Thelissa Edwards

Many moms are busy. But Thelissa Edwards takes the cake.

At 34, she is the mother to a 2-, 4- and 6-year-old, a loving wife, and she still manages to commute back and forth from Fresno to the University of Houston-Victoria while pursuing a degree in school psychology. She also serves on the executive board of the UHV chapter of Psi Chi, a national psychology honor society.

How does she do it?

�No sleep,� she said as she laughed. �No, really, I just do the best I can. I know that everything might not be ideal, but ultimately, things all work together for the best.�

Slated to graduate in May of 2012, Edwards found her passion while working with juvenile offenders in Harris County as a part of her program at UHV. Originally a counseling psychology major, her exposure to working with at-risk youth gave her a sense of purpose.

�Working with juvenile offenders, helping to facilitate healthy choices and character building, opened my eyes,� she said. �Some of the stories they had, it could have turned out differently if they had had different opportunities. I want to get my license in school psychology so I can advocate for students, give them support, provide a means of prevention and meet their needs. I can help them find options, and I feel I can do a lot of good, especially with at-risk students.�

Next year, Edwards will have an internship at a school district, and once she graduates, her hope is to pursue a doctorate or work in a school district.

Edwards added that one of her biggest interests in her field is cultural competence and addressing diversity and the needs of at-risk groups.

�I�m definitely interested in that research, and I�m getting my feet wet in that area,� she said. �It�s something I plan to continue looking into.�

The UHV Outstanding Student is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact UHV Communications Manager Paula Cobler or call 361-570-4350.