Psychology Alumna Alexandra Griffin Presents Research at SOLES Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Excellence Showcase

Alexandra Griffin graduated from the University of San Diego in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Since graduating, Griffin has begun the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program at the USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES). Griffins feels that SOLES is social-justice oriented and mixes well with the research she and Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences Steven Berkley, PhD, have been doing. 

The two have worked on two different research studies, both being centered on the college experience of marginalized individuals from a strengths-based perspective. Griffin recently presented her research, "Racial Microaggressions, Racial Socialization, and Black College Student Academic Outcomes," at SOLES 7th Annual Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Excellence Showcase. This study looks at how socialization impacts campus-related experiences for Black and African-American undergraduate students. When talking about the SOLES program Griffin stated, “I honestly feel like I could not be happier with my decision, as my peers and faculty have been phenomenal."

Read below about Griffin’s USD experience and advice she has for USD students:

What was your overall USD experience like? Is there a person, course or experience that was particularly impactful for you while at USD?

When I first came to USD, I felt very overwhelmed and lonely. I had just spent seven years in the military and I felt the age gap and cultural shift when I showed up for classes. Soon, however, USD began to feel like home as I became a part of the community. Both my professors and peers became a strong part of making San Diego feel welcoming and accepting. My classes with Dr. Getz absolutely shaped my undergraduate experience, specifically our travel abroad course to London (Psychology of Music). Not only did it bring me closer to Dr. Getz, but also to peers who have now become lifelong friends. The abroad experience is also one of the reasons I decided to stay at USD for my graduate program (with the global course and travel requirements). Another class that shaped my undergraduate experience is Dr. Berkley's Psychology of Black Families. Dr. Berkley has been instrumental in my successes and career path. His expertise and insight have helped me grow and understand the necessity of cultural competency in so many of these collegiate spaces. Dr. Berkley's Racial Equity and Marginalized Populations (REMP) lab is one I continue to work with as a graduate student in hopes of sharing the voices of those who are often underrepresented. 

Do you have any advice for first years or transfer students that you wish you had known earlier on during your time at USD?

My advice for first-year or transfer students feels like advice I would've given my younger self as well. I think that the college environment, as a first-year or transfer, can feel very daunting. It's incredibly important to try and find community, whatever that looks like for you. College also flies by, so it's important to take care of yourself and your mental health. It took me a while to learn that and practice self-care, so it's necessary to find out what that means to you and set aside time to enjoy those things or activities. Appreciate the small moments. Even though your grades or accomplishments don't define you - take that time to celebrate what you consider important. The "small" or "big" wins. Celebrate and don't let them pass by. 

Do you have any post-grad advice/life lessons for students who are soon about to embark on that journey (or even difficulties you wish someone had advised you on while in college to help you prepare for the transition)?

I would also like to add that many students I talk to feel rushed to decide what to do after graduating from undergrad. For some students, there's a lot of pressure to go straight into graduate school...and I like to tell people I took a "seven-year gap" between high school and college. I don't think my 22-year-old self would be in a counseling program if I went to college and grad school succinctly right after high school (instead of joining the military). Sometimes that time is necessary! It's all about fit and community. It's ok not to necessarily know what you want to do. I think young adulthood is about testing the waters and seeing what's out there that you may or may not like. My advice for anyone graduating is to try and lean on your community and your resources, whether that's family, friends, co-workers, etc. Don't be afraid to ask for help because post-grad is a big transition and potential identity-shift (for a lot of students) and I think it helps to have people in your life to support you during this time!