Student Ambassador: Tessa DeLuca

Hello, my name is Tessa DeLuca and I am currently enrolled in the School Psychology MA/CAGS program here at William James College. I received my bachelor’s degree at Wheaton College in Norton, MA with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Before and throughout my time here at WJC, I have worked at McLean Southeast in Middleboro, MA as a Community Residence Counselor using Dialectical Behavior Therapy on the adolescent residential unit.

What struck me about this program specifically was the field experience starting in the first year. I learned about Primary Project through the school’s website and felt like it aligned well with my eagerness to get into the field and in a school setting. The atmosphere of the school itself felt inviting, professional, and filled with smiling faces. The structure of the program, in my opinion, sets you up for success. The three years progressively increase in field site experience and decreases in the number of academic courses, which I feel gradually sets you up for a smooth transition into the role of a School Psychologist. The professors have been an incredible asset to my experience at WJC so far. Each professor has been thorough, available for questions, and relates the content to the fieldwork, which, for me, brings everything together in a cohesive and clear manner.

If you are starting this program at WJC, I would advise you to take it day by day, and to not be fixated on perfection. This is your time to learn, to ask questions, to make mistakes and to grow into the role of a School Psychologist. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and take advantage of the time you have dedicated to learning about School Psychology through this program. Please feel free to contact me with any questions!