Selena Mayhall:  Finding Her Path Through Psychology and Perseverance

MEET Selena Mayhall ‘23
EARNED: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) ‘23

A native Delawarean, Salena Mayhall graduated from Caesar Rodney High School and pursued a college education at West Virginia University, then came back home and enrolled at the University of Delaware to complete her undergraduate degree.

Originally, Mayhall wanted to become an endocrinologist and enrolled in immunology and medical microbiology. She soon realized the chemistry portion of the studies just wasn’t for her, so she did what any other student would do – she switched her major.

Always fascinated by psychology, it was an easy choice. But she was also homesick. That’s why she transferred back to Delaware to finish her degree. In 2021, she graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies.

Mayhall has always leaned toward the idea of applying knowledge, and that’s part of what made Goldey-Beacom an easy choice for the MACP. “I’m not a person who likes conducting the research. I like applying it,” said Mayhall. And with her warm and caring personality and beautiful, welcoming smile, it makes sense that she currently works in a hands-on, clinical environment.

Affordability was also a consideration for her to enroll. “College was always something that my parents wanted for my sisters and me. I’m the youngest, but I’m the first child to complete an undergraduate degree as well as to pursue a master’s degree,” said Mayhall. “When I came to Goldey-Beacom, I wasn’t expecting to get a scholarship, but I truly needed it. I was very thankful. It meant less assistance on the loan I had to take, so it made it much easier to afford college.”

At first, Mayhall was surprised by the campus atmosphere. “At my previous colleges, there were so many buildings. Coming to such a small campus made me feel closer to my peers,” she said. “I enjoyed the smaller classes because my relationships with the professors felt so much closer. It helped me to build a good rapport.”

Mayhall advises anyone who wants to enroll in the MACP to go at their own pace. “It’s not a race,” she said. “At first, I felt like I had to do everything. But last fall, I needed a mental break, so in my second semester, I didn’t take any classes during the first seven weeks. If you need a break, take it. It will all be there when you come back.”

“And second, listen to your professors,” she added. “Some professors will give you their phone number in case there’s a question or an emergency. It makes the relationship between the professors and students better because we know we can rely on them for information or if we just need help in general.”

Mayhall has been attending classes by zoom as well as in person and graduated in May 2023. She is currently serving practicum hours toward licensure at the Center for Balanced Living.

Photo credit: Salena Mayhall ‘23