The reason Jessica Blanchard wanted to pursue a psychology degree was to help others in need, but to do that, she needed a university that would help her succeed.
After graduating high school in 2012 Blanchard enrolled in a traditional college, but felt the school didn’t suit her needs. She went on to a different traditional college the following year, but still felt something was lacking.
Jessica Blanchard
Intrigued by the Post University’s online format, Blanchard transferred to Post in 2015 and never looked back. At Post, Blanchard found the support system and challenging course work she was seeking, and in a few short weeks, she will be earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
For Blanchard, a regular member of Post’s President’s List and an Alpha Chi National Honor Society inductee, the degree means the ability to follow her passion of helping others.
“The reason I chose to pursue a degree in psychology is because my ultimate goal is to help those struggling to learn ways to cope in a healthy manner,” she said. “My degree, and everything I learned in my academic program at Post, will help me be able to do that.”
As Blanchard’s undergraduate program comes to a close, and she begins to apply for employment, she is confident her coursework will translate into the field.
“Thanks to the structure of the courses and the real-life experiences we study at Post, I will not only be able to interpret information and situations, but I will know how to handle them,” she said. “I have collected so many valuable practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to my future career.”
One of Blanchard’s lasting takeaways from her time at Post is the personal connections she was able to make with faculty members. Knowing her professors and program managers had years of employment in the field, Blanchard reached out to discuss their experience and interactions often.
“Every faculty member in the Psychology department was there for me every step of the way and made me feel very comfortable,” she said. “They answered my phone calls and emails and were happy to talk about what they’ve seen in the field and my future career plans.”
Blanchard hopes to begin applying her knowledge and real-word application in her field this summer. She is searching for an internship with a substance abuse program and plans to volunteer at a women’s center that works with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. After gaining this experience, her next step will be applying for admission to Post’s Master of Science in Human Services program.
Before all of that though, comes a much deserved walk across the graduation stage on Saturday, May 7.
“Earning this degree means everything to me,” she said. “I’m so proud to become a Post University graduate and to take this experience out into the professional world. This degree is not just a piece of paper, it’s a building block for life-long opportunity.”