Students of Alliant: Aurora Muñoz

By Kristina Lee, Spring 2009

Meet Aurora Muñoz--a moderated G2 clinical psychology student. Aurora is from the Bay Area and chose to attend the California School of Professional Psychology because of the opportunity to specialize in forensic psychology. Below, she offers some words of wisdom for future G2s.

Kristina: What has been the most challenging and what has been the most fun part of this year for you?
Aurora: Juggling work and school while still staying on top of dissertation work. The best part is learning a lot, although school is demanding, I know I am getting a lot out of it.

K: What about people saying it is impossible to read everything we are assigned? How do you decide what to read?
A: I think when you come to your second year you learn what is more important to read and not. Readings for the classes that are more intense, like psychodiagnostics and dissertation, will end up becoming your bulk of reading. I think that you end up learning to skim.

K: Any advice about managing classes with practicum and work (if you have a job)?
A: Find a job that allows for flexibility. If your going to juggle both, I would say go moderated and really make it a point to make time for self-care.

K: How do you practice self-care?
A: I've learned to do a lot of self-care. Spa stuff, exercising and allowing myself to take a whole day break from schoolwork when I can.

K: Lastly, any dissertation advice you wish someone had given you?
A: Start talking to faculty right away, rather than waiting for the matching process.