Student Profile

Name: Stephanie Wolff
Concentration: Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology
Graduating Class: 2008
Hometown: Chicago
I transferred to Naropa as a junior. 

Why did you come to Naropa?

After experiencing main stream universities, I was looking for an accredited school where I could finish my undergraduate degree and be in an environment that was supportive and more intimate.  The smaller class sizes at Naropa have fostered more personal connections and space for deeper awareness and academic learning.  I feel at peace within myself at Naropa...  

Plans after graduation:

I plan to attend graduate school in pursuit of a degree in art therapy.

The most challenging aspect of Naropa:

The initial adjustment to contemplative education.  I was used to traditional education where ... my experience was focused around personal gain and accomplishment, and grades were the deciding factor of success.  Although grades and academics are in the equation at Naropa, there is a further element of self discovery through meditation and mindfulness practice.  It took me a while to let down my competitive boundaries and embrace ... personal and global awareness.  

Classes and Activities:

Besides majoring in contemplative psychology, I have a minor in visual arts.

How has the Naropa Psychology program changed you?

By offering a unique combination of Buddhist psychology, Western psychology, meditation training, experiential exercises, and a focus around personal awareness.  One of the first talks we had in class was around the idea of learning who you are as an individual and in the world before learning how to help others.        

Favorite Naropa experience:

I have many favorites… The psychology retreat at the Shambhala Mountain Center, though, was probably my favorite.  The retreats brought the Naropa psychology community together and gave the students an opportunity to learn more about each other and create a stronger bond that lasted throughout our journey together.  I appreciated the opportunity to experience meditation within a larger group in an environment that was naturally beautiful and spiritual. 

What are you most proud of?

I have found an interest in Alzheimer’s disease and have been fortunate to have been given the chance to research and volunteer for my classes to create a better understanding of the disease.  I am writing my senior thesis paper on art therapy as it relates to Alzheimer’s disease and know that my experiences at Naropa have planted the courage and awareness I need to make a difference.  

Some words of advice… I would not trade my education and experiences I have had at Naropa for anything… I feel like a stronger, more confident woman because of my time there and am excited to share the awareness I gained with the rest of the world.