Amiri Hutchison
Senior psychology major Amiri Hutchison aspires to shape the next generation by teaching healthy emotional responses through important work in pediatric therapy. As a student at Georgia State, she’s taken advantage of ample opportunities to grow her leadership skills, for which she’s received recognition. Below, she shares how Georgia State is supporting her dreams.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
Tell us about yourself and how you got to Georgia State.
I was born in a little town outside of Los Angeles called Bellflower and moved to South Fulton, Ga., when I was six weeks old. I always knew about Georgia State and would pass by campus on the weekends. I’m delighted I chose to stay here because of all the things I’ve accomplished.
As a psychology major, what is your plan post-graduation?
I plan to go into pediatric therapy. I want to work with kids and be able to help our community of children expand their minds early so they can feel comfortable talking about their feelings and not feel like they have to hold anything back
How is Georgia State helping you prepare for your future career?
Georgia State has helped with my leadership skills. There are so many things you can do and so many organizations you can get involved in, and you can find your place in each one. The Psychology Department is excellent, and the Africana Studies Department is amazing. My professors are just amazing. They push you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, and they tell you about opportunities on and off campus.
You’ve recently been recognized for your leadership. What honor did you receive and why?
I got a Royal Flame Award this week. I received the Recreational Services Ascension Award, which goes to students who demonstrate outstanding leadership at the Student Recreation Center. I’m the lead supervisor at the Rec Center. This role has helped mold me into the leader I am today. I started as a facility attendee and then worked my way up into Member Services, where I became the team lead, and then I became supervisor. They pushed me to do that. I became a supervisor, pushed myself a little bit more and became the lead supervisor.
What other student organizations have you been involved in?
I am part of the Residence Hall Association. We organize events for students living in University Housing, helping them network with their peers and encouraging them to have fun outside their dorm.
I am also the vice president of Project Flow. We help distribute feminine products to the residence halls weekly.
Tell us about your most memorable class.
It would probably be my Civic Engagement course with Lisa Shannon in Africana Studies. The course is a bit different because you aren’t just sitting down the whole semester. We spent part of the semester in class, and then went out in the community to get to know its needs. Of course, we were still getting graded and turning in reports, but it was at our own pace.
I went to the closest thing to me, and that was the Student Center. This also really helped me a lot with connections and involvement. I worked with the Multicultural Center and also with Leadership Programs. The class was more about seeing how you can help your community, and seeing how you can put your foot into doors and get the best out of it. I loved it.
What advice would you offer to high school seniors preparing for college?
Keep going and be consistent. If something isn’t for you, leave it where it is and keep going. Keep going in terms of classwork. College is hard and overwhelming at times but continue to persevere and show up for yourself.