I chose the field of community psychology because of its orientation to social justice values. Before entering my program, I was a general psychology master's level researcher in the field working directly with at-risk, school age children by delivering evidence-based programs to foster their reading development. Here, I experienced challenges in knowing that we would simply leave these children after having received the evidence needed to support our program. I did not think the research left enough to support these children in the long-run. I also worked as a technician at a psychological clinic, where I felt remorse for not having served populations with the highest needs: children in underserved areas, and communities of color with limited resources. During this time, I began to dislike the field of psychology, and explored several other disciplines, such as sociology, looking for something that was more meaningful and community-oriented to those in need.

During this time, I found a book at a thrift store from Seymour Sarason, one of the founders of community psychology in the U.S. context. The book was called The Psychological Sense of Community. One excerpt from this book had changed my perspective on research completely--

"Whatever the depth of understanding sought or the scope of the intervention undertaken, [the community psychologist] confronts these in community settings problems which reflect in varying degrees the dilemmas of change as they are determined by implicit and explicit traditions, existing practices, and the relation of the setting to the wider community. In their effort to produce and study change, they heighten the conflict between the old and new, between the security of tradition and the ambiguity of innovation, between the pull of the past and the push of the present."

In this book, Sarason emphasizes the role of social action in a variety of spaces extending beyond traditional academic settings. Upon reading the book, I looked further into the field of community psychology, found the national association (Society for Community Research and Action, Div 27), and began applying to doctoral programs across the U.S.

Many of my experiences and most salient identities have influenced my contribution to the field. My academic experience has forced me to research partnerships that extend beyond academic boundaries into community-based efforts that drive social impact more broadly, such as those seen in Flint. My experiences as a woman of color and underrepresented minority student have forced me to be active in student organizations, leadership meetings, and voice challenges that remain inherent in the field as a structure. The more I continue to grow as a professional and activist, the more reified my identity as a community psychologist.