PSYCHOLOGY ALUMNI
Spotlight
Lauren Hiett '23 and Jared Meyer '23
June 2024
Meet Lauren Hiett and Jared Meyer – the two met as sophomores while studying Psychology and taking PSY396C, a graduate school prep course offered to Psychology undergraduates. When nearing the end of the semester, Professor Christy Ball assigned groups for the course's final project. Lauren and Jared happened to be placed in the same group, leading them to spend many days together working on the project outside of class, meeting at the student union, library, etc. At the end of the course, they presented their project together, then kept in touch as friends.
Over the next year and a half they continued to see each other around campus, and mid-way through senior year Jared asked Lauren out on their first date. As they say, the rest is history! Lauren said: "We simply knew, and now we are happy to share that we're planning our wedding! (Thank you, Christy Ball!)"
In addition to their love for each other, both Lauren and Jared now have a second passion in the work they each do in Special Education. Learn more about the couple, their careers, and why they chose to study Psychology in our June Alumni Spotlight:
Lauren Hiett '23
Current job title/position: Inclusion Specialist & Case Manager
Hometown: Windsor, Colorado
Current town: Tucson, AZ
Degree(s) from UA: B.A. Psychology with Minor in Public Relations, M.A. Special Education with Emphasis in Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in Psychology?
I initially started college at UA as a Film & Television major. I realized throughout my freshman year that filmmaking is more of a hobby than a career for me, so I switched to Psychology. I pursued Psychology because I love learning about the unique ways people think, develop, feel, and make decisions. During my Psychology courses is when I first learned about cognitive and developmental disabilities, which lead me to eventually land the career I have today!
Reflecting on your time at the UA and Psychology, what things or memories stand out?
The first memory that pops into my head is the day I met Jared in our PSY396C course! I also remember all of the great friends I made, who are from all over the country and from many different walks of life. One of my favorite experiences from UA was being a Peer Mentor in Project FOCUS. Project FOCUS is an internship program at UA where Peer Mentors support students with intellectual/developmental disabilities to have a fully included college experience!
Tell us about your current job:
I am a Special Education teacher in Vail, AZ. I support students with disabilities ranging from moderate to severe. I love my job; every day is extremely rewarding and filled with fun! I have endless stories and memories. My favorite class to teach is Functional Art, my students make fun and unique crafts/projects each week, and the students love displaying their work!
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing an education or career in Psychology?
My advice is to be open-minded towards trying new experiences in the field (internships/jobs/volunteer work) and taking courses that you wouldn't usually pick. Get out of your comfort zone! The field of psychology has so many avenues to take, and college is the perfect place to explore as many of them as you can! For example, participating in Project FOCUS was an opportunity I wouldn't have typically chosen, but I decided to try it and it ended up changing my entire future and leading me to the job I love today!
Jared Meyer '23
Current job title/position: Special Education Teacher
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Current town: Tucson, AZ
Degree(s) from UA: B.A. Psychology with Minor in Family Studies & Human Development
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in Psychology?
I didn’t like my current major, so I switched to Psychology because of my past experiences: I had therapists growing up who changed my life, and it truly made me who I am today. My goal is to become a School Psychologist down the road, to be able to help youth be successful. I didn’t have the best experience in schools growing up myself, and I want to be able to positively impact others the way I was impacted.
Reflecting on your time at the UA and Psychology, what things or memories stand out?
I really appreciate the professors I had, and the guidance that I got from them. They helped me create the path I'm on today. I also really enjoyed meeting so many unique and interesting people in my psychology courses. And of course, I loved meeting my fiance!!
Tell us about your current job:
I am a Special Education Teacher at BASIS Public Charter. I do lots of pull-out sessions with students and resource support. I work with many different types of behaviors, which my psychology background has really helped me with. I also work with lots of disabilities that I learned about during my psychology courses, which has been extremely rewarding.
Are you a Psychology Alum? Share your story with us!
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