Quick Interview with Erica McQuiddy
Why did you choose Forest?
I grew up about an hour away from Springfield and went to Missouri State for my undergraduate degree, so staying close to family and friends was important to me. I had heard good things about Forest from people in the community, both graduates of Forest as well as others who have had a positive experience with the school and it's students and faculty. I was also impressed by the practicum experiences available to students, especially the Robert J. Murney Clinic, Forest's own community mental health center.
What is your favorite thing about Forest, and why?
I've developed some great friendships with other students while going to school here, ones I knew will continue into my professional career once we all depart after graduation. The support of other students is invaluable while in graduate school. I also live in one of the on-campus apartments so the convenience aspect is great.
What is a moment in your academic career of which you are proud?
In high school, I would have never thought, at this point in my life, that I would be two years away from a doctorate degree. I am proud to have made it this far academically. Specifically, I am proud of the growth I have made in my clinical work over the last year of practicum. It's such a rewarding experience to work with children and to positively impact their young lives. A child's life could possibly be brighter because of our work together.
Best thing about the faculty and student interaction at Forest?
I've developed some great professional as well as personal relationships with both students and professors here at Forest. The faculty is always willing to go above and beyond to help students, whether it be with academic related issues or personal struggles students may be experiencing. The Forest community really unites, during joyous times, but also during the stressful ones, such as internship match and clearinghouse to support each other and make sure students are successful.
Why should a student choose Forest?
Forest provides students with a quality education and allows them to explore various career interests within clinical psychology by offering a variety of optional concentration areas. The variety of practicum experiences offered within the community allows students to acquire skills in specific areas of interests and the opportunity to work with a diverse population. The “Forest family”, as we like to refer to ourselves, encourages uniting of students to assist one another as well as to better the community we live in. Comradeship is abundant at Forest.
Fun questions to give a Forest/Springfield perspective to incoming students---
Favorite Springfield restaurant?
This is a tough one. I've heard that there are so many restaurants in Springfield that if every person went to eat at the same time there would be enough tables for everyone. But if I had to choose, I would say either Bambino's or Umi. Bambino's is a little hole in the wall, locally-owned Italian restaurant, that's hidden among an older neighborhood. They have great food and a nice patio to enjoy on warm days. I'd recommend the spinach artichoke dip for sure. Umi is a sushi restaurant. There are quite a few good sushi places here, but at Umi you get free soup and salad, and as a grad student, I can't pass up free food!
Favorite Springfield band?
Jah Roots. They play reggae music and have become quite well known for a small town band. Good reggae music in Springfield, Missouri… who knew?! The first time I heard them was at the Sertoma Chili cook off, another fun local event.
What is one thing everyone must do while in Springfield, and why?
It's not technically in Springfield, but if you're this close you might as well go to Branson. It's about 40 minutes away and is a huge tourist attraction (especially with older people) and has tons of things to do, such as shows, shopping, go carts and mini golf, just to name a few. The Branson Landing is a new attraction that opened not too long ago and has a lot of fun things to do and good shops. I really like to go to White Water, a water park, and Silver Dollar City, a theme park, both in Branson as well. I'm especially excited to use my season passes to White Water and Silver Dollar City this summer as a nice break from studying.
Best thing to do on a cheap date in Springfield?
Art Walk. This event occurs in downtown Springfield on the first Friday of every month. Downtown art galleries, artist's studios and other venues are open and showcase local artwork, such as sculptures, pottery, blown glass, photography, and paintings. Free food is also offered in many of the galleries, as well as wine and other drinks. Many of the downtown restaurants also display artwork from local artists and have live bands performing. Walking around downtown enjoying works of art can be a nice relaxing end to a week or studying and the best part is it's all free!
Favorite Forest myth or story?
This story is about a zebra named Zippi, and Forest's very own president, Dr. Mark Skrade. There used to be a place called Exotic Animal Paradise that had all kinds of exotic animals, obviously, but it closed a few years ago. When it closed, all the animals had to find homes and Dr. Skrade adopted a zebra named Zippi.
Favorite story or aspect of life in Springfield?
I enjoy the outdoors so living in Springfield is perfect for me. My favorite summer activity is floating/camping trips, usually with canoes, but kayaks or just floating down the river in a tube is great too. There are so many beautiful rivers in southwest Missouri and to end a long float with a barbeque and night under the stars is hard to beat. There are several close lakes as well, but I usually go to Table Rock Lake, which is about 40 minutes away, again in Branson. If I only had a boat!