Kateri Milanesa, B.A. ’19
Kateri Milanesa ’19 majored in Psychology and Communication at LMU. She chose LMU not only for the beautiful campus but also for its values such as service and social justice. When she toured LMU she immediately felt at home. She has met some of the kindest and most genuine people at LMU.
Kateri didn’t immediately start out as a psychology major but was always fascinated with the mind and why people do the things they do. In her freshman year, she took an introductory psychology class and enjoyed it so much she began to realize how beneficial psychology and the study of human development could assist her in becoming an elementary school teacher.
Kateri found cognitive psychology to be her favorite area of study. She also enjoyed learning about how environments can affect someone’s behavior. Her favorite course was her Capstone class, Psychology of Diversity taught by Professor Ghavami. It was a very small discussion-based class, so Kateri found it interesting to hear everyone’s point of view and getting to present on interesting topics. Oftentimes the lectures and discussions allowed her to reflect on her own bi-ethnic family. She did her final research paper on interracial/interethnic couples. She attempted to answer the question, “how do interracial/interethnic relationships affect one’s outlook on life through various experiences in the relationship, as well as how outside sources have an effect?” Because it was something close to her heart, she found it to be an exciting topic to research. This class was also very beneficial for her as a future educator to learn how social factors can affect how an individual thinks, feels, and acts.
At LMU, Kateri immersed herself in opportunities that she thought would benefit her in her goal of becoming an educator. She was a part of the Gryphon Circle Service Organization which has education as its main focus. Through this organization, she was able to volunteer weekly at an elementary school. She also studied abroad in London, England for the Fall semester of her Junior year and found it to be an amazing experience. She was able to complete an internship in London which was at a theater and film school for children, which was one of the most diverse and amazing experiences she has had.
Kateri is currently in a Master’s program at California Lutheran University to receive her teaching credential and Master’s in educational leadership. She chose this career at a very young age but dismissed it when she first arrived at college. However, she realized at the end of her first year that she wanted to inspire learning and champion young children to succeed in whatever goals they have, which is why teaching is for her. Her ultimate career goal is to be in some sort of leadership position within education where she can make a difference that will benefit students.