First-generation student prepares for career in counseling psychology

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Alivia Peterson has ably navigated Penn State’s big-campus environment by taking advantage of numerous opportunities that have allowed her to refine her professional skills and forge close-knit personal bonds.

Originally intending to major in kinesiology and pursue athletic training, the Rahway, New Jersey, native and first-generation college student soon discovered her passion extended beyond physical performance to the mental and emotional challenges athletes often face behind the scenes. This led her to change her major to psychology.

“After my third semester and observing Penn State’s athletic training department, I realized my passion did not lie in the physical aspects of well-being,” said the fourth-year student. “I found that my passion was in mental health.”

Having seen the personal trials athletes face, including anxiety and depression, Peterson said she realized she wanted to serve as a form of support for those emotional obstacles. Where many think to look to coaches for this support, Peterson thought of community.

“I enjoy that you can still find your close-knit community and easily connect with professors,” she said. “What drew me to Penn State was the large campus, alumni network, endless opportunities and school spirit in athletics.”

Peterson said she credits her faculty mentors, Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology David Wimer and former psychology faculty member Yo Jackson with shaping her academic and professional growth.

Wimer, a counseling psychologist, supported Peterson throughout her transition into psychology and guided her through the graduate school application process, reinforcing her confidence in pursuing the field, she said. Jackson introduced Peterson to research on adversity and youth development and provided honest feedback that strengthened her graduate applications.

These challenges, particularly as a first-generation student, were something Peterson struggled with upon arriving at Penn State.

“I knew it would be different than high school, but the discipline I thought I had, had gone out of the window,” she said. “Coming in as a first-generation student, I did not know how to navigate changes as much as I thought, and it didn’t feel like many individuals understood, but the resilience that has always been a part of my character played a huge part in the second half of my undergraduate experience.”

Peterson said she had to prepare for the weight of college and the learning curve that comes with navigating complex academic systems, all without her parents having gone through a similar experience. For her, it’s been about having grace, sharing experiences and receiving any support they can offer.

Her role as a College of the Liberal Arts peer adviser strengthened her appreciation for the Student Services that support all Liberal Arts students, Peterson said. Under the leadership of Director of Academic Advising Greg Nolan, she experienced an environment where students are encouraged to explore, ask questions and make thoughtful academic decisions. When she chose to transition into psychology, she felt supported and confident that changing course was part of finding the right fit.

Peterson was a peer leader back in high school, where she co-led a first-year class’s adaptation to a new school and fostered a safe environment for growth, which she said inspired her to become a peer adviser in college.

“I knew I wanted to continue to instill hope in students with similar experiences as me,” she said. “I found interest in helping others with challenges that I have faced, such as the feeling of being a first-year student, academic planning and personal goals.”

Peterson said her favorite part of her role as a peer adviser is making sure students feel heard in the welcoming environment she fosters. Helping students with their situations, giving them hope and faith, and providing clarity on their questions are things she particularly enjoys.

Through the role, she’s strengthened her communication, leadership, problem-solving and empathy skills, which she said she will carry with her long-term. She added that learning how to support people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages and orientations, including ensuring they feel seen, heard and supported, will prove highly beneficial during graduate studies and clinical work.

Peterson is also deeply involved in work that reflects her commitment to mental health, research and advocacy. She works off-campus as a behavioral health technician with Hummingbird ABA Therapy, supporting children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder through individualized treatment plans. On campus, she serves as president of Minorities in Sports at Penn State, advocating for greater diversity in sports-related careers and fostering a supportive community for students of color.

Peterson is also a distinguished member of the Penn State chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, where she leads an undergraduate research project examining the relationship between superstition, anxiety and athletic performance. In this role, she oversees recruitment, data collection and the work of research assistants.

Meanwhile, her academic and service commitments extend further through her involvement in the Tri-Alpha Honor Society for first-generation students, volunteer work as a Crisis Line counselor, and previous research experience in the Addressing Disparities through Advocacy, Prevention and Technology Lab, which solidified her interest in family- and development-focused clinical work.

Peterson said she balances all these commitments by prioritizing her Christian faith, extensive planning, creating lengthy to-do lists and not neglecting her mental health or well-being.

“I fill my free time with hobbies I enjoy, such as self-care and spending time with the people I love,” she said. “Taking moments of rest when things get overwhelming is essential to working effectively.”

Looking ahead, Peterson said she plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career as a counseling psychologist, working with athletes while also specializing in family and marriage counseling, a path shaped by resilience, reflection and a commitment to serving others.

As her time on campus comes to an end, Peterson said she encourages students to trust their journey and give themselves grace during seasons of uncertainty.

“It’s okay to not have everything figured out right away,” she said. “Ask questions, seek mentorship and take advantage of the support systems available, even when it feels uncomfortable. Growth often comes from moments of doubt, and with time, persistence and openness, things truly do begin to fall into place.”