Extracurricular Activities
Ever since I arrived at Oregon Tech, I have jumped headfirst into different clubs and programs that have helped me grow in different capacities. I am a part of the Hot Beverage Club, I am a member of the first-ever Oregon TRiO Student Advisory Board, I have three separate jobs on campus including a TOP (TRiO) Peer Mentor role, I work at the Student Success Center, and I am a Resident Advisor for Housing here on Campus. I have also been a part of an intramural volleyball team here at Oregon Tech and finally, I have joined the psychology club here on campus.
A Little Bit About Me
My name is Ken McGill and I am a non-traditional first-generation college student studying Applied Psychology with a minor in Human Interaction. I grew up here in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and have spent most of my adult life living on the east coast, specifically New Jersey and New York. I am working towards becoming a clinical psychologist because I have always wanted to help find ways to help individuals through the toughest moments of their lives. I spent some time after high school stepping into and finding myself, helping me become the man I have always wanted to be. I have relied on real-life experiences and the rigorous academia taught here at Oregon Tech to help me understand tough concepts and will continue to be a positive role model for those I am surrounded by.
Why I Chose Oregon Tech and My Major
When I was researching what university I wanted to attend, there were a few factors that influenced my decision to attend Oregon Tech for applied psychology. I wanted to find a university that not only implemented applied experience as part of your degree plan, but I came here because of the professor to student ratio. Having small class sizes ensures that we as students are getting the best possible education.
My Influential Professors
I have been surrounded by some influential professors here at Oregon Tech that have helped mold and shape my mind. They have pushed me to reach new levels of understanding with course concepts and helped me become more of an empathetic leader. The two professors that have helped me develop and further work on those skills that are going to help me once I get into the industry are Dr. Schnackenberg as well as Dr. Petersen. Dr. Schnackenberg is one of those professors that really cares about their student's success which was evident in how he teaches. Dr. Petersen is a clinical psychologist and has taken me under his wing and has helped me tremendously.
My Greatest Learning Experience At Oregon Tech
My greatest learning experience at Oregon Tech has been taking classes that have been relevant to my career choice of becoming a clinical psychologist. Classes like behavior modification, advanced psychological research methods, and advanced counseling techniques. As a non-traditional college student, I have spent some time in the workforce but since returning to college, I have been able to learn from professionals that are already established in the field of psychology and gain a deeper understanding of the profession.
My Plans After Graduation
After I find success here at Oregon Tech and earn my bachelor's degree, I plan on relocating to Seattle, Washington, to attend graduate school at the University of Washington. I am planning to earn my master's degree and eventually my doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Becoming a clinical psychologist requires a doctoral degree and I am planning on working as a mental health counselor/therapist while I am actively pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology.