Cognitive Curiosities
Loredana Randazzo’s academic journey at Western New England University has been nothing short of remarkable. A native of Agawam, MA, and a first-generation scholar, Loredana has seamlessly transitioned from an undergraduate Psychology major into the demanding Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program.
Reflecting on her undergraduate experience, Loredana shares, “I’ve always been interested in the human mind. Each person has their own train of thoughts, their likes and dislikes, making each one of us unique.” This fascination with individual uniqueness fueled her pursuit of psychology and now informs her studies in occupational therapy.
During her time in the undergraduate program, Loredana achieved a notable 3.86 GPA and was a consistent presence on the President’s and Dean’s lists. She explains the value of her rigorous academic path, “Within psychology, we learn a lot about differences in human interaction, especially in courses like Abnormal Psychology where we go in-depth about all the different disorders that arise in our current society.”
As the former president of the Psychology Club, Loredana took significant strides in enhancing student engagement and fostering connections between students and the administration. Her leadership extended beyond administrative roles, as she actively participated in campus life through the Emerging Leaders Program, Pre-Med Club, and Commuter Council. She also volunteered her time as a note-taker for Student Accessibility Services, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity and support for all students.
Her passion for understanding and helping others didn’t pause at the campus edges. Loredana spent her summers as a camp counselor, applying her psychological knowledge in real-world settings, and shadowed professionals in her field to gain firsthand experience. “I personally am doing research with one of my professors, and that definitely expanded my knowledge outside of the field of psychology,” she notes, highlighting the practical application of her academic studies.
Now in the OTD program, Loredana is focused on specializing in neonatal care. “I am super excited for what the future holds and I feel that this university has allowed me to understand my potential and really conquer my future goals,” she states with confidence about her ongoing journey at 91ÑÇÉ«.
Loredana’s narrative is a testament to the rich, integrative educational environment at Western New England University, which prepares students like her not just for careers but for meaningful contributions to society.