In addition to majoring in psychology, Amanda is pursuing a teaching endorsement in secondary education. To prepare, she serves as a teaching assistant in the psychology department. Amanda has been involved in Spring Service Projects, Bible studies, Northwestern’s student-led dance concert, theatre productions and International Club. She also serves as an Admissions Ambassador, tutor, Education Club officer, and junior high youth sponsor at First Reformed Church. After earning her degree from Northwestern, she plans to teach or continue her studies in graduate school.

Think again
“I didn’t think I would attend Northwestern—I wanted a big-city atmosphere and environment. Then I experienced the phenomenal community here at Northwestern. I felt God persistently nudging me toward NWC. I felt welcomed by the people and mission of the college, and I was grateful for the considerable financial aid Northwestern provided. The more I visited campus, the more my eyes were opened to the outstanding opportunities and state-of-the-art resources here, the commitment to academic excellence, and the encouraging Christian environment.”

Mind matters
“I’m especially interested in child and adolescent development. I’m intrigued by twin studies and the research that shows the impact of biological predispositions and environmental factors on one’s development. Social psychology is another favorite area of psychology to study—especially conformity and the impact of social influences in one’s life. I love examining how psychology and the Christian faith are integrated. The more I study how and why we function the way we do, the more complex and creative my God is to me.”

Pieces of the puzzle
“I like that there’s not just one explanation as to why we think, say and do what we do. Cognitive, developmental and social factors must all be taken into consideration. Psychology is incomplete without its various areas. It’s kind of like an origami ball—taking one paper out of the shape makes it incomplete; it’s only when they come together that the shape makes sense.”

Collective research
“I’m a part of a directed research group led by Dr. Feenstra. We are a small group of five to six psychology majors who conduct a research project together and help one another collect research in preparation for senior theses. Directed research is great because I also get to be involved in Dr. Feenstra’s research. Plus, it’s an opportunity to build relationships with other psychology majors and professors while preparing for graduate study.”

Psyched for the future
“I gained insight into a future career in counseling while serving as a summer intern for two Christian counselors in Texas. I was allowed to sit in on several counseling sessions each week, and they also hired me as an administrative assistant. My internship opened my eyes to the extensive vocational options I have within the field of psychology.”

Brain trust
“The psychology professors here are outstanding. They care about their students and make it a point to truly get to know us. Some of the most fun happens on psych social nights, when we meet in professors’ homes, eat great food and play games. Our professors come from very reputable programs, and each is specialized in a specific realm of psychology.”

Minding the connections
“One of my favorite things to do in my general psychology class was to read from the book Psychology Through the Eyes of Faith by Dr. David G. Myers. I would get so excited when things I read in this book related to conversations I had just had in a Bible study or to a message in chapel.”

An example to follow
“I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself, my role in relationship to others, how my past has influenced my present and future—and why on earth I’ve started to adopt my roommate’s habits! I want an occupation that will fulfill my desire to help and work with people. Psychology is a great major because it’s applicable to nearly every career. I want to be able to love people with God’s love. God is the ultimate counselor, and pursuing this vocation is my way of responding to His calling to be a true reflection of Him!”