Posted on April 25, 2025 by Amanda Cerreto
Vanessa Kountakis is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She plans to pursue a master's degree in psychology from UTSA.
What made you decide to attend UTSA?
I chose to attend UTSA because it offered the perfect balance of being close to home while also giving me the opportunity to experience life in a new city. I was excited to grow both academically and personally in a dynamic and diverse environment like San Antonio.
What made you choose your major?
Since high school, I’ve always been interested in psychology with the goal of becoming a therapist. Helping others has always felt meaningful to me, and psychology stood out as the perfect path to turn that passion into a career. I never felt any interest toward any other field so psychology just felt like the right fit from the start.
What has been your favorite experience at UTSA?
One of my favorite experiences at UTSA was working as a Peer Mentor for the First-Year Experience program. It allowed me to connect with so many amazing people while supporting new students during their transition to college life. My campus involvement made me feel more connected to UTSA and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
How did your degree shape your future goals?
My degree completely reshaped my future goals. While I originally planned to pursue a more traditional path in psychology, getting involved in several research labs opened my eyes to the world of academic research. Those experiences sparked my passion for research, and ultimately inspired me to pursue a research-focused career
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in college?
The accomplishment I’m most proud of from my time in college is becoming a Lab Manager. Just a year ago, I was actively seeking opportunities to join a research lab, and now I’m working closely with an incredible professor. It’s been a rewarding journey that reflects how much I’ve grown academically and professionally.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your college years, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced during college was coming to terms with the realization that it's okay to outgrow goals you once felt strongly about. My first internship was in a counseling setting, and while I had always imagined myself becoming a therapist, the experience helped me understand that path wasn’t the right fit for me. It was difficult to let go of a long-held goal, but ultimately, it opened the door for me to explore other areas of psychology.
If you could give advice to incoming students, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and seek opportunities! Especially if you're interested in research. Reach out to professors, even if it means sending a cold email. Some of the best experiences in college come from taking initiative and stepping outside your comfort zone. The more you engage, the more you'll grow personally, academically, and professionally
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I plan to stay at UTSA to pursue my master’s in psychology. I’m excited to continue conducting research alongside my incredible faculty mentor and to keep building the skills I need for a future in psychological research.
— Amanda Cerreto
