools did not introduce field experience until the last year. I love how I was able to learn in the classroom and then apply that knowledge simultaneously at my practicum sites! Another reason why WJC interested me was because of how educated and helpful the school psychology educators were. They truly wish the best for their students and push us to succeed.

There are multiple opportunities to join clubs, committees, and initiatives at WJC! For example,  I am currently an ambassador for WJC and am here to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding WJC and the School Psychology Program! Although it can be challenging to make time for extracurricular activities and work during school, WJC sometimes offers on-campus work-study jobs for students who wish to work as they are in school!

Advice for new students would be to not be afraid to ask questions, develop a relationship with their cohort, and embrace the unknown. I not only learned about school psychology during my first year, but learned about myself, my dreams, and my short/long-term goals. When I complete this program, I aspire to work within a school and eventually open a private practice. The professors are amazing and truly wish for their students to succeed. To me, the WJC School Psychology Program has been a time filled with personal growth, new and everlasting relationships, and an education that will benefit you and all the individuals you work with!