Madeline Blinderman ’21 is heading to the University of Saint Joseph in August to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Madeline graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in December. She says she decided to study psychology because of her personal experiences with mental health difficulties and her passion for helping others. Her long-term goal is to become a mental health therapist.
“Every class that I took, every organization that I was involved in, and every conversation I had made me feel like this is what I am meant to do,” she says. “I’ve received nothing but support and I am so excited to use what UHart has taught me in graduate school.” Madeline says her favorite thing about UHart is all the professional and personal relationships that she has made over the years.
Madeline says her professors, advisors, and mentors have always pushed her to live up to her full potential, while also providing her with support to work through challenges. She started her academic career in UHart’s Hillyer College, where she credits Dean David Goldenberg with increasing her confidence and giving her the ability to get through challenges.
Beyond academics, Madeline says one of the most meaningful connections she made at UHart was with the Women’s Advancement Initiative Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program, which offers leadership development, resilience coaching, and career readiness programs “Sara Cerruto, Amy Barzach, and Dina Morris, along with my entire cohort, were nothing but supportive, kind, and motivating. I could not have gotten through the past four years without LEAD.”
Her advice to first-year students is to not sell themselves short. “Most things in college are not going to be easy,” she says. “That doesn't make things are impossible. Challenge yourself. Trust that you can do hard things. Don't give up. Your time to shine is coming soon!”
Madeline Blinderman ’21, PsychologyEvery class that I took, every organization that I was involved in, and every conversation I had made me feel like this is what I am meant to do. I’ve received nothing but support and I am so excited to use what UHart has taught me in graduate school.