Mara Mladenovski, 22, of Hobart, graduates this May with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in Spanish and communications.

In high school, Mladenovski discovered an interest in the connection between mind and body. She knew she was headed toward a career in the health field but was unsure about which career to choose. It was throughout her educational journey at IU Northwest that her path became clear.

“The decision to attend IU Northwest was easy,” she says, “I had the opportunity to receive an undergraduate education that was personable, commutable, and affordable, all the while determining a future career in a health-related field.”

Mladenovski credits several faculty members with connecting her to opportunities that ultimately steered her toward her final destination: occupational therapy.

“Between being a full-time student, working part-time as a student fellow at Community Hospital’s Therapy Services, volunteering at The Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, and becoming a teaching assistant for anatomy and physiology, it was challenging to manage time efficiently and be self-disciplined in all aspects of life,” she said. “Looking back, it was all worth it to be where I am at today.”

Boasting a 3.984 grade point average, Mladenovski is a presidential member of the IU Northwest chapter of Sigma Alpha Pi, and a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success. As a student researcher in Frances Daniel’s Human Learning and Cognition Lab, Mladenovski received the honor of presenting her research at the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference in April.

“It is these opportunities,” she said, “that have helped me to not only receive multiple acceptances into graduate school, but they have helped me grow as a person.”

At last, Mladenovski says, she now has a clear vision about her health-related future. She will attend graduate school at Boston University with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist.

“My journey to receive my undergraduate degree at IU Northwest is one that I am forever thankful for. I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for this journey, and I can’t wait to walk at Commencement to finally receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and double minor in Communications and Spanish. The future is finally here!”

About the Class of 2018: Indiana University Northwest will confer 777 degrees at the 52nd Annual Commencement ceremonies on May 10, 2018. The Class of 2018 will collectively receive 49 associate’s degrees, 638 bachelor’s degrees and 90 master’s degrees. The oldest student graduating is 62 years old and the youngest is 19. More than 70 percent of the graduating class is female.