Trista Mayo 
Degree: BS, human development and community engagement, with a concentration in human services 
College: College of Education and Human Development 
Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania

Why I chose Temple: “I originally came to Temple in 2018 and double majored in music education and vocal performance. I did two years of that, but it wasn’t my calling. Then COVID-19 happened. I didn’t want to be a music major online, so I took a break from school and explored other interests. 

“I volunteered in Kensington, which is a neighborhood in Philadelphia that deserves more support. I decided to move there to serve and become part of the community and see what I could learn. The whole world was shut down, which also meant a lot of organizations serving people were shut down. I figured why not use this time when the world was standing still to help others. I signed a three-month contract to live and work at a soup kitchen, and I ended up staying two years because I loved it. Those two years inspired me to come back to school and focus on psychology. I talked to so many different professors and guidance counselors who led me to change majors to human development and community engagement. We figured out that I’d take an overload of classes while working full time and transfer some of my music credits so that I could complete the four-year program in two years.

“My current cohort is small and includes several adult learners. It’s been so cool to have such real-world experience in the classroom. It speaks to the level of diversity at Temple, and it’s great that the university has such a wide range of people.”

Internships and extracurriculars: “I've had two internships during my last semester. As part of my program, I’ve interned with the Community Grocer, doing public relations and helping write grants for them and other organizations they’ve worked with. I’ve also interned with Philadelphia Youth Sports Collective, coaching strength and conditioning for children’s basketball teams in North Philadelphia.

“I found out I could extend my DI eligibility even as a 25-year-old, so I joined the women’s rowing team, and I’ve had the time of my life. We won gold at the Kerr Cup and bronze at the Knecht Cup Regatta. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and to my team and Coach Noah Legendre. I’ve learned a lot about myself as an athlete and a coach.

“Outside of Temple, I’m a CrossFit coach, and I privately coach power lifting and strength and conditioning.”

Transformative Temple moment: “Deciding to go to graduate school was a big step for me. I had a class in which we presented a graduate-school level project at the annual School Psychology, Counseling Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis Conference. Associate Professor of Practice Jessica Reinhardt, who taught the course, told me, ‘I think grad school is for you.’ I never thought about it, but for someone to tell me that and for me to believe it and feel that encouragement lit a fire in me. I’ve been so inspired by a lot of my professors and others in the College of Education and Human Development, including Shana Levi-Nielsen, Kelly McGinn, Jill Swavely and Shani Beaufort, who’ve gone above and beyond and made my time here special.” 

What’s next: “I’m starting graduate school in the fall at Temple in the counseling psychology master’s program. I’m hoping to work with nonprofits in Philadelphia to provide therapy for those who need it the most but don’t have access, particularly those struggling with addiction. My time in Kensington made a special place in my heart for that community. They’re a wonderful, overlooked group of people. I want my future career to be founded on the principles of community and advocacy.”