Lilia Ibarra

What is your ‘why’ for wanting to become a school psychologist?

After several years of working with foster youth, I grew passionate about supporting children’s resilience and positive development, especially those who have faced adversity. I believe that by becoming a school psychologist I can advocate for historically underserved students on a broader scale, providing the social, emotional, and academic support they need to thrive.

Why did you choose the School Psychology program at Lewis & Clark?

From just my first encounter during my online interview, I felt welcomed with open arms by the faculty’s warmth, which assured me that this program would nurture both my personal and professional growth in a supportive way. During my time in the program, I have felt truly accepted and encouraged to bring my authentic self into my work. This sense of belonging and the program’s strong ethical focus made it the perfect choice for my training.

What is something that you have done recently at your field placement that you are excited about?

Recently, I had the opportunity to advocate for a Latinx student who I believed was misidentified as having an emotional behavioral disability during their tri-annual reevaluation. This experience reinforced my dedication to ensuring students receive culturally responsive assessments. It was rewarding to be able to apply my learning and skills to challenge systemic biases and work toward ensuring that the student receives appropriate and equitable support.