I grew up in the Dallas area and went to a CTE  high school where I studied business. Not everyone in my life supported  my goal of going to college. I persevered and worked hard to graduate in the top of my class in high school. I started as a Social Work major but decided to change my major to psychology. The professor I took General Psychology in community college was a UD alumna; she spoke highly about UD’s psychology program and introduced me to psychology as a human science. At UD, I appreciated the individual attention my professors gave me and completed 2 quantitative research projects and a phenomenological senior thesis.  I also worked as a research assistant for  Dr. Leonard’s Community Assistance Research group. I graduated from UD in 2021, and decided to pursue a master’s degree from Texas A&M University in educational psychology . I worked for the division of Student Life as a graduate assistant for the data analyst while I pursued my degree. 

Before college, did you know what you wanted to do?

I had so many ideas about what I wanted to do “when I grew up,” and I surprisingly gained interest in something completely different. I was interested in genetics and considered being a geneticist or genetic counselor. I entered college as a Social Work major, and I wanted to get an MSW to be a counselor. I eventually changed my major to psychology with the idea that I would be a counselor, but I became more interested in social data analytics.  

Where did you go to college and how did you achieve that? What was the application process like? Any challenges?

I was admitted into my dream school, but I was not ready to move out. I had recently experienced some life-changing events, and I was not sure  what I wanted to do next. I started taking classes in community college. My goal was to earn an associates degree and transfer to UT Arlington to complete my degree in Social  Work. I did not experience any challenges in the application process. I attended as many college fairs as I could and was in close contact with my counselors and teachers who helped me through the process. The most difficult part was transferring my community college credits to UD as UD is very selective. I lost many credits, but embraced the opportunity to learn more from the core curriculum. Applying for graduate school was a pretty simple process. One of my psychology professors, Dr. Landrum, and OPCD helped me with my CV and application essay.  

What was your motivation during your college years?

My motivation during college was gaining experience in my field of interest that would lead me to a successful career. In the beginning, I cared about my grades and wanted to learn as much as possible. I always took 18 hours per semester. My junior year, I realized how important networking and internships were. I was motivated to do well because I knew that being in my professors and employers’ good side could potentially lead to a good letter of recommendation or they could introduce me to other people who would help my career. 

What did you do after graduating from college?

After my undergraduate degree, I started my master’s program in educational psychology at Texas A&M. I enjoyed  my program and my graduate assistantship. I now work as an academic success specialist for UD. I love working with all students, but especially enjoy helping commuter students, transfer students, and first-generation students. 

What’s some advice you would give to your past self?

Do not let grades determine your self-worth. I used to have an unhealthy relationship with grades and sacrifice sleep, quality time with friends and family, and meals. When I was in graduate school and did more research on inhibitory control, I realized I was just doing myself a disservice. I had to learn how to balance all aspects of my life. I tried my best in school. I learned how to care more about the learning outcomes instead of my grades. I also started focusing more on networking, making friends, working out, and eating healthy. 

After having been a first-generation student, how does it affect you today?

Now that I have completed two degrees, I know what I did not know. I have noticed that sometimes first-gen students have a lot of questions but don’t want to ask. I try my best to make first-gen students feel comfortable with me when we have conversations. Even if they don’t ask these obvious questions, I share information with them anyway.

I come from a small coal mining town in east Texas. Success in school was an expectation and it was assumed that we would go to college, but no one knew what that meant, logistically. After failing out in my sophomore year at UNT, I returned to school when my then-employer agreed to pay for classes at Kennesaw State. Changing my degree plan gave me the ability to apply for more jobs after college. My next employer also agreed to pay for my graduate degree at A&M which allowed me to follow my passion in instructional technologies.

Both of my parents came from communist Poland. My father defected from Communist Poland to Italy in early 1970’s. A few weeks before he defected, he was in jail for speaking out against the government and he knew what happened to his friends that defected before him. My dad was in a refugee camp in Italy before coming to Chicago that had the largest population of Poles in the United States. He only had 5 dollars and spoke no English when he came here. My mom came here on a special visa from Poland, but that created more burden for her family when this happened. When I was born, we lived in a one bedroom apartment in the Jefferson Park neighborhood and once my dad had enough money working in a factory we moved to suburban Streamwood, Illinois where we lived in a townhome most of my life. Unfortunately, my mom didn’t adjust in the USA and alcoholism really affected her. My parents divorced and I lived with my hard working dad until I was 18. We were really tight on money, but my dad is a staunch fiscal conservative and we always had food on the table. He is a good man that understood the importance of discipline and hard work. He has a heart of gold. The Catholic faith was important in our household. All the Poles in Chicago had a picture of John Pope Paul II in their homes!

Before college, did you know what you wanted to do?

I already knew I wanted to go into the military. Since I was a kid I loved watching G.I. Joe and it just really got me thinking military.

Where did you go to college and how did you achieve that?  What was the application process like?  Any challenges?

After the military I went to Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale under the Montgomery GI Bill^® and the Illinois Veterans Grant. Two great benefits for veterans that received an honorable discharge. Applying was easy. At the time before 9/11 and PTSD, student-veterans had one of the highest graduation rates in the country so they liked us. We were accepted no matter what. However all that changed after 9/11. The wars were tough on our military. I know because I was called up for active duty after 9/11 and served in the middle east for 1 year.

What was your motivation during your college years?

I guess seeing how hard my dad had to raise me as an immigrant father.

What did you do after graduation?

I was a TV news reporter! But the minimum wage was tough. I was on my own and my dad couldn’t support me so I went into coaching several years later. I was also back in the Navy as a reservist for four more years. I loved the military!!

What's some advice you would give your past self?

Honestly, I would of told my past self to be more involved with school and athletics. Studies show student athletes tend to be more successful in school than many groups!! I agree!!

Having been a first-generation student, how does it affect you today?

I guess more so that I understand students who have parents that are immigrants coming to this country with no support and money. My wife’s parents are from Mexico and are devout Catholics as well so we can relate which is why we are married! We get it.