Annette Benedict is a Spring 2024 graduate of the Grow Your Own School Psychologist program, a grant-funded hybrid program to prepare licensed school psychologists in selected Area Education Agencies to help meet rural school district needs. 

Tell us a little about your background. How did you end up at UNI?

I actually applied to UNI as a high school student, but ended up pursuing my undergraduate at a different university.  Over the years I have looked for ways to continue learning in the area of education and UNI has always been top of my list to look at for these opportunities.

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI?

This particular degree has been a long time coming for me.  It combines my background in education with my love of psychology.  It was also the right program at the right time as far as content and method of delivery. 

How did you choose your area of focus for your thesis or dissertation, if you did one? Why was this important to you? What did you learn?

For this program, we did a case study instead of a thesis.  I chose a student that challenged my thinking as a practitioner.  I learned a lot about myself as an advocate for student needs, as well as about how to try and work through mental health needs within the educational setting.  

What’s been your favorite experience at UNI so far?

Our on-campus experiences with my cohort!  Since this is a hybrid program, with much of our learning online, those times we were able to meet on campus were the absolute best for bonding and making connections.

How has UNI helped you achieve your goals?

I have wanted to pursue a degree in psychology for a long time.  My life took me in a different direction initially, so this experience allowed me to finally achieve my goal!  I can't say enough about the faculty who supported me during this journey and accommodated my full-time job schedule so I could be a part of the cohort.  

What challenges have you faced as you've worked toward this degree – and how have you overcome them?

Working full-time and having a family with young kids threw some curveballs into working toward this degree.  There were plenty of stressful late nights, some of which may have included tears and ice cream.  I tried to be as organized as I could and had the support of my family to help me along.  My cohort was also key in keeping up morale.  I'm sure we have enough text messages to publish a novel at this point!  

We often say UNI is student focused;a p lace where professors care--and teach; a place where learning happens in and out of the classroom;  and is perfectly sized. How do these statements ring true for you?

The professors care and are student-focused.  I had an ongoing health issue come up during one semester of classes, and the amount of support I received was amazing.  I honestly would not have finished this degree had it not been for my professors' genuine care and willingness to be flexible with timelines. 

What advice would you give to students considering coming to UNI for graduate studies?

This is the hardest degree I have ever earned by far.  The expectations are high, but the support is there when you need it.  If you are willing to put in the work and want to truly learn, there is no better place to be! 

What three adjectives describe yourself?

creative, empathetic, driven

Next steps? 

I will receive my degree in May 2024 and will continue working as a school psychologist.  As of now, I will work for Prairie Lakes AEA, where I have been employed for the past 6 years as a consultant.