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In the Spotlight: Jessica Lawson ’09

Jess Lawson, MS, LPC ’09, majored in psychology with elementary education certification while at Lycoming College. Today, she is a licensed professional counselor with Community Services Group, where she works with school-aged students. During her time at Lycoming, Jess was deeply involved in Greek life and credits her experience in Alpha Rho Omega with helping her develop leadership skills she continues to apply in her career.

You were a psychology major at Lycoming. What are you up to these days? 

I am working full time as a school based outpatient therapist at Montgomery and Warrior Run School Districts. It has been nice to use both my psychology and education degrees to help navigate the school system and the different concerns students may be facing at school. When I am not at work, you can find me crocheting and running.

What advice would you give your students when thinking about their post-high school plans? 

It can be helpful to research the different areas that you are interested and skilled in and find a career or area of work that you will enjoy doing. Think outside of the box — some degrees have a variety of job areas that you can go with. And it is okay to not know what you want to do right away; there are options to take a year off, work and save up for college, or take some general education or elective courses to see what you like!

Talk a little bit about your involvement with the College as an alumna. What are your favorite ways to stay engaged? 

I love staying up to date on what activities are available for alumni, as well as different events going on at campus. I always try to attend Homecoming and Alumni & Reunion Weekend events, as this is a great way to see friends from College who live far away. My sisterhood also tries to stay in touch on a regular basis, with virtual game nights and crafty nights.

You are a sister of Alpha Rho Omega. What role did Greek life play in your life while at Lycoming, and now as an alumna? 

Greek life really brought me out of my shell and made me more willing to try new things! I feel like I gained valuable leadership skills through positions I held within Alpha Rho Omega and during my time as panhellenic president. Now that I am an alumna, I use those skills as a supervisor for other therapists. Greek life also taught me networking skills both during and after college, which I use to connect with others in my field and in the school district.

What was your best moment at Lycoming College? 

My best moment was joining Alpha Rho Omega. The friendships that I made through my sisterhood have continued throughout the years, and I am so grateful for the amazing friend group that came out of Greek life.

 

In the Spotlight recognizes members of our alumni community who are doing great things that have been influenced by their time at Lycoming College. Alumni Spotlight submissions are used at the discretion of the College and may be included in the monthly eNews as space and time permit. To participate, submit an Alumni Spotlight questionnaire.