From adversity to purposeful pursuits
A journey through changing majors and finding a passion for clinical psychology
By Mariana Lozovanu | May 16, 2024
Editor's note
Hiba Alany has faced various challenges, including transitioning to a new country and education system without knowing the language well, experiencing discrimination, and struggling academically. Despite these difficulties, she persevered, graduated high school early as valedictorian, and sought therapy to address her mental health needs. She discovered her love for psychology early on and found a supportive mentor in her professor at ASU. She excelled in her psychology courses, particularly enjoying research methods, which sparked her interest in psychological research. Her passion for the field is evident in her aspirations to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology and eventually open her own practice to serve underserved communities. Hiba's cultural background has influenced her career choices and educational journey. Initially, she felt pressure to pursue a more traditional career path like medicine, but she ultimately followed her passion for psychology despite cultural expectations. Her personal experiences as an immigrant and her struggles with mental health have shaped her career aspirations, motivating her to work towards culturally sensitive interventions and support systems. Her resilience, passion, and dedication to personal and professional growth make her a promising candidate for future success in the field of clinical psychology after earning her Master’s in Psychology from New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Note: Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Question: What was your moment when you realized what you wanted to major in?
Answer: In 2021, I underwent several changes regarding my major. I transitioned from community college to ASU and enrolled in my first junior-level research methods course. It was during this course that I discovered my passion for psychological research and found an incredible mentor in my professor. Engaging with her during office hours solidified my interest in pursuing this field long-term. Since then, I've been actively discussing graduate school and obtaining a PhD with my professors. That was the moment when I developed the love for writing research papers and conducting studies.
Q: What was your first major event?
A: When I first started community college, I was pre-med, mainly due to cultural expectations rather than personal interest. However, as I took psychology courses, I discovered my passion for the subject. Despite concerns about deviating from societal norms, I eventually pursued a general associate's degree to buy time. Conversations with my sister prompted me to reassess my goals, leading me to realize my desire to pursue psychology as a career. Despite cultural misconceptions about the field's viability, research and discussions with my sister helped me navigate my educational journey. Ultimately, I transferred to ASU and completed a BA in psychology, leveraging credits earned from my community college courses.
Q: What's something that you learned while in New College that surprised you or changed your perspective, whether in the classroom or outside of the classroom?
A: I was pleasantly surprised by the support I received at ASU, particularly after excelling in my research methods class and receiving invitations to join research labs within a month. It turned out that my professor, Dr. Kari Lloyd, had recommended me as one of her top students, which led to these opportunities. This experience was a departure from my previous efforts of reaching out for opportunities without knowing if I would receive responses. At ASU, I discovered a culture where professors and supervisors actively sought to help students succeed. This was evident in the personal relationships built within the intimate community, where professors went out of their way to assist students. Even in student jobs, supervisors were supportive, often recommending relevant opportunities and internships. In my role at the Fab building of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies, my supervisor regularly provided suggestions for internships and research opportunities aligned with my interests in working with underserved communities.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at New College and what was it?
A: I'm still in contact with Dr. Carrie Lloyd, who continues to provide guidance and support. During one conversation, I expressed stress about deciding my career path and felt pressured to choose a specific area of study. Dr. Lloyd reminded me that it's okay not to rush into decisions and that my interests and goals may evolve over time. She emphasized that my current research class is just the beginning, and as I take more courses, I'll gain a better understanding of my preferences. This advice was particularly valuable to me, as I tend to be impulsive and prone to overthinking. Dr. Lloyd's reassurance that it's normal for aspirations to change helped alleviate my concerns about committing to a single path prematurely.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you can give to somebody that's thinking of applying for college?
A: The best piece of advice I would offer is not to be afraid to fail. I used to be very afraid of failure, influenced by the idea of being a "gifted child" and feeling pressured to live up to that label. Consequently, I never allowed myself to fail, and when I did, it overwhelmed me. However, upon entering college, I learned that failure is a natural part of growth. It's essential to recognize that failure can be a valuable learning experience, often teaching us more than success ever could.
Q: What would you say to somebody that's considering a psychology degree? What would make a great candidate for a psychology degree?
A: My biggest advice to someone pursuing a psychology degree is to prioritize making connections. I've found this to be incredibly important. When applying for graduate school in psychology, letters of recommendation are highly emphasized. Additionally, establishing relationships with your professors can be advantageous. They may know individuals with similar interests and could recommend opportunities to collaborate or work together. Connecting with professors on a personal level can be more effective than simply reaching out to labs via email. Therefore, I believe it's crucial to actively engage with your professors, attend their office hours when possible, and nurture these connections. They can be instrumental in your academic and professional journey, particularly in graduate school.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I'm planning to apply for a doctoral program in psychology, primarily focusing on ASU due to my admiration for its clinical psychology program. I've established connections with potential future professors who align with my interests, and I'm drawn to the university's culture. My aspiration is to specialize in clinical or counseling psychology, aiming to provide therapeutic services to underserved communities, particularly the Middle Eastern community. Additionally, I aspire to mentor students, teach, conduct research, and contribute to academia. One of my goals is to develop culturally sensitive interventions, drawing from my own experiences as a member of the immigrant Middle Eastern community who struggled to connect with therapy due to a lack of tailored interventions. Given the recent influx of Middle Eastern immigrants, I'm passionate about addressing this gap in therapy and hope to contribute to this field in the future.
Q: Do you mind speaking a bit more on your own experience when moving here, and what that was like and how it's shaped who you want to become?
A: The experience of transitioning to a new country was daunting for me, transitioning from a survival mindset due to the intense war environment back home. Initially, my focus was solely on physical health and survival. However, upon arrival, I struggled to shake off the fight-or-flight response and faced the additional challenge of not knowing any English. Within three weeks, I found myself in a middle school without English language learner support, which compounded my difficulties. Moreover, discrimination from my homeroom teacher worsened my experience, leading to daily anxiety and tears at school. I felt lost, depressed, and incapable of meeting academic demands, resulting in expulsion from high school during my freshman year. Despite these challenges, my parents, recognizing the value of education, relentlessly supported me in finding alternative schooling options. Determined to overcome setbacks, I threw myself into my studies, completing the curriculum in two and a half years and graduating as valedictorian. At 18, I finally sought therapy, a concept unfamiliar in my culture but essential for my well-being. Initially hesitant, I persevered in finding the right therapist who understood my background and empowered me in my treatment journey.
Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years or more and how did New College help you get there?
A: I envision myself pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology and eventually opening my own practice to offer support to individuals facing similar challenges as mine, particularly underserved communities. Teaching at universities and mentoring students is another passion of mine, guiding them along a similar career path. Recently, I had a conversation with my mentor, Dr. Carrie O'Hara, who holds a clinical PhD. She highlighted the flexibility of a clinical PhD, balancing therapeutic services, teaching, and research. Her insights and support have been invaluable, providing opportunities to join her lab, assist in courses, and discuss my concerns. Interactions with mentors like Dr. O'Hara and Dr. Carrie Lloyd have been instrumental in clarifying my career path and understanding the process ahead.