College Senior has her Mind Set on a Clinical Psychology Career

“I love how the mind works. Helping people with their mental health is important.” Thalia Gordon, CTK ’22 has known since her sophomore year in high school that psychology would be her college major, and her senior year AP psychology class reaffirmed her career choice. The now Illinois State University senior was not deterred when she learned that a BA in Psychology, which she expects to earn this spring, wouldn’t be enough. She is committed to pursuing the highest degree needed to fulfill her dream of becoming a therapist by getting her doctorate in clinical psychology.

Thalia’s interest in psychology originated in her early teens and was reinforced while at CTK in part due to the impact of the pandemic and her father’s cancer. She says, “The pandemic showed how important it is to take care of yourself physically & mentally. Taking care of your mental health takes a little more work and self-awareness.” Her favorite CTK class was AP Psychology taught by Mr. Jimmy Bajner. “He made it fun and interesting. It helped me to confirm it’s something I definitely wanted to pursue further.” Covid interrupted her CTK experience, with remote learning required much of her sophomore and junior years. Her father’s cancer also led to her family self-quarantining in a rural area with spotty internet service. The experience required her to stay positive and be adaptable. She also credits her CWSP assignments at RSM (senior year) and Insurance Auto Auctions (freshman year) with her growth professionally. The professional skills developed included building a strong work ethic and learning to speak to adults. “My CWSP work experience 100% helped me later in college, in speaking with my professors or at my job.” She also acknowledges CTK teachers Ms. Rita Gondocs, Mr. David Kim, and Mr. Max Clark for their passionate and engaging approach to teaching. She adds that “I’m glad I made the decision to go to CTK. It prepared me for college and my eventual career.”

Thalia became the first in her family to attend college when she enrolled at Illinois State University (ISU). She selected ISU based on its financial aid package, and location that was far enough away to allow for independence but close enough to return home when she needed family support. Part of her transition to college involved balancing the workload of classes while also creating a social life. She found it easier at CTK to make friends, due to interacting with the same people in a smaller environment. In college, she needed to put herself out there, and to be vulnerable to make connections outside of classes. She has grown to love the ISU community, and has met a lot of people from different backgrounds, resulting in several strong friendships. She says she has never been bored, as there is always something to do. Thalia has been involved in a variety of activities including serving as an admissions school tour guide, in the Mandarin club learning to speak the language and in a fashion & modeling club called “Strut”. Her busy schedule this semester includes 17 credit hours and 25-30 hours a week working as a front desk receptionist at a nearby hotel. In her “free” time, Thalia likes going to the gym as a stress reducer, with a goal of becoming a certified Pilates instructor. She also carves out time to spend with friends, and her new long-haired chihuahua puppy, Luna.

She entered ISU as a psychology major, and has stayed the course. Now in her senior year, she has enjoyed her psychology elective classes including a current personality course. She is also taking part in a research apprenticeship with an ISU professor, Dr. Caitlin Mercier.  She assists the professor in conducting studies on the perceptions of Black women in society.  Their exploration delves into political status, beauty, and stigmatization of Persons of Color (POC) with a focus on Black women. She is gaining hands-on experience in conducting research, data collection, and coding.  Although not paid, she receives college credit and it serves as her capstone, required for graduation. She is looking forward to delivering two presentations on their findings as part of an April research symposium.

Thalia is devoting much of her time over the next few months to investigating and applying to Clinical Psychology doctorate programs, referred to as PsyD. These therapy-based programs are for students like Thalia who are less interested in conducting ongoing psychological research and more interested in providing psychological services to patients and the public. Her plan is to enter into a graduate program next fall, and devoting 4- or 5-years towards her doctorate. The first few years are spent primarily in classroom/academic work, shifting eventually to more hands-on field work observing or participating in therapy sessions. She will be gaining relevant experience, and potentially earn a stipend working as a Graduate Assistant for a professor. She plans to apply to programs throughout the country, with her eventual choice strongly influenced by financial aid funding.  Her applications will be submitted beginning in November, with acceptance decisions expected in early 2026.

Once Thalia (Dr. Gordon at that point) completes her doctorate, her goal would be to initially work in a hospital setting for a few years. Eventually, she has her sights set on working in a private practice or even creating her own practice. She would love to work with POC women, focusing on relationships and family counseling/therapy. “When it comes to therapy there’s a lot of focus on self/individuals.  From personal experience, I think family relationships also impact relationships with self. I would like to conduct therapy that helps heal individuals internally, but also externally with their social/romantic/family relationships.” She also wants to help overcome the stigma or sense of “privilege” attached to seeking mental help within the POC community. She envisions a life of traveling & working to help people, ideally back in the city she loves, Chicago.