Aspen Bradley ‘28 is a first-year majoring in counseling psychology and minoring in women’s gender and sexuality studies (WGSS). They wish to pursue graduate studies in social work and are passionate about understanding trauma and its long-lasting effects on individuals. They aim to use their education to raise awareness and develop informed approaches to help those impacted by Trauma and Complex PTSD. They wish to foster a more inclusive society where individuals can thrive despite the challenges posed by the traumatic baggage we all carry.
How are you involved on campus?
I make it a priority to attend as many events as I can, with a particular focus on those hosted by Affinity clubs and providing support within diverse communities on campus. My role as the senator of Inclusive Excellence for the United Student Government (USG) is both an honor and a responsibility, allowing me to play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Inclusive Excellence office. My work bridges the gap between the Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE) and the student body, ensuring that initiatives designed to foster inclusivity are effectively implemented and students’ voices are heard. Through this role, I am actively involved in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus, helping to create a more supportive environment for all students.
What is your proudest accomplishment at Moravian?
My proudest accomplishment at Moravian was being invited to close out the “Bridging the Gap: Where Do We Go From Here?” conference in the fall of 2024. I was entrusted with delivering a call to action. Michelle Rios-Araque gave me the significant responsibility of closing the conference with a discussion on intersectionality and its role in dismantling systems of oppression.
In the words of American writer, intersectional feminist, poet, and civil rights activist Audre Lorde, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” The fight for justice is not a race issue, a gender issue, a class issue, or a disability issue – it is all of these things and more. These are not isolated struggles. They are interconnected, and they must be fought together.
Why did you choose to come to Moravian?
I chose Moravian because of its strong psychology and neuroscience programs, particularly the trauma-informed staff, which aligns with my career goals. What truly set Moravian apart for me was the enthusiastic nature of the admissions faculty and their welcoming attitudes during my visit and interactions. Additionally, I admire how inclusivity and accountability are the institution’s core tenets, which resonated deeply with me. I also appreciate the smaller campus size, allowing for meaningful connections with professors and peers alike. Overall, I feel that Moravian offers the right balance of academic rigor, a supportive community, and values that align with my own.
What is your major/minor? Why did you pick it?
When I first arrived at Moravian, I wanted to pursue one of its three neuroscience majors, alongside a dual major in Psychology and a minor in WGSS. However, as of the middle of Fall 2024, my academic focus has shifted meaningfully and I am now enrolled as a Counseling Psychology major and continuing to pursue my minor in WGSS. I feel this combination will help me become a more well-rounded individual with the skills to address the complex social issues that contribute to systemic cycles of abuse and oppression.
The integration of counseling psychology with WGSS has shaped my understanding of trauma and I believe that a trauma-informed approach is something that should be adopted across all disciplines. In psychology, understanding the intricacies of human behavior and the experiences that shape it is essential. With this approach, I am better prepared to contribute to healing, advocacy, and making positive change within marginalized individuals and communities. I aim to deepen my commitment to dismantling harmful systems while advocating for those who are affected by them.
What’s a little-known fact about you?
I have dyslexia, which makes reading and understanding literature particularly challenging for me. The lines and words often appear jumbled or out of order, which makes it difficult to process the text smoothly and efficiently. As a result, reading for long periods can be exhausting and frustrating, especially when it comes to complex or lengthy materials. It’s a struggle that can impact my ability to fully enjoy books, articles, and other written content, even though I am eager to engage with them.
Favorite professor? Favorite class?
From the very beginning of my academic journey at Moravian, Chris Hassay has been a constant and invaluable presence in my academic life. Our connection began during the pre-orientation program “Advance into Moravian” (AIM), a three-week immersive experience designed to introduce incoming students to the university’s resources. Alongside Alvert Hernandez, the Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence, Chris helped facilitate this program, guiding our small cohort through understanding the university’s academic framework and offering an accelerated writing course. His commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment stood out immediately, and it was clear that I could turn to him for guidance and mentorship.
After AIM, I had the privilege of continuing my academic journey under Chris’s guidance in my LinC writing course. His teaching style is a blend of rigor and compassion, challenging us to think critically while providing much-needed support. In that course, I began to realize his deep investment in students and genuine care for our academic growth.
Now, in the spring semester, I am continuing to benefit from his mentorship as I take a training course to become a Writing Fellow/Consultant. This new opportunity is an exciting step in my academic career, one that wouldn’t have been possible without the foundation Chris helped build. Not only has he taught me the technical aspects of writing, but he has also inspired me to support others in the same way he has supported me.
Chris has become a cornerstone in my academic experience at Moravian, and his ongoing mentorship is something I deeply appreciate. Through AIM, my writing courses, and now the Writing Fellow program, he has shaped my approach to learning, teaching, and contributing to the university community forever. I am grateful for how he has not only enriched my academic skills but has also reinforced the importance of creating an inclusive, empowering environment for all students.
What is your favorite thing to eat on campus?
Garbanzo has some great Mediterranean flavors and is a great refresher. It makes for a convenient lunch or dinner if the dining halls are closed or you aren’t vibing with the menu for the day. Other than that, most of the time, Clewell dining hall on South Campus usually has the best food in my opinion – especially the cauliflower buffalo bites and their chicken sandwiches.
Where do you go to study or do homework?
Recently, I’ve started utilizing professors’ office hours to study and do homework because it allows me to receive direct feedback as I work through the material. This setup has helped me understand concepts on a deeper level, while staying on track with assignments.
A major benefit I’ve noticed is that it helps me separate my personal and academic life. I try not to do homework in my dorm, committing to a physical and mental detachment from my personal space. I can switch gears more easily, and focus on my work without the distractions of home life. This separation not only boosts my concentration but also reduces stress overall. When I’m in a dedicated study environment, my brain associates that space with productivity. Returning to my dorm afterward allows me to unwind, as I know it’s not tied to work.
In short, creating distinct environments for work and relaxation has been key for managing my stress and maintaining a better balance between both aspects of my life.
