However, she soon found her footing in the research labs, classrooms, and community spaces that fueled her transformation.
“I never really thought about college growing up, and now I’m reluctant to leave,” she said. “I met a great support system here that I plan on taking with me. I got to do independent research with Dr. Scott, who is an incredible mentor of mine. I am presenting at URSCA with my co-author. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and submitted to The Greenleaf Review and have had some of my work in the journal for the last two years.”
Davis’ presentation at Whittier’s Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity conference was a capstone moment in her college journey that she never expected. A psychology major with a concentration in research, she has distinguished herself as secretary of the Psi Chi Honor Society and as a peer mentor and TA. When she is not busy working at the career center as a data and employer analysis intern, Davis enjoys reality television and spending time with her pup, Apollo.
We asked her a few questions about her experience as a Poet and her plans for the future.
What’s next for you after graduation? Lots and lots of rest. Then lots and lots of work. I hope to take a few years off before I continue my education and passion for research in grad school.
What’s a fun fact about you? I have an American bulldog named Apollo (after Apollo Creed). He is the best and sweetest baby.
What’s your favorite Whittier memory? Meeting the friends and faculty I will cherish for a lifetime.
What was your favorite class at Whittier? It's between my forensic psychology course with my advisor, Professor Kaatz, or Research Methods with Dr. Scott. Forensic psychology really let my true-crime girly self have fun in the classroom setting, and work with a much-loved professor of mine. Research Methods helped me realize what I wanted to do. Dr. Scott was also a big part of how impactful that class was. She really helped me come into myself and have faith in my strengths.
What’s your favorite spot on campus? It's another toss-up between the study rooms in the library for a quick, panicked study session or a place to relax and the Career Center. Since I started working there last year, it quickly became another safe space.
If you could give your first-year self some advice, what would it be? Take your time. I stressed out a lot about not being on the same timeline as my friends and peers. Now I'm more settled in who I became with that extra time. Everything will work out. You will meet the best people. Time is on your side, and you have enough of it to stop and take a break every once in a while.
As we count down toward Commencement, Whittier College is highlighting seniors with something to say. Check back every Friday for the latest installment in this series.
