Class of 2025: Janiah Fields
Janiah Fields defined her time in college by being the change she wants to see. She discovered her passion for researching suicide prevention for Black youth through internships, and she explored her broader interest in Psychology with McDaniel courses led by alumni and faculty who encouraged her to pursue her goals. After graduation, she plans to attend a graduate program in Clinical Psychology.
"One thing I learned about myself on the Hill is that I’ve always had the potential, I just needed a platform. Being at McDaniel, I have assumed many leadership positions. In everything I have done, my goal has been to be the change I want to see."
In her own words ...
When I took my first step on the Hill, I was:
Unsure of what the future had in store for me.
The me who will ring the Old Main bell on Commencement Day is:
Ready to serve the community with pride in who I am and where I come from.
Real-world experiences:
Though I have had many experiences throughout my four years in undergrad, my favorite was my research. My research interests include suicide prevention in Black individuals and how racism directly relates to death by suicide in Black youth. So, I was ecstatic when I landed my internship at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the Department of Mental Health. I serve as a research assistant to Dr. Leslie Adams at her Gender, Racism, and Afrocentric Early Intervention (GRACE) Lab. My position requires that I screen titles and abstracts for subject matters such as Black youth suicide prevention using the digital software Covidence. I then do a more in-depth analysis of the articles in full text review. I have had the opportunity to transcribe psychological autopsies and contribute to the writing of manuscripts. I have continued working with Dr. Adams and her team whilst being a full-time student.
Additionally, in January of 2025, I participated in a two-week study abroad trip to Italy with Italia Culinaria: Food Tour. During this trip, I traveled across various regions of Italy and learned about food through a comprehensive approach that recognizes the strong connections between plate, planet, people, politics, and culture. This opportunity gave me more insight about the origins of the great culinary classics Italy has bestowed upon the world.
My aha moment:
One thing I learned about myself on the Hill is that I’ve always had the potential, I just needed a platform. Being at McDaniel, I have assumed many leadership positions. In everything I have done, my goal has been to be the change I want to see. Sometimes that looks like being a mentor, or a resident assistant, but I understand that I have the power to inspire and make spaces better for those who look like me. That is something that has always been there, I just needed to nurture it.
Footprints I'm leaving on the Hill:
I want to be remembered as someone who did all they could to give back to the campus community.
Faculty or staff members who most influenced who I have become:
There’s so many amazing people in the Psychology Department, it’s hard to name just one. Janel Cubbage ’14, M.S. ’16 has played an integral part in who I am today. She was the first person to introduce me to suicidology and the rest is history. She has mentored and guided me inside and outside of a classroom. One semester with her changed the trajectory of my entire life. She herself is a McDaniel alum, and when I see everything she’s doing for the community, I can’t help but be certain that my future is bright. Additionally, Professor Paul Mazeroff is the absolute best. He has an eye for potential and has constantly been in my corner. He trusted me to be his teaching assistant for his infamous Abnormal Psychology class and is constantly uplifting me in all my academic and professional endeavors.
Best class ever:
The best class I have ever taken at McDaniel was either Philosophy & Black Lives Matter or Black Feminism(s). These classes were both taught by Professor Shaeeda Mensah. Dr. Mensah did much more than teach a class, she urged us to have meaningful conversations about various movements and think critically about topics such as the experiences of Black women in America, police brutality, and mass incarceration. Dr. Mensah taught me that seeking out knowledge is radical.
Tell us a little about your activities, including sports, during your years at McDaniel:
I’m definitely not a sports person, but I love community service-based activities. I was an EDGE Experience mentor, I am in Psi Chi, a member of the President’s Advisory Council of Students, and I am a resident assistant.
Took me totally by surprise:
Westminster, for sure. It was a bit of a culture shock even though I don’t live that far away from campus. During orientation for first-year students, we do this walk down Main Street where we get to interact with shops and businesses that line downtown Westminster. I was shocked to see how much it looked like a town in a Hallmark movie or Gilmore Girls. It is fun to romanticize it, especially in the fall.
My favorite spot on campus:
My favorite spot on campus is probably the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Most of my favorite people are ALWAYS in that office. It is so comforting being there. The door is always open — and that is literal and metaphorical. You’ll find that there is almost always someone lying on the large beanbags napping or doing homework and the music is always the best.
Most mind-boggling idea I learned at McDaniel:
People just leave their laptops and phones unattended and come back. I was like “Whoa! You don’t have a care in the world,” but I am glad that they trust the space and leave their things.
My capstone title:
“The Psychological Impact of Institutional Diversity Climates on Black Students: Examining Sense of Belonging as a Buffer Against Race-Related Stress and Suicide Risk.”
What it’s about in plain talk:
My capstone explores how institutional diversity climates affect Black students’ psychological well-being, particularly in relation to race-related stress and suicide risk. It examines whether a strong sense of belonging can serve as a protective factor against these stressors. By analyzing institutional policies, campus environments, and student experiences, the study aims to highlight how diversity efforts (or lack thereof) influence mental health outcomes. Ultimately, it seeks to provide insights on fostering more inclusive educational spaces that promote Black students’ well-being and academic success. Given the political climate, it has become a passion project and a symbol of solidarity with studies from marginalized communities.
What's next:
I am committed to pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology. I hope to serve not only as a clinician, but as a community-engaged researcher. Using community-based participatory research, I want to empower individuals to share their community knowledge to inform research and clinical practice. Though it is important for me to work directly with patients to provide culturally informed care, I enjoy piecing together the puzzle and finding evidence-based solutions. I also want to continue to immerse myself in community advocacy by participating in conversations about Black youth suicide.
How will you stay connected to McDaniel?
My EDGE mentees of course! They are some of my favorite people in the world. Seeing them joining the Student Government Association, getting internships, and thriving at McDaniel makes me feel amazing. They have a bit longer at McDaniel and I have no doubt I will continue to check in on the EDGE Experience program.
If you received financial aid, what did that mean for you and your family?
It means everything. Part of why I chose McDaniel is because they really worked with me and helped me with getting my scholarship money. It definitely took some of the financial pressure off.
Are you the first in your immediate family to attend college? What has the experience meant to you?
By definition, I am first gen, but I have had the luxury of being surrounded by college-educated women. I had no doubt in my mind that I could do this. I am proud of myself for always persevering these last four years. I’m living, breathing proof that you can make it happen.
About Janiah
