Psychology major finds purpose through leadership, research and service

Editor's note: This story is part of a series profiling exceptional members of Penn State Schuylkill’s graduating class. For more stories like Sylla's, visit Schuylkill Speaks!

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — As she prepares to graduate, Sierra Wishnefsky is leaving Penn State Schuylkill with a strong academic foundation, a passion for helping others and a resume shaped by leadership, research and hands-on experience.

A fourth-year psychology major from Ringtown, Pennsylvania, Wishnefsky will graduate with not only her bachelor’s degree, but also an associate degree in human development and family studies and a certificate in behavioral health and counseling.

Throughout her time on campus, Wishnefsky immersed herself in student life, joining organizations such as Lion Ambassadors, Blue and White Society, Women in Leadership, Pickleball Club and the Honors Society. She also participated in the co-op program, the Student Initiated Fee Committee, Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society and Alpha Alpha Alpha, while serving as president of both Women in Leadership and the Pickleball Club.

“I feel as though my involvement in clubs on campus is what set me up for success at Schuylkill,” Wishnefsky said. “I joined clubs when I was a freshman and met upperclassmen who made me feel welcome and showed me it was OK to put myself out there.”

That willingness to step outside her comfort zone, she said, became a defining part of her college experience.

In addition to her campus involvement, Wishnefsky was a dedicated student-athlete, competing in volleyball for four years and joining the campus’ first flag football team during her junior year. Now a senior, she serves as team captain.

“I gained my confidence through my sports,” she said. “Being a collegiate athlete takes a lot of time and sacrifice, but it gave me a sense of belonging and lifelong friendships.”

Her academic experience also included significant research opportunities. One of her honors projects, “The Forgotten History of Women in Baseball,” earned first place in the arts and humanities category at Penn State Schuylkill’s poster conference and second place at Penn State’s Eastern Regional Poster Conference.

Wishnefsky has also expanded her research experience by working with Penn State Hershey on a Community Advisory Board focused on understanding the mental health needs of rural high school students in Schuylkill County. She is currently training as an interventionist to provide cognitive behavioral therapy as part of the study.

“I’m excited to see how the research will help students feel more comfortable seeking support,” she said.

Her passion for helping others was further shaped through internships. Wishnefsky began her professional journey through the campus co-op program, where she developed career skills and secured an opportunity with Kaleidoscope Family Solutions. After completing training, she was offered a position as a direct support professional, a role she has held for four years.

She also completed internships with the Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center (SARCC) in Schuylkill County, an experience she said solidified her career goals.

“It was through that internship that I realized I wanted to pursue social work and specialize in trauma-informed care,” Wishnefsky said.

Wishnefsky said she chose Penn State Schuylkill for its affordability and the sense of community she felt from the moment she visited campus.

“I knew I would get a great education without having to take on too much debt, especially since I plan to attend graduate school,” she said. “But what stood out most was how valued I felt. It wasn’t just a campus — it felt like a community.”

She credits faculty and staff with playing a major role in her success, noting the support and mentorship she received throughout her four years.

Beyond academics, Wishnefsky said the most valuable lesson she learned was the importance of getting involved and building connections.

“When I started putting myself out there, that’s when everything started to fall into place,” she said.

Among her favorite memories is a global service trip to Portugal, where she helped build housing for refugees while experiencing a new culture alongside her peers.

Looking ahead, Wishnefsky plans to attend Millersville University to pursue a master’s degree in social work, with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker and providing trauma-informed therapy.

As she prepares for the next chapter, she said she will miss the close-knit community she found at Penn State Schuylkill.

“I’ll miss the faculty, staff and my teammates the most,” she said. “They’ve become like family.”

Her advice to incoming students is simple: get involved and make the most of every opportunity.

“You will get out of college what you put into it,” Wishnefsky said. “Put yourself out there, make connections and take advantage of everything the campus has to offer.”