Student Spotlight
Virginia Pederson
Spring 2025 Graduate
Health Psychology
Thanks to the recommendation of a friend and a conversation with a professor, Virginia Pederson knew the RELLIS Academic Alliance was meant for her. Now, she is a promising Senior set to graduate Spring 2025 from the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Health Psychology program.
Interested in a career focused on helping people, Virginia became curious about Psychology, and she decided to check out RELLIS as an option. She attended an info session where she met Dr. Celeste Riley, professor of psychology with Texas A&M University-Kingsville. After learning about the program from Dr. Riley, Virginia knew that RELLIS was the place for her.
“[Dr. Riley] was excited about the program, and I loved the way she talked about the RELLIS community,” said Virginia. “There was something special about RELLIS and the Health Psychology program that gave me total confidence that this was exactly where I wanted to be.”
Although she was a non-traditional student, Virginia felt welcomed and accepted from the get-go. With a vibrant community of fellow students and helpful professors, Virginia quickly found that her estimation of RELLIS was correct.
“I was older when I came back to school, and I was nervous about the age difference between myself and my peers. It was such a relief to see people of different ages and from all walks of life attending classes,” she said. “These strangers became the friends that would walk with me through the next two years of challenges. I didn’t come to RELLIS expecting to make friends, but I am leaving knowing that I have met people I will be close with for life.”
Although her academic journey has not been without challenges, Virginia gives credit to her professors for helping her through struggles with anxiety and self-confidence.
“The support provided by my professors helped me immensely as I struggled with anxiety,” she said. “They encouraged me to keep pushing and helped me access the help I needed through resources provided by the campus. When I felt like giving up on myself, they were there to support me in ways they might not even be aware of.”
In particular, Virginia pointed out her Professor, Dr. Celeste Riley, as being especially helpful through her academic journey.
“I have to thank Dr. Riley. I will never forget her encouraging me to stay open to the idea of doing something different than what I ‘knew’ I wanted. It’s because of her that I shifted gears and began heading in a direction toward a career that makes my heart feel completely full. She also taught me the most important thing to have in life: balance.”
Dr. Riley, having nominated Virginia for a student spotlight, spoke highly of Virginia and her representation of RELLIS’ values.
“Virginia asks for help or consultation when needed, remaining mindful of knowledge gaps and demonstrating willingness to grow,” she said. “Further, she sought growth while at RELLIS, intentionally pursuing endeavors that were beyond her comfort zone. I believe she surprised herself with the level of scholarship attained.”
Virginia also thanked her husband for his role in her life.
“I of course want to thank my amazing husband for being by my side throughout my academic journey. His patience and compassion helped me through many times when I felt defeated,” she said.
All told, Virginia highly recommends attending RELLIS.
“If I could tell potential RELLIS students any one thing it would be that RELLIS has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am so grateful for the incredible education I have received, the friendships I have made and growth I have experienced over the last few years.”
Virginia plans on applying to graduate programs to pursue a master’s degree in social work.
