Student Spotlight
By Tiarra Vaniese Currie, senior psychology major with a triple minor in child and family studies, early childhood, and sociology
I am passionate about giving back. I surrounded my major and career path around helping young people. I really want to help as many kids as I can because I believe if issues are addressed at a young age they can eliminate problems later in life. I hope to some day become a motivational speaker and mentor, so that my story can help pave the way for younger generations.
Many people don’t know I chose Syracuse University as an early decision. I had put all my hope into getting into Syracuse. I picked this institution because it had great balance for me. Its about six hours from home, so I have enough distance to learn for myself and grow without the dependence on family. Most importantly, Syracuse has great resources, a diverse community, and a wonderful reputation for alumni. When I came to visit I felt at home.
Coming to Syracuse has been the best decision I have ever made. Thanks to Syracuse University, I have grown into the woman I know I am supposed to be. I am a psychology major with a triple minor in child and family studies, early childhood, and sociology. I chose this path because each concentration compliments one another in furthering my understanding of children and how they are affected sociologically and psychologically, as well as through many other stages in their life.
My experience at Syracuse has been wonderful to say the least. I not only strengthened myself academically, but I also learned essential life skills. I have made great friends that will stay in my life forever and met great mentors who are always there to give me advice, and provide inspiration and motivation.
Syracuse Univeristy believed in me before I believed completely in myself. Professors have always been encouraging me and complimenting me on my intellectual capabilities. I was blessed to have the opportunity to go to Paris in the summer of 2011 and that completely changed my life. I am forever grateful for the privilege of a Syracuse University education and I share it everyday.
Student Centers and Programming Services has been a great resource for me and the student organizations I am involved with on campus. Without SCPS, we wouldn’t be able to have our meetings and hold events. SCPS is always pleasant with their service and timely with their email correspondence. I didn’t really understand the importance of SCPS until I reflected on how they have been an important factor surrounding the flow of my organization’s work.
In the future I want to be a child and adolescent clinical psychologist. I want to eventually extend my talents to be an entrepreneur and open a business that helps young girls find beauty in their own stories, struggles and triumphs.
Five things on my Wish List:
1. To give my grandmother everything she deserves to be happy and have a peaceful, stress-free life.
2. To start a foundation that impacts young girls all over the world by gaining confidence and self-esteem through telling their story.
3. To travel the world because it really is a humbling and life changing experience.
4. To go into my own private practice in child clinical psychology.
5. To leave my footprint in the world, so people know whom I am and what I did to strive towards everything I believed in.
Tiarra was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and is one of five children. She is the president of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, as well as president of the Psi Chi National Honor Society for Psychology. Tiarra serves on the executive board for Fashion’s Conscience. She was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Golden Key International Honour Society during her sophomore year, and is part of the Renee Crown Honors Program as well as the Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program.
