Najiya Shahzad

Pronouns: she/her
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Chicago, IL

What are some of your interests and involvement outside the Gannon Scholars program?

I am incredibly interested in studying the connections between modern psychology and our current mental health system, specifically within the realms of clinical and community psychology. Growing up, I noticed the distinct, silent mental health crisis that exists in nearly every community that I was a part of. This distinction sparked my interest in studying the different factors that affect human development and mental health as well as the complex disparities that accompany them within our healthcare system.

At Loyola, I am involved in the Interdisciplinary Honors Program, the STARS Peer Mentor program, the Student Government of Loyola Chicago, and the Student Advisory Council for the Vice President of Student Development. I am also an active member of the Muslim Students Association and the Pakistani Students Association! As I progress in my university journey, I find that I am most authentically myself when bringing about positive and welcoming changes in my community, and I hope to carry this same level of authenticity and dedication throughout the rest of my career.

Why is the mission of the Gannon Scholars important to you?

Being a Gannon Scholar has empowered me to challenge my boundaries and become a true advocate for social change. Not only have I been given the opportunity to embrace my unique intersection of identities, I have adopted a deeper level of compassion and dedication for all of humanity, and have simultaneously been given the resources to continue to give back to the community that has raised me. To have an entire community dedicated to promoting the values and practices that create a vibrant and just society is of the utmost importance, and just further proof that it is possible to learn from and advocate for one another, and collectively create a better world. The Gannon Scholars mission continues to radiate understanding and inclusivity from every corner of the room, and is just the beginning of the incredible amount of change that is achievable!