Senior to Senior Series: Tara Neikirk
Hello! My name is Eliza Moore, and I am a member of the Class of 2023 at Chatham University. For the person showcased in this interview, I have had the honor of being her co-worker, classmate, and most importantly, her friend. When it comes to Tara Neikirk, she puts her all into everything she does and stay humble through it all. I couldn’t be more excited (and proud!) to shine a light on her amazing accomplishments during her time at Chatham!
Name: Tara Neikirk (she/her)
Majors & minors: Psychology, Women and Gender Studies with Criminology and Social Work minors
Hometown: Lititz, PA
What led you to choose Chatham?
I chose Chatham because I really wanted to go to a school in the city, but I didn’t want to go to a big school where I was just another number on the roster; I really wanted to have the opportunity to get to know my professors, and for them to get to know me too. I also liked how close everything was to campus; for example, the museums, coffee places (because caffeine is essential), cute little shops, Phipps Conservatory, and so much more are just a few bus stops away. Chatham is really unique because it is its own little community that does not feel like the city, but we still get all the fun perks of being in a city.
Did your plans change at all throughout your college experience?
Yes, probably about a billion times. When I first got into Chatham, I was part of the advanced-track Doctorate in OT program. Then, I found out that was not what I wanted to do, I really wanted to be a therapist, so I stepped out of that. Over time I have slowly collected my other major, minors, and a certificate in Forensic Social Work. Probably every semester, when I met with my advisor, I wanted to add something new and figure out if I could do it – she was probably so sick of me saying “So I was just thinking, but what if I did this?” but she encouraged me to do it, helped me plan and organize all my checklists. I’m thankful I chose to get involved in the things I did, I’m very passionate about all the stuff I’m doing and really glad I fell on the path I did.
What is your favorite Chatham memory?
My favorite Chatham memory is probably going to the Women of the World (WoW) retreat this year. I had never gotten the opportunity to go, but finally could this semester and I am so happy that I did. I met some great fellow Chatham students, alumni, faculty, and community members. All of the speakers were really interesting, and this year they focused on imposter syndrome, which is very timely as I’m applying to jobs. I also loved getting my astrological chart examined, as that is something my partner has gotten me into, and I have a lot to learn still but it is really cool.
You’re very involved on campus, as you’re the President of the Chatham Feminist Coalition and Secretary of the Cold Case Club, what inspires you to be so connected?
I am a very introverted person, and one of my biggest fears upon coming to college was that I would be isolated. In order to combat that, I literally signed up for every club that even remotely interested me – and even ones that didn’t like a math club, like I’m terrible at math I don’t know why I signed up for that. There are so many things to do on campus, there is literally something for everybody, so I found my little corners of the Chatham community.
Both Chatham Feminist Coalition (CFC) and Cold Case Club were clubs that directly nurtured my interests and passions. I have always been a sucker for crime shows, I could watch Forensic Files and Criminal Minds for a whole day and never get tired of it. With Cold Case Club, we work on cold cases to help provide private investigators, family members, or other organizations with information of the case from different angles.
With CFC, I have always been passionate about feminist issues and intersectionality. I was really excited to meet with people who shared the same interests as me and could provide a different perspective on a variety of topics; I wanted to get to know and learn from as many people as possible! I never thought I would have the opportunity, or want to, take leadership roles but I am so happy I did. I feel like they have made me more confident in myself and all the knowledge I have learned over the past four years.
What led you to pursue Psychology and Women and Gender Studies?
I have always wanted to work with people, and help them - since probably middle school, I wanted to become a therapist. Mental health is often something that is overlooked, even today when there is a lot of awareness around it. I want to advocate for people that their feelings are valid; mental health is just as important as physical health.
I wanted to pursue Women and Gender studies as well because systems of power effect people differently, and often cause harm. Women and Gender Studies and Psychology really go hand in hand because when someone has been disempowered by a system, whether that be through generations or historically, that compounds on itself and effects someone’s mental health. Women and Gender Studies can really build off any major, but it provided me a different perspective on how mental health can be impacted, and cared for, systemically.
What does your dream job look like?
I want to be a therapist that specializes in working with trauma. I want to one day work for a private practice, or a nonprofit, that works with survivors. Gender-based violence is pervasive in our society, and many people struggle with accepting and finding help. I hope I get the opportunity one day to provide tools that empower survivors, and help them discover their resilience.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am taking a gap year so that I have hands-on experience that I can take with me to better understand the things I will be learning in graduate school. After the gap year, I want to go to graduate school to become a therapist; right now, I am leaning more towards Mental Health Counselor programs where I will become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) - though I am also looking at master's in social work programs that focus on direct practice.
Do you have any advice for new or perspective students?
My advice for new or perspective students is to get involved in literally everything, even if you are only slightly interested. It is a great way to make connections with your fellow classmates, but also with the Pittsburgh Community as a whole. Some of the best experiences I have had while at college are the ones where I just got involved. It is scary and overwhelming not knowing anyone, and putting yourself out there, but I promise it does work out! You never know what you might be passionate about, or interested in, until you try it out – as cliché as that sounds. Putting yourself out there will provide you with the chance to make some really great connections with classmates, professors, and community members. And who knows, you could find something that interests you that you never thought you would enjoy in a million years!
If you or a friend would like to participate in the Senior to Senior series, please reach out to Eliza.Moore@chatham.edu. We want to hear about your journey at Chatham University!