Get to Know Your Student Committee: Communications Officer, Olivia O'Connell

We asked the members of the 2023-2024 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? 
The Chicago School, PsyD in Clinical Psychology, currently in my third year.​ 

Why psychology and the law? 
I actually have a parent who works in the area of forensic psychology, so I have been exposed to the field since a young age. I initially thought I wanted to be an attorney, however, as I learned more about psychology in undergrad I realized my interests really lied at the intersection of the law and psych.

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
Our program has students complete year long practicums in their second, third, and fourth year. So far, I have loved the diversity of clinical experience this has given me. Additionally, this has provided me with the opportunity to work with a broad range of populations while simultaneously engaging with my community in Chicago.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
Law school...or work in the fitness industry.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
Try and find a specific niche or area of interest early on, and look for schools with faculty that also specialize in that area. This can obviously change as you move through grad school, but it helps you connect with others who have similar interests and can help you stand out!

Coffee or tea?
Coffee.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs. 

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Open-minded, humorous (I like to think), and driven.
 
What is on the top of your bucket list?
Go to Italy!
 
What is the worst song, in your opinion?
Most things country (no offense to anyone who enjoys country).

What is the weirdest thing in your home?
My partner's gecko, Kevin.

Is cheesecake actually cheese pie?
No.
 
Explain your hot take on cheesecake.
Does anyone ~really~ consider the cheeses that make up cheesecake (cottage, cream cheese, ricotta) true cheese?

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