Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet DeseRai D. Sweat.

Major: Psychology, B.S.

Minor: Crime, Law, and Psychology

Certificates: Child Development, Behavioral Health and Counseling Psychology

Hometown: North East, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Osher Reentry Scholarship, Black Family Trustee Scholarship, Fryer Psychology Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: While looking to further my medical education, I wanted to go where I would not have to uproot my children and family, where I felt at home and was able to get the best education. I found all that at Behrend. The curriculum far exceeded my expectations, I knew without a doubt after meeting with people that this was my home and the path God set for me.

On choosing her major: My major chose me. I’ve spent most of my life in the medical field as a medical assistant and phlebotomist. It seemed only natural to go into nursing. One day in between classes, I was thinking and praying about the path I was on. I just wasn’t sure what direction to go in, so I left it to God’s hands. He put me in the science building where I was working on an assignment in the hallway while I waited for my next class to start. I overheard a professor – Dr. Charisse Nixon, professor of psychology, finishing up her class and decided to go listen. By the end of the semester, I switched to Psychology, a major I never saw myself being in that I am absolutely in love with now.

True crime shows lead to calling: My love of true crime shows, like Criminal Minds inspired me to take a forensics class taught by Dr. Shariffah Sheik Dawood, associate teaching professor of psychology. That class encouraged me to add a minor in Crime, Law, and Psychology.  After that class, I realized that I wanted to work with children with special needs children in the judicial system and to be a voice and an advocate for them.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I’m most proud of a lot of little moments all added together, from being a mentor for younger students, to being an older student, mother and wife and still managing to accomplish what I did semester after semester, to the moment I was asked to be an undergrad researcher.

Campus involvement: School of Humanities and Social Sciences Ambassador; Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Community Outreach, Research and Evaluation (CORE): The Mentor Project mentor and intern; C3 Church intern; Psychology Club.

What people be surprised to know about her: I’m a pretty transparent person and share myself, the good, bad and the ugly. As a Gen. Xer, I am not crazy about learning new technology, but I love sitting with my boys and taking out some zombies on the Xbox.

Her passions: Being a mom fills me with joy. I love being in my kitchen, whether it’s by myself or with my children or husband, and cooking and baking and expressing myself through food. I’m also passionate about educating people on mental health and that it’s OK to say “I’m not OK.”

Advice for first-year students: Breathe! College is a big change, and you’re going to be overwhelmed and stressed. It’s OK to have a little cry now and then. But, also, live in this moment, soak it in, explore, and open yourself up to new challenges and new possibilities. Don’t be afraid to take a class or explore a new subject. You might find a passion you never knew you had.

Advice for new students, part 2: As a mom, I would remind first-year students that college is also a whole new journey for their parents. They’re going to want to check the oil in your car five times, ask you repeatedly if you understand your meal plan and if you have everything you need, and they are going to want to help you unpack and hug and kiss you more than you want them to. Let them!

After her graduation in December, DeseRai hopes to work with youth with special needs in the Juvenile Judicial System.