Nicole Lloyd '00

Psychology and Social Relations Major

I grew up just outside Boston, and decided to go to college right out of high school. While in high school, I served as a peer leader working with students in both middle school and high school.

I remember people always asking me if I was going to go to college for either social work or psychology. At first that wasn't my plan - that is until I got away from helping people. After my first semester at the University of New England, I decided to change my major to psychology and social relations to get back to doing what I loved, working with people and being able to help them.

There were several factors that affected my decision to enroll in the University of New England. UNE was close enough to my family in case I wanted to go home to visit. I fell in love with the scenery - when I first saw UNE's campus, I knew this was the place for me. My decision was made when I realized that the student, faculty, and staff were all very friendly and helpful.

After changing my major there was no doubt I had made the right choice. I always felt at home in the Psychology Department.I found the professors were always there for you no matter what you need. It didn't matter whether you had a question about class, a problem you wanted help on, or you just wanted to talk. The classes provide a balance of both psychology and sociology.Most importantly the classes are interactive.

Internships
The most valuable part of my experience at UNE was the internship opportunities. I took full advantage of the required internships. In fact I made the decision to use some of my elective credits to participate in additional internship experiences.

The internship classes provided me the chance to get my feet wet and begin gaining valuable experience. I had the opportunity to work at the Preble Street Resource Center in Portland for a year in the Day Shelter. I worked at both the Mission Possible Teen Center in Westbrook and the York Teen Center. I also had the opportunity to work in Sweetser's Homeless Youth Program.

My internship experiences were not just about gaining valuable experience, but were also about self-discovery. The weekly classes helped me get added support from both peers and faculty. It has been said that college is a time of discovery and change. I attribute the changes I have made in my life to guidance and experiences I received in the internship classes.

Work as Counselor and Life Skills Instructor
I graduated in May 2000 with my bachelor's degree in psychology and social relations. Since graduation I have been working for Youth Building Alternatives, in Portland, as a counselor and life skills instructor. The program works with youth who are no longer in the public school system, and are seeking to turn their lives around. I teach life skills classes and meet with students one on one. I am in the process of applying for my Conditional License of Social Work. In a few years I hope to return to school and get my master's degree.
    
Apply Online
Request Information
     

Back to Top

 
» Advanced Search