Leigh Engelke '18
Psychology Major
Baltimore, MD
"Make connections. I joined a research team, interned, and completed a senior thesis, and through all of those experiences, the connections I made in our Goucher community were the most important takeaways."
What drew you to your major or field of study?
At the community college that I transferred from, I was in the honors program. In
order to fulfill the program, we had to take a certain number of honors classes. They
offered several different honors psychology classes so I took them because I was always
interested. I fell in love with the subject and decided to stick with it!
What led to your decision to transfer to Goucher? Where did you transfer from?
I transferred from the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). The head of the
honors program told me about Goucher because a previous honors student had transferred
there and just graduated with her B.A. in psychology. I checked it out and fell in
love with the small size, the study abroad, and the library!
What are your plans/what would you like to do after graduating, career- or otherwise?
I am thinking about graduate school. I would like to get a Ph.D. and become a professor
so I can teach and do my own research.
What are your other interests or passions?
Art is a big passion of mine, specifically painting, drawing, and photography. I also
love reading and writing. I spend a lot of time outdoors, hiking and exploring what
the world has to offer. I travel every chance I get, and try to make the most out
of every experience. My cat is my best friend, and I'll probably show you pictures
of him whether you ask me to or not!
What do you consider the important aspects of the Goucher experience?
The most important parts of my Goucher experience were the ways I found to get involved.
I joined a research team my second semester, so I was able to work directly with a
professor and some other very intelligent and inspiring students. I connected with
people on my study abroad trip. I had an internship with CREI for the Phoenix Scholars
Program and met a lot of amazing people through that. The most challenging part of
my Goucher experience was doing a senior thesis, but this was also the most rewarding
because I accomplished something bigger than I ever thought I would.
What advice would you give to those who are beginning the college application process
or are thinking about transferring schools?
Having attended three different colleges over my six years as an undergrad, I am able
to say that no school is perfect. Each place you end up, college or otherwise, will
have its downfalls. However, I learned that each place also has unique opportunities,
and it is up to each student to take advantage of those opportunities. If you spend
too much time wondering what is right for you, or waiting for someone else to tell
you what to do, you'll miss out on so much and all the chances you had will be gone.