Gianna Baeza-Smith, now a senior, has evolved since she first arrived at TLU. “One of the most formative parts of my college experience was realizing just how much I was changing along the way,” the Kyle, Texas native says.

But being open to change—even for the better—isn’t easy. It often requires a willingness to look within and rethink long-held attitudes and beliefs. “There were moments when I had to confront habits and ways of thinking that didn’t serve me, and in doing so, I realized there was a version of myself I didn’t like,” says Baeza-Smith. “Even though it was uncomfortable to do, it’s been a true blessing. In working through those parts of me, I have found a version of myself that feels more grounded and someone I can be proud of. It’s a version I hope to keep growing into long after graduation.”

Come May 9, Baeza-Smith will be graduating with her BA in sociology, but as her undergrad years close, she’ll be entering a whole new phase of learning. “After graduation, I look forward to gaining hands-on experience in the workforce to build my practical skills and deepen my understanding of the field,” she says. “Once I have a strong foundation, I plan to apply to graduate programs in hopes of becoming a forensic psychologist.”

For those who don’t know, forensic psychologists work within the justice system, doing things like acting as expert witnesses, or as evaluators who assess the mental state of defendants. They might be criminal profilers or work in rehabilitation therapy. In short, they work in the space where the law and psychology intersect, and they can serve as anything from police consultants to victim counselors.

Clearly not a vocation for the faint of heart—but Baeza-Smith isn’t dissuaded. In fact, she will be bringing her heart into everything she does. “In the next chapter of my life, I hope to be a light in a world that can sometimes feel heavy or dark. I think kindness and compassion have become a little lost, and I want to bring those qualities back into the spaces I’m part of. More than anything, I want my life to reflect the same love Jesus has shown me, so the people around me can feel a little more seen, supported, and cared for.”