Gabby Beltran

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I had the opportunity to play basketball while furthering my education on a beautiful campus, so it was a no-brainer. I instantly connected with my teammates and was amazed by all the psychology courses offered. Another big reason was the smaller class sizes, which allowed me to build real relationships with my professors and gave me the confidence to participate in class. Many of the professors genuinely care about their students’ learning, and that really stood out to me.

What have you been doing since graduation?

After graduation, I went straight into grad school to pursue my master’s in clinical psychology. I had a strong desire to become a therapist, so I moved to Los Angeles to attend Pepperdine University. I recently graduated and have applied for my associate number so I can begin accruing hours toward licensure. I’ve continued building L&C’s Mental Health Validation Program (MVP) on the side as much as I can, though my amazing cofounder, Gina Parisi, has been doing most of the heavy lifting. I’ve also kept my passion for basketball alive and I play in a league where we’ve been back-to-back champions! Honestly, that’s been one of my best forms of self-care.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for graduate school?

It was the best feeling walking into graduate school already feeling prepared for what was ahead. The psychology program at L&C was extensive and gave me all the tools I needed to thrive. I’m really grateful to all my professors who took the time and put in the effort to help us learn. On top of that, being a student-athlete meant learning to juggle multiple responsibilities—I was a full-time student, working a job, and managing a practicum site to earn hours. That experience helped me tremendously when it came time to move to a new city and start grad school.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

One of the most important things I learned was how to be authentic. At L&C, I realized that everyone can truly live their authentic lives. I grew up in a small city that felt like a bubble, so it was eye-opening but also incredibly refreshing to be in an environment where people felt safe being themselves. That’s something I’ll always appreciate.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

I stay connected through my MVP program for student-athletes and through the Women’s Basketball program. Every year, there’s an alumni game, and it’s the perfect chance to go back, visit L&C, see my old teammates, and support the current team. I always look forward to reconnecting and having the best time ever with my teammates!

What was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge?

My favorite class was Cognitive Psychology with Erik Nilsen. I’ll never forget it! It really opened my mind to understanding why we are the way we are and confirmed my desire to go to grad school. Erik blended interactive activities and lab work with his lectures, which helped me grasp the material in a hands-on way. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help. I remember during one lab, he went around to each student individually to guide us through creating data tables and p-values, even after showing it on the board. His exams were tough, but they really made you think and problem-solve. He’s full of light and truly an amazing professor.

Psychology Health Studies