1. Introduction – tell us a bit about who you are. 

My name is Aubrey Schuster, and I am the middle child of two teachers. Growing up in the classroom setting year-round has played a huge role in my love for learning and education. I began my collegiate journey at Citrus Community College. While there I earned three associate degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Child and Adolescent Development with a 4.0 GPA. Additionally, throughout my time at Cal Poly Pomona, I embraced the idea of ”learning by doing” through tutoring and becoming an after-school teacher in Walnut. I hope to continue to build my experiences with the overall goal of pursuing a future in school psychology, where I hope to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. 

2. Briefly describe your background/Road to CPP (where did you grow up, etc.) 

I grew up in a household that strongly valued education which positively influenced my academic journey. My parents always went out of their way to make learning fun even before I started attending school. In elementary school, I was enrolled in a dual immersion program. This experience shaped my educational foundation and identity by helping me develop strong communication skills, as well as a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. I have always wanted to help others succeed in school and a class in high school sparked my curiosity about the factors that impact student learning in terms of psychology. However, attending a community college allowed me to explore other similar fields as well, but ultimately, I enjoyed the field of psychology the most. Throughout these courses, I learned about the impacts of mental well-being and was very curious about learning more. 

3. Why did you choose to attend CPP? 

I chose to attend CPP because of its welcoming atmosphere for transfer students. As I was getting closer to finishing at my community college I was very nervous to join students in the middle of their journeys. However, I came across information about CPP’s celebration of National Transfer Student Week, and this showed me a sense of a welcoming environment that I knew would be the right fit for me. Additionally, my sister also attended CPP and had a positive experience which helped form my decision as well. 

4. How/why did you choose your major? 

Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher like my parents. However, in high school, I had the opportunity to take an AP psychology course where I learned about the different ways in which we process information, learning theories, and much more. That class sparked my interest in understanding, behavior and cognitive development, especially in a school setting, which led me to choose psychology as my major. I felt as if psychology was the perfect way to combine my passion for education with a deeper understanding of how people learn and grow. I learned about the field of school psychology a little over a year ago, and I have been working hard in the classroom to help students find and form their best learning environment based on this information. 

5. How would you describe your overall CPP experience? 

My experience at Cal Poly Pomona has been filled with growth, learning, and incredible connections. The faculty, students, and opportunities have helped me both academically and personally as I have been surrounded by a very supportive environment. Additionally, the coursework has shown me that not only is there always something new to learn, but also a new way to learn it. This has left me with valuable insight into how psychology and education interact strengthening my desire to work in school psychology. 

6. What’s your fondest memory at CPP? 

One of my fondest memories was my last group project at CPP, which was a Sona Systems project. This particular assignment stood out to me because, throughout my journey at CPP, I had always participated in these research experiences, but this was my first time trying an unofficial one for a class. One of the most memorable events throughout this project was when our professor illustrated to us the importance of being clear in your Method section. Many people are familiar with the peanut butter and jelly instructions videos, and this was very similar to that. However, even having previously watched that example on my own time, it was funny to see that my group and the rest of the class were not able to quickly and effectively give full directions. Overall, this was one of my fondest memories at Cal Poly because it showed how there is always more to learn and that learning can be fun. 

7. Which instructor influenced you the most and how so? 

Each of the professors I have had the opportunity to take here at CPP has a very understanding and supportive throughout my academic journey. It is difficult to pick just one professor, and in this case, I really could not choose between these two. For starters, I was lucky enough to have a course with Dr. Langford during each of my three semesters here at Cal Poly. Throughout each of her courses, she challenged me to think critically and pushed me to do my best through her assignments about growth mindset. I believe her growth mindset assignment during my first semester is what set such a strong foundation for my success at CPP. The other professor who positively influenced me was Dr. Miller. His courses are designed with a student’s best interest in mind. For example, he asked students for feedback and showed active changes as a result. Additionally, when I was too scared to apply to graduate school due to the low acceptance rate, Dr. Miller reminded me of the importance of trying even when I may be scared to fail because not trying would already be failing. Of course, he worded this quite differently, but I learned an important lesson from this interaction. All in all, each of my professors showed me the importance of using psychological principles to create a positive learning environment which I hope to implement in my future. 

8. What clubs, resources, or people did you appreciate the most during your time at CPP? 

I deeply appreciated my peers throughout my time at CPP as they were more supportive than I could have ever imagined. In my experience, C.L.A.S.S. shares a strong understanding that we are all trying our best to succeed and a great way to do so is by supporting each other. For example, many of my classes held study sessions together to help each other prepare for exams or clarify each other’s questions. Additionally, I have appreciated each of my professors who have taken the time to guide and support me throughout this journey. Overall, at CPP I was in an environment full of people who shared my passion for education and psychology which I am grateful for. 

9. What advice do you have for your peers graduating? 

My biggest piece of advice for my peers graduating would be to not be afraid to fail. Unfortunately, throughout my undergraduate journey, I missed many opportunities because I was afraid that I would not be accepted into a certain program or club. However, the biggest flaw in the thought process was that I was already denying myself the opportunity by not trying. As a great professor once told me, if I didn’t apply, I was making their job easier by saying no for them. Therefore, my advice is to put yourself out there and embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity. You are stronger than you think and you can do great things. Good luck! 

10. How has your experience at CPP shaped the person you are today? 

My experience at CPP has reinforced my passion for education and my commitment to helping others succeed. The idea of “learning by doing” gave me the encouragement I needed to pursue a job in the classroom. In other words, this experience has helped me grow more confident and continue to work towards my goals. 

11. What are your plans after CPP? 

After CPP, I plan to continue to build experiences and connections on my journey in school psychology. I plan to continue gaining the knowledge and training necessary to work with students, teachers, and families in supporting student success, both academically and emotionally. In the near future, I hope to have the opportunity to be enrolled in a graduate school program to help me achieve these goals. 

12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

In five years, I see myself in a school setting, helping foster positive learning environments for students. My goal is to have a meaningful impact on the field of education, whether it’s through assessing students, counseling students, or collaborating with educators and/or parents. I hope to be a school psychologist who advocates for supportive learning environments for students that help both academic and personal growth. I see myself helping students overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Overall, I hope to be content with my future, and I plan to work hard to achieve this.