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From Romania to New York: a CUNY SPS Success Story
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Published Oct 28, 2020
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As more universities pivot to remote learning models, we are reminded of the crucial role online degree programs like those at the City University of New York School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) play in students’ abilities to obtain degrees and achieve their educational and professional goals.
Loredana Cahill, a current CUNY SPS student, was born and raised in Maramures, a region in the northwest of Romania. Loredana came to the United States at age 26 and worked as a nanny and restaurant hostess, cleaned houses and medical offices, and later became a physical therapy (PT) aide. Loredana realized that, while she loved working in the PT field, it was time for a career change. Now in her sixth and final semester as a full-time graduate student at CUNY SPS, Loredana will obtain her MA in Psychology degree with a specialization in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Gothamist spoke with Loredana to find out more about her journey to CUNY SPS and what’s next in store for her.
Do you have a favorite class that you’ve taken at CUNY SPS?
Some of my favorite classes were a combination of biology and related fields, such as the biological foundations of behavior, psychopathology, introduction to I/O psychology, and personnel selection. The information I learned gave me a better understanding of the intersection of human behavior and the workplace. I can interpret, evaluate, and carefully observe a topic with greater maturity than before entering the program. I am sure these skills will translate well when being part of the workforce.
What advice would you give to potential CUNY SPS students, especially those who have also immigrated to the United States?
- For immigrants, get your foreign credentials evaluated as soon as possible. This can take quite a long time, so if you’re planning on applying to graduate school here in the States allow time for the review to be completed.
- Learn all connections of public transportation and get adjusted to riding the subway. It can be so intimidating at first, but it will get you to places all over NYC.
- Take advantage of the online library as it contains vast sources of information. If time permits, get involved, volunteer, and seek out opportunities on campus as this will help you build more connections.
- At CUNY SPS, you won’t have an issue of feeling like you don’t belong. Everyone is so friendly and more than willing to help you when you feel stuck, so ask for help when need it. Don’t feel shy about it. Every semester I got to see familiar faces and that helped us feel comfortable working together. My experience with this program has been great!
Has COVID19 (quarantining with family, adjusted schedules, etc.) made the day-to-day aspects of your final semester any different than previous semesters?
While my online learning terms continued almost unchanged at CUNY SPS, it was definitely something we all had to get adjusted to. We had to continue with our responsibilities as adults while also trying to teach our children, making sure they are maintaining and improving their vocabulary and other skills by keeping them curious so they learn new things. Online learning requires a lot of attention to keep the kids engaged. It was not an easy task but I found sticking to a set schedule and following routines was the key to getting through it.
Who, and what, inspires you (professionally and/or personally)?
I am especially inspired by the ambition and resilience shown by people with disabilities. When we are healthy, we take our physical and mental abilities for granted. We speak, think, predict, analyze, and pick up new skills easily, whereas people with disabilities must work so hard which sometimes takes extensive periods of time. Being around people with disabilities gave me a different perspective in life and it taught me to value everyone’s abilities no matter how big or small. There is so much to learn from them.
What impact do you want to make on the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology?
I hope that all the experiences and skills I accumulated throughout life until now, as a student, a therapist, a mom, and a wife, prepare me to be a valuable addition to any workplace. My capstone project tackles how stay-at-moms experience returning to work after being away for an extended period of time. This is a topic of personal concern since it is a situation I find myself in. Many of us, for one reason or another, stay home with our kids, and then return to school to improve our skills or reinvent our careers. I want to help companies improve their recruiting and screening programs as I believe that there is a lot of untapped potential that is being passed over. Diversity programs at many companies need to improve.
Do you and your family have any go-to NYC spots/activities that you’d recommend to Gothamist readers? (Either outdoor locations or places to go once more restrictions are lifted)
Our favorite museums are the American Museum of National History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was mesmerized by the performance of Swan Lake by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. My entire life I held a great interest in medicine and psychology. As someone with an understanding of anatomy and physiology of the human body, visiting BODIES… The Exhibition left me so impressed; it was truly an incredible experience. I am looking forward to going back very soon with my family when things improve.
For more information about the CUNY School of Professional Studies and how to continue your own education, visit sps.cuny.edu and see what works for you.
This post is a sponsored collaboration between CUNY SPS and Gothamist staff.
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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