Get to Know Your Student Committee: Cecilia Allan, Chair-Elect

We asked the members of the 2022-2023 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

​What is your school, program, and year? 
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Clinical Psychology, 3rd year
 
Why psychology and the law? 
I first realized this field existed when I took an anthro/psych/soc class in high school; when I found out about the intersectionality of these disciplines with the legal system, I was hooked. I originally wanted to be a forensic anthropologist but I realized 1) physical sciences are NOT for me and 2) psychology is just way cooler than anthropology. Now, I love it for being a field that can make individualized and system-wide differences simultaneously.
 
What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
The research. I have a great mentor/advisor (Dr. Georgia Winters) who is extremely supportive and accommodating. I love being part of a lab that allows me to engage in research on the topics I am interested in, and am always motivated knowing that the work we are doing will make a positive impact.
 
If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
I'd be an event planner - or a lawyer.
 
What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
I think a lot of people who apply for graduate school are very successful academically and might not be used to "failure." Be prepared that you may not get in everywhere you apply, and that's okay. It only takes one yes. Also, start getting your materials ready in advance so you aren't as overwhelmed when apps are due!
 
If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Friends, New Girl, and The Office (minus Scott's Tots - too cringe). All of these are great distractions that aren't too serious - and they get funnier every time I re-watch. 
 
Is cereal soup?
No 
 
Explain your hot take about cereal. 
No. While milk is a wonderful component to a soup base, a pure milk base does not qualify as a soup. Also, a cold soup needs to be smooth and thick. Not runny and chunky.
 
Is water wet?
Yes
 
Explain your hot take about water. 
Water is what MAKES you wet; therefore, it must itself be wet.
 
What is a quote you like and who said it?
"You can't just give up! Is that what a dinosaur would do?" - Joey Tribbiani
 
If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be any why? 
Sigmund Freud and Aaron Beck. I'd love to see how that dynamic would play out. Also, throw in Elvis for some live entertainment and Betty White for some comic relief.
 
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
pretty fly for a WiFi
 
What is your favorite city and why? 
It seems that I really love Burlington(s) - there is one in Ontario, Canada (my hometown, which I miss), and another is in my favorite state (Vermont). Both are great for very different reasons!

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