Assessing the future: Meet 2023 PNW Graduate Sydney Stone

Sydney Stone, ’23, will earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) in December.

The Hebron native took a psychology class in high school and fell in love with the subject. Feeling as though she could really make a difference in people’s lives, she chose to major in psychology at PNW. Stone admits, “I felt like if I didn’t major in it, I just wouldn’t be happy.”

While at PNW, Stone served first as vice president and then as president of the Psychology Club. During her tenure as president, the club was nominated for student organization of the year at PNW. As a member of the Theta Kappa Pi sorority, she was able to work closely with domestic violence shelters in the area to raise awareness and help with prevention. In addition, she served on the university’s Community Standards Board.

Stone plans on attending graduate school to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology. She has applied to several programs but would love to continue her education in PNW’s new Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program. After earning her doctorate, she would like to begin her career in a hospital setting, conducting neuropsychological assessments and developing treatment plans. Eventually, she believes she would like to open her own clinical practice.

What did you like most about PNW?

“The professors have been nothing but great, especially my psych professors. The student life on campus is just absolutely amazing. There’s so much going on every single day that there’s no way to be bored.”

How do you think your involvement in campus organizations and activities helped define your success at PNW?

“I was a really introverted person, and being involved got me out of my shell. I always wanted to give back to the community, and being involved in my sorority and the Psychology Club meant I was able to help get the word out about domestic violence and try to do my part to erase the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Being involved on campus gave me a diverse outlook on a lot of issues. It allowed me to be more confident in myself and my goals. Having these experiences will only better me as a future practitioner.”

Did you have a pivotal experience while attending PNW?

“I did my psychology internship my sophomore year. I was shadowing a clinical psychologist who did assessments, and that’s when I realized assessments were what I wanted to do. Without that internship experience, I don’t think I would have come to this point where I know for sure this is the path for me.”

Did you face any challenges while attending PNW?

“I was in a really bad car accident, and for a year, I had to balance three different therapy appointments, doctor’s appointments and all of my classes. I was able to talk to my professors and received a tremendous amount of help from the PNW Accessibility Center (PAC), which helped me keep up on all my academics. I’m so very glad the PAC was an option.”

What words of advice would you share with prospective students looking to attend PNW?

“Get involved as much as you can. You’re going to regret it if you don’t.”

Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?

Gisele Casanova

Interim Department Chair, Psychology

“She has been a great mentor to me. She’s been a very integral part of my college experience, and she’s always pushed me to do better. I’m very thankful for that.”

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