As a first-year student advisor, psychology major Mary Ashley Rose, ’18, loved meeting incoming students in August and helping them make a successful transition to Meredith.
“Being away from home for the first time or starting college as a commuter student can be a daunting transition – but this challenge allows growth. My leadership role as a student advisor allowed me to connect first-year students with on-campus resources and act as a support system and friend.”
Mary Ashley found the environment at Meredith both nourishing and challenging. She learned to reach out to professors and staff if she needed help, and always found a ready ear, saying they took an interest in her both academically and personally.
“Dr. Cynthia Edwards guided me in identifying professional goals and the steps necessary to reach them. My faculty advisor, Dr. Andrea McPherson, always listened to my whims and celebrated my successes. Margo Alfieri, ’11, was my go-to person when it came to help with my resume and professional correspondence.”
Mary Ashley completed two internships, one at a counseling agency and another at an area high school. Both allowed her to gain experience in her field of interest while benefitting from the guidance of her supervisors and professors.
After her sophomore year, Mary Ashley studied abroad at Meredith’s location in Sansepolcro, Italy, and calls it the best part of her college experience.
“I recommend studying abroad to all students. I learned about the importance of flexibility and adaptability in an international setting.”
Back at home in Raleigh, Mary Ashley made the most of living in a thriving capital city.
“If there is something that you want to be a part of that is not offered on Meredith’s campus, you can find it in Raleigh. I love the restaurant scene and Meredith’s close access to the Greenway and the North Carolina Museum of Art.”
After graduation, Mary Ashley will continue her education at NC State University, earning a Master of Education in school counseling. She takes with her an increased sense of confidence that she attributes in large part to attending a women’s college, noting that in such a setting, every leadership position from class president to an officer in a club is held by women.
“I feel comfortable being the first person to raise my hand in class and always feel that my contributions are valued by my classmates and professors. The sense of empowerment I feel as a woman has been cultivated at Meredith.”
Learn more about studying psychology at Meredith
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