| Bastyr University » Academic Degree Programs » Interviews » Student Interview | May 12, 2008 |
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Interview with Psychology Student Annika Mannikko
Stephen Parcell: How did you learn about to Bastyr? Annika Mannikko: I heard about the school from two students about four years ago. About one and one-half years later I drove by the school (the current location) and decided to pick up a catalog and tour the campus. Within a month I received the pamphlet about the new psychology program with a health concentration, and decided this specific program was the perfect choice for my own personal philosophies in the field of psychology. SP: How long have you been in the US? AM: I have been in the United States for about six years, which began with my initially coming over to work as an au pair to improve my English. The following year I decided to apply for student status and became an international student at a local community college. After receiving my associate’s degree, I decided to travel around the United States and then went back to Finland to spend time with my family. Last September I returned here again to prepare for my new life at Bastyr. SP: How long have you been studying English? AM: I have studied English since the 3rd grade, and have also studied Swedish, German, French and Spanish. SP: What do you like best about the program you are in at Bastyr? AM: The classes are small, so there is a lot of interaction between the professors and the students. The program emphasizes developing research skills, which will be a great asset no matter where I choose to earn my Ph.D. This program focuses on the task of combining body, mind and spirit - which isn't the approach in the other psychology programs in this area. The most important thing is that the students and the staff are generous with their knowledge and time and are more than willing to help. We are all on a similar intellectual level and think alike. Guest speakers visit our classes several times per quarter, which brings more of the practical, real-life perspective to my studies. There are several lectures throughout the quarter for all students at Bastyr. Last quarter I was able to take a weekend credited class from Caroline Myss. SP: What do you plan to do when you graduate? AM: I am planning to continue my studies in the field of psychology. My desire is to work with the elderly and to help them to achieve and to maintain the quality of life they deserve. SP: Tell us about your research assistant position at Fred Hutchinson. AM: Dr. Deborah Bowen and her research team have conducted projects which have focused on the determinants and effects of changing behaviors both on the individual and community levels (for example, dietary patterns, coping with a risk of disease and, more specifically, breast cancer). I have entered and cleaned data (to check for data entry errors) and have helped to prepare packages, which are mailed to subjects and helped with other tasks when necessary. The research assistant position has exposed me to psychological research. The in-class material on research makes more sense to me because I have seen it in real life. Dr. Bowen and her research team are all dedicated to the projects they are working on. I am glad to be part of the team and I plan to continue as a research assistant until I graduate. 
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