Student Spotlight: Chrissy Bagy
Hailing from Yukon, psychology major Chrissy Bagy first heard about the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma from her mother, who attended the university. This connection, along with the college’s small size and affordability, led Bagy to pursue her bachelor’s degree at USAO.
“I wanted to experience a small college where I can have more one-on-ones with professors,” she said. “We have such a strong community; I feel like it is very easy to make friends here and very easy to get active since we are such a small school.”
Bagy chose to study psychology not only because of the clear need for mental health professionals in this state, but also to better understand her own struggles in this area. She has known many people who face mental health challenges, yet have great difficulties even speaking about their issues, much less accessing care.
“I just want to be a safe space for people to talk to,” said Bagy. “In the future, I want to be a therapist for adolescents and eventually maybe a clinical psychologist.”
During her time at USAO, Bagy has been involved in numerous campus organizations, serving as a senator in the Student Government Association, as well as a member of the DroverThon fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network and the Em Hi sorority. She is also currently the vice president of the Young Democrats club. These activities have helped her get more politically involved and develop her voice in order to speak up for herself and others, something she has struggled with in the past.
“It’s always been hard for me to stand up for myself, but I am trying to make that easier. I plan to achieve this by continuing to use my voice not only for myself, but for others as well,” she said. “I have become so outspoken and much more extroverted."
In addition to the general stress of college life, Bagy has also had to manage life as a transgender individual. However, the inclusive and accepting atmosphere at USAO has helped her succeed despite the numerous challenges she faced. In fact, the school’s reputation for supportiveness was a significant factor in Bagy’s choice of college.
“When I came out, I was worried that it would be hard to find people who accept me for who I am, but it was the opposite,” she said. “Since, I have felt the most support and the most welcomed here. I have not been told anything negative by anyone on campus, and everyone supports me and love me so much for who I am.