Roselynne Njau has an interest in learning why humans do what they do, and she wants to explore this with her career.

“I hope to produce exciting research through niche conversations and communities I want to engage in,” she said. “There is a lack of resources for the African and African American communities regarding mental health, and I want to bring forth research to help these people navigate their mental health.”

Because she didn’t want to graduate from college with much debt, Njau saw College of DuPage as an affordable option to accomplish her goal. She then embarked on an education that provided many opportunities, including the chance to become the first COD student to participate in the American Psychiatric Association Future Leaders in Psychiatry Program (FLIPP).

Networking with my professors and faculty helped me be in rooms that exposed me to where my interests align.

Roselynne Njau

Njau was amazed at the resources offered through FLIPP, including mentorship, MCAT resources and meetings with psychiatrists who spoke on a range of topics.

“I was able to attend the APA annual meeting that was held in New York, where I interacted with psychiatrists and medical students and learned how psychiatry pours into many interests,” she said. “Some exciting guests, such as Anderson Cooper and Bryan Stevenson, talked about the importance of psychiatry. They had insightful conversations about continuing positive change whilst pursuing psychiatry.

“I was also part of the FLIPP Academy held in Los Angeles, where we were able to tour medical schools like UCLA. We talked with people in residency and current psychiatrists as they extended their advice on what to expect and ways to prepare when pursuing medical school and becoming a psychiatrist.”

While at COD, Njau served as an orientation leader and a peer mentor, participated in an independent study project about the minority student experience navigating predominately white institutions, and was recognized for her achievements as an Honors Program student during the annual Celebration of Academic Excellence. She also was selected to be part of a student group that met with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker about how to help community college students transfer more easily to four-year institutions.

Now at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Njau is participating in a study abroad opportunity to Costa Rica and was an intern at W. Clement and Jessie Stone Foundation.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology and maximizing her college experience, she wants a career where she can make changes in positive ways.

“I think it’s important for every career profession to embrace diverse thinking, and I hope to bring this into my profession with my educational and personal experiences.”

Njau is happy that COD helped her with both academic and career goals through the many opportunities she found.

“Networking with my professors and faculty helped me be in rooms that exposed me to where my interests align,” she said. “Many professors at COD have the best interest of their students in mind, and they helped me reach my educational goals with their support and guidance.

“The advice I would give to students considering COD is to use the multiple resources and participate in clubs and organizations. It helps tremendously to have the best experience as a student. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, you never know what could happen! And don’t hesitate to build personal relationships with your professors.”

Learn more about the Psychology program at College of DuPage