Army Veteran, Shawn Jones, Finding His Way to Point Park

Meet Shawn Jones

Major/Program: Psychology-B.A.
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.

"Point Park has given me not only the technical skills and the education that I need, but the exposure to new experiences and new people."

Shawn Jones

What made you decide to come to Point Park?

I came to Point Park for the psychology program.

What has the transition been like between leaving the service and coming to Point Park?

The transition from the Army to Point Park is different, especially because I’m 45. I’m a bit older than some of my professors. Sometimes it’s a little more difficult because not everyone gets the pulp references and I don’t always get their references, so there’s a bit of a cultural difference, but Point Park makes the transition pretty smooth overall.

What do you love most about Point Park?

Point Park has given me not only the technical skills and the education that I need, but the exposure to new experiences and new people. I’m meeting people from all across the country that have different viewpoints and experiences. Not everyone in my psych classes are psychology majors, so they bring a different flavor to the class.

What are your plans for after Point Park?

I plan to continue on in my education elsewhere, or obtain a job with the VA. That’s a big priority for me right now.

What would you like to see for the future of the Psy.D. program?

I would like to see more field professionals come address the students on what they’re seeing in the field right now or where they think the field is going. The more money we can get to open up programs like that, the more students would definitely benefit. As we prepare to enter the workforce, it would be nice to understand what is expected of us, coupled with the theory we are learning in class.

Why is it important to donate to Point Park now?

The University Counseling Center brings the student body, who needs mental health support, together with the students who are learning how to engage patients through the psychology program. Coming out of the military, I know firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health. People are afraid to reach out for help, but when you already have a center here on campus that caters to students, it builds a stronger student body. It also gives the psychology students a practical environment to apply what they are learning. The Counseling Center does not run on goodwill, so it needs the support of our alumni and donors to serve the needs of the students.

Army Veteran, Shawn Jones, Finding His Way to Point Park Student Profile