Ever since she can remember, Temple University Psychology major (offered through the College of Liberal Arts) Breianah Raysor-Moore has had a keen interest "in trying to figure people out."

"I try to determine who people truly are and factors that contributed to the way they are. Majoring in psychology has enabled me to learn and dig deeper into how people think, act and react," said Raysor-Moore, who transferred to Temple from Montgomery County Community College and Indian University of PA. "There are a lot of possible factors that can impact someone's mind — genetics, traumatic experiences or just some event in their lives that has affected how they respond to the world around them."

It didn't hurt to have a psychologist as close to home as you can get helping to guide her on her career path.

"Originally when I first started at Montgomery County Community College, I didn't know what I wanted to do. My mom, Ina Raysor, is a Temple alumnus and her major was psychology as well," she said. "After taking a few courses, I knew I loved it. I love learning about how the human mind works and how I might help people cope with trauma."

Working full-time at Lansdale Hospital in the registration department for radiology outpatients, Raysor-Moore, a member of the Class of 2020, found Temple University Ambler conveniently located, allowing her to strike a balance between work and a combination of in-person and online classes.

"Everyone seems to ask me how I'm able to take five or six classes while working full-time. Every week I write out a daily schedule — Monday through Friday I'll take at least one class a day," she said. "I'm able to space it out to ensure I can get all of my assignments done and still have time to catch up on my life outside of coursework."

With Temple's program, she said, "I could work full-time during the day and take classes in the evening or online."

"Temple Ambler has the same resources as Main Campus. It may not be down in the city, but it is definitely still a Temple home," she said. "My at advisor at Temple Ambler (Kimberly Cooney, Manager of Student Success and Retention) helped guide me in choosing my classes and determining what I wanted to do in the future," she said. "She offered to be available after graduation to continue to provide me support as an alumnus, whether I go to graduate school or whatever I decide to do after I complete my degree."

After graduation, Raysor-Moore said she would initially like to travel, discovering new places and new experiences prior to returning to the classroom to continue her education in a psychology graduate program.

"Ultimately, I'd like to work in psychology within the prison system. I've always felt that people who have been incarcerated are not afforded all of the help and resources that they need because of their situation," she said. "They may not have the same access to the mental health resources that we take for granted. I want to be in a position to make a positive difference."

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health and stress have become front and center concerns in many people's lives, Raysor-Moore said.

"I've seen a lot of people on social media talking about mental health and about being disconnected or alone, and how that can be overwhelming, resulting in anxiety or depression. This experience, I think, has made me more dedicated to helping people overcome mental illness — you never know how long it is going to be necessary to cope with extraordinary circumstances," she said. "For me, my goal is to help others. I think it is very important to be that person that helps someone, or helps to guide them toward a better life for themselves. It's my goal to make sure they feel secure. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel."

In any profession, Raysor-Moore said, "I think you have to love what you do."

"You have to feel that you are making a positive impact. You shouldn't go into a field that you're hesitant about," she said. "You should be able to wake up every day and enjoy what you are doing. Enjoy and love what you do."