Laura Baruch

As a professional ballet dancer and personal trainer, I have witnessed how art, music, and movement engender vital human emotions—joy, hope, and belonging. My perennial commitment to these values serves as both personal and professional imperative as I continue my psychology studies, ultimately aiming to not only facilitate healing but also promote authentic flourishing.

 

At Columbia University, I actively broadened my knowledge of psychology; particularly energized when leading in-person cognition studies as a research assistant at the Aly Lab and supporting students grappling with mental and emotional harm as a peer listener at Nightline, Columbia’s crisis hotline.

 

As I begin my doctoral studies in clinical psychology, I am frequently reminded how the lessons I’ve learned as a dancer—the importance of dignifying connection, growth, and purpose as essential for human flourishing—still hold true. At the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University, I hope to hone the requisite skills to become a competent, compassionate psychologist with a deep understanding of depression, anxiety, and trauma. 

 

I am thrilled to be a Second Act Mentor and cannot wait to see how my mentees thrive in this next stage (pun intended) of their lives! I hope to provide encouragement as well as thoughtful guidance on navigating higher education and pursuing a career in clinical psychology or related fields. Welcome to Second Act; Bravo!