There’s no better way to learn about a graduate program than by hearing from a student themselves. Our school psychology ambassadors can answer your questions about Rider, the application process, admission process and program curriculum. They can also share their own personal experiences about life as a graduate student at Rider.
Meet our ambassadors
Genesis Walker, class of 2025
How did you know you wanted to study in your chosen field?
I knew that I enjoyed working with children that experienced educational and/or physical difficulties. I enjoyed the school environment and being able to see ways in which I can help to advocate for students and families. I had completed previous internships with members of a child study team and one day someone recommended the field of school psychology being a great fit for me!
What is the most influential piece of advice you’re received or the most impactful experience you’ve had during your time at Rider?
One of the most influential pieces of advice I've received was that it's okay to say you don't know and would like further clarification on a topic or subject. As we continue to grow in our field of study, it is important to remember that you are not expected to know everything and it is okay to ask questions and learn! Even after we have received our degree, life is a journey where we are continuously learning and growing.
What excites you about your field of study?
What excites me the most is being able to make a difference and impact student growth as well as the school environment and community! This field places you in a unique position to be able to make a change and be an advocate for students as well as reach the parents, teachers and the community.
How do you feel you’ve grown in your field of study since coming to Rider?
Having completed my undergraduate degree at Rider, the University has provided a comfortable space to learn. What was most challenging for me, was learning to use my voice. By presenting in front of the class and sharing my ideas in open group discussions, I've gained confidence in using my voice. I've learned that my opinions and perspective matters.
Is there anything else you want to share with future students?
If I could give any advice it would be to do something out of your comfort zone and trust your gut. Even if you are a little anxious and nervous about taking the big step into your next chapter, don’t hesitate! Trust yourself and the decisions you make. It could be the next step into something great! Coming into this program was a huge shift for me, but I have received an endless amount of support which has allowed me to grow. That same community is available for you too!
John Guzick, class of 2025
How did you know you wanted to study in your chosen field?
I always knew that I wanted to work in a school district in some capacity growing up. I never really saw myself as a teacher but I very much enjoyed working with kids. After spending a lot of time sorting through my different options, I came across school psychology which is a field I never even knew existed. I was always intrigued by psychology growing up, but I was never sure what I could do with a psych degree until discovering school psychology. After doing more research into the field and talking to established school psychologists, I knew this was something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. It was very relieving to find a profession that combined my interests of working with children and psychology.
What is the most influential piece of advice you’re received or the most impactful experience you’ve had during your time at Rider?
The most influential piece of advice I received at Rider was to not treat assignments as if they are just something to check off on a to-do list. Every assignment or task we receive in our training is for the benefit of us as future school psychologists. I think I have grown so much as a student, person and professional from my first to my now fourth semester because of my change in mindset. I went from an individual who would do just enough to get by and complete the assignment or task to an individual who gives every assignment or task my absolute best effort so I can learn from it. This mindset is something I will carry over to my professional career and I have my professors to thank for this positive change in my outlook on assignments/work.
What excites you about your field of study?
I find that the testing of students is a fascinating process. It is definitely one of the more fun parts of our job in my opinion.
How do you feel you’ve grown in your field of study since coming to Rider?
I certainly feel a lot more confident in what I am doing as a school psychologist. I remember being a nervous wreck administering my first cognitive assessment and now it is something I do pretty easily.
Is there anything else you want to share with future students?
I would tell future students to actively participate in class. We have some great professors in our program and you will get so much more out of your time in the classroom if you are an active participant in class.