Student Spotlight: Divya Andrews

Meet Divya from Worcester, MA. She recently graduated with a BS in Psychology. Growing up as a child of Indian immigrants, the notion that education was the key to socioeconomic mobility was ingrained in her from a young age. “My parents' daily struggles due to a lack of language knowledge or certifications served as a constant reminder of the importance of education in breaking barriers and achieving success,” recalls Divya. 

Divya embarked on her academic journey through this lens, but it wasn't until her time at UMass Amherst that she began to realize the true power of education: “Immersed in the vibrant academic community of UMass Amherst, I discovered that education was more than just a means to an end,” Divya reflected. “It was a transformative journey that could expand my worldview and empower me to make a genuine difference in the world.” 

This impact is being shaped by her chosen major, Psychology, which allowed her to explore the human mind and behavior. One of her favorite classes was Abnormal Psychology, taught by Richard Halgin, due to “his dynamic teaching style and passion for the subject, [which] brought the complexities of psychological disorders to life.” 

With Abnormal Psychology and other courses in mind, Divya chose to attend the College of Natural Sciences for “its interdisciplinary approach and diverse curriculum,” which provided her with a well-rounded education essential for pursuing a career in healthcare. 

When not in class, Divya had several jobs and extracurricular roles. She spent three years working as a lab assistant at the UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory and also served as a peer advisor. Divya was the university relations chair for the UMass Dance Marathon, the largest fundraising club on campus. In her final year on campus, the UMass Dance Marathon achieved a significant milestone by raising nearly $60,000 for Baystate Children's Hospital in Springfield, MA. She was also a member of the Club Pre-Physician Assistant (Club PPA), where she engaged in activities and discussions related to her career aspirations in healthcare. 

Looking forward, Divya is committed to honoring her parents' support by using her education to make a positive impact on the world around her. Since graduation, she has worked as a scholar in the William James College Behavioral Health Service Corps and plans to pursue a doctorate in Psychology.