Hi, my name is Jolene, and I am a senior Psychology major at Old Dominion University’s College of Sciences and I am pursuing a double minor in Philosophy and French. I am passionate about my studies in philosophical psychology, particularly phenomenological/existential psychology, and excited to incorporate my knowledge of the French language to study French existentialist texts in their true nature.
My Long-Term Goals
My dream is to one day open a private short and long-term care mental health facility that is focused on holistic care that treats mental health at its source to establish coping mechanisms that last outside the facility to lead a satisfying life in a neutral and relaxed environment.
Where was I prior to ODU?
Prior to my career at Old Dominion, I have been a cosmetologist and educator for 10 years and I believe that the frequent interactions with my clients have facilitated my growth as a great communicator and problem-solver. I educated many stylists on current hair trends and application techniques to better their careers and confidence.
My Academic Career and Involvement
Currently, I am a teaching assistant for Lifespan/Developmental Psychology (PSYC203). I enjoy the knowledge that I have learned and perfected while grading discussion boards, assisting in the creation of test questions, and being a reference that the students can approach throughout the semester. This is a rewarding position as the development of writing and communication skills and overall understanding of the topic from the beginning of the semester to the end that I have witnessed from the students has been amazing.
Outside of ODU, I successfully completed two leadership certifications from the National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS), Fundamentals of Leadership and Advanced Leadership. By Spring 2023, I will complete the Executive Leadership certification that includes my Better World project where I focus on bettering community mental health. Being a part of this society built my confidence and leadership skills in group projects both inside and outside the classroom. I am also an officer in the French club and a member of the Botany Club, PSI CHI, and Philosophy Club.
Who Inspired Me and Other Facts
I love to visit privately owned cafés and businesses; most often antique/used bookstores. I love to rescue old books from authors that I admire such as Ernest Hemingway, Edmund Husserl, Carl Rogers, Sigmund Freud, etc, and preserve them. I hope to have an antiquarian library. The people who most influenced me and wish to continue to incorporate into my studies are Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Albert Camus, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Jean-Paul Sartre, and my Introduction to Philosophy professor who pushed me to be the psychologist I wish to be despite what others think.