Amber Rowley: Inspired by Psychology
Amber Rowley, a third-year psychology major at the University of Maine, has received the Laurence A. Jones Jr. scholarship for the past two years.
The scholarship was established in memory of Laurence A. Jones Jr., who graduated from UMaine with a psychology degree in 1992 and was killed while he was a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University. Jones’ mother created the scholarship to be awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in psychology.
In fall 2014, Rowley spoke at the annual memorial service to honor the life of Jones, which was held near the Laurence A. Jones Jr. memorial tree on campus.
During the event, Jeffery Mills, president and CEO of the University of Maine Foundation, said he hopes through Rowley’s studies and work in psychology, she will “continue on the living memory of Laurence.”
Rowley of Howland, Maine, also is pursuing a minor in sociology and expects to graduate in May 2016. Beyond academics, she is a supervisor at a clothing store in the Bangor Mall and is involved with her high school cheering squad. She helps the team prepare for upcoming competitions and even took classes to become a certified assistant coach.
Tell us about receiving the Laurence A. Jones Scholarship and speaking at the memorial ceremony
Receiving that scholarship — not once, but both years — was the most honorable thing I can say I’ve received since my time here at UMaine. Laurence’s story was so inspiring, and he had such big dreams. I was so honored and grateful to participate in the memorial ceremony and personally give my thanks to his mother and tell her how much he has inspired me. Laurence’s story will continue to be heard and he will continue to make a difference in people’s lives through this scholarship.
Why did you choose to study psychology?
I chose to study psychology because I find people to be so interesting. Everyone is so unique and has their own story. In high school I joined an extracurricular peer helpers group my sophomore year, and I absolutely loved it. You were encouraged to introduce yourself to people you’ve never really talked to before; be a first friend to a new student; or maybe let someone who seems distraught know that if they ever want to talk, you are there for them. It inspired me to want to be the best person I could be and to make a difference in someone’s life. After three years of studying it, I’ve never been more sure that this is what I want to do.
Why UMaine?
I chose UMaine because it has an amazing psychology degree program — one of the best in the state. It was close to home, and I grew up in a very small town, where some classes only had four people. Everyone knew everyone and I wanted something completely different. I love the large classrooms and the beautiful campus, the events that go on, and the energy that team UMaine brings. I love it here.
What difference has UMaine made in your life and in helping you reach your goals?
I didn’t know a thing about college, or the outside world, or where to even start when it came to deciding what I wanted to do. The idea of the real world made me nervous. I came from a small school, graduating with a class of 50 people. UMaine has given me the chance to experience and learn things with a large group of people and get that feel of being surrounded by large crowds, which will be a benefit for me in the future.
Having to take gen-ed classes, I’ve been introduced to real-life topics that I would never have even thought about taking or had interest in taking if I had the choice. I didn’t realize how subjects that you would think to be completely different to your major, actually tie in with it.
I used to be the type of person that didn’t pay attention to the news and headlines, especially ones that had to do with other countries. But through every class I have learned so much and notice things that I never would have thought twice about. It’s just given me a whole new perspective on life and is eye opening to what is really happening in this world and the things that are being done about it.
By taking these classes and by taking a class in each psychology focus, I was able to narrow what I wanted to do with a psychology degree, bringing me one step closer to my goal. At the moment, I want to concentrate on abnormal/social psychology and see what my options are and go from there.
What’s your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus, I actually found out about by taking a peace studies class. The professor assigned us to go to the peace garden right across from the Collins Center for the Arts. I didn’t even know about that little hidden spot, but it’s beautiful.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I want to hopefully continue my education in grad school here at UMaine and eventually find my way to move toward a more urban area. I love big crowds and the city and hope to find somewhere in an area like that to pursue my career. I haven’t decided whether or not I want to leave the state, but I’m very open to expanding my horizons.