Katherine Kiester, Catholic '24, is a Psychology and Criminology student from Eagleville, PA. She shares why she chose to attend Catholic University, and what advice she has for prospective students.
Why did you choose to attend Catholic University and what set the Department of Psychology apart?
"I chose to attend Catholic University for Psychology because I was really impressed with all the program had to offer. I loved the opportunity of being able to take a wide variety of classes and dive deeper into the specifics of the subject. Since then, all of the Psychology professors have been great and are genuinely invested in our education. Through Catholic's Psychology program, I have been exposed to the psychology of space exploration, forensic psychology, psychology and the media, and many more areas of study!"
Why did you choose to student Psychology?
"I chose to study Psychology because I am fascinated about how the brain works and what influences the people we become. Psychology is so applicable in every career and has an impact on every aspect of life. I knew that I would be able to apply what I learn through Psychology to my additional studies in criminology and intelligence, as well as my career for years to come."
What's been your favorite part of being a student at Catholic University?
"I have loved being able to take advantage of all the opportunities that DC has to offer. Catholic's location has enabled me to participate in a wide variety of internships which I otherwise would not have been exposed to. In preparation for my career, I have been able to intern at both local and federal agencies in and around DC, as well as in Quantico. Since Catholic is so accessible by Metro, it is easy to get anywhere in the city, whether it is for a job, a day at the monuments, or the museums."
What advice would you give to prospective students?
"My advice is to get out there and seek out every experience possible. By taking part in different clubs and sports, I have been enabled to become involved in new things and make new friends. Even if it's something you wouldn't normally do, you don't know what other opportunities could come from it and how it can benefit you in the future. For example, I joined Habitat for Humanity on a whim freshman year, and have since been to Hawaii on a summer service trip. Not only have I learned how to build houses, but I have also built lasting friendships in the process."
