Honor Society® member
Marisaday Velazco
- Psychology
- Class of 2028
- Florida
Member since May 2026
About
Hi, I’m Marisaday, also known as Mari. I’m currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Psychology and began my academic journey with the goal of becoming a child psychologist. Along the way, I’ve become deeply intrigued by areas of psychology involving human development and research. I currently work as a Health Concierge at Included Health, where I continue to grow my passion for helping others and supporting people through complex life experiences.
I’m also proud to be the first person in my family to attend college. I have maintained a high GPA throughout my studies and have been recognized with honors including the National Honor Society and the Dean’s List. My faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses plays an important role in my values and perseverance.
I’m passionate about learning, reading, and personal growth, and I’ve recently been inspired by the book An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison. Outside of academics, I enjoy painting, swimming, and spending time at the beach. I come from a Cuban and Jamaican background, and one of my future goals is to travel to Thailand after graduating.
Education
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Keiser University
psychology
2025 – Present
Honors and awards
-
Dean’s list
An academic honor awarded to students who achieve a high grade point average during a semester or academic term, recognizing outstanding academic performance and dedication to their studies.
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National Honor Society
A recognition awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character through their achievements and involvement in school and community activities.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I started out wanting to become a child psychologist because I’ve always been drawn to helping children and supporting their emotional and developmental needs. As I’ve continued my Ph.D. in Psychology, my interests have grown and I’ve become especially intrigued by developmental psychology and research, particularly understanding how people grow and change across different stages of life.
Right now, I see my future path as combining both clinical insight and research. I hope to contribute to the field by studying human development and using that knowledge to improve interventions and support systems for children and families. I also want to stay connected to real-world healthcare settings, since my experience working as a Health Concierge at Included Health has shown me how important accessible, compassionate care is.
Overall, I want my career to center on understanding development and using research and applied work to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
- Outside the classroom
Outside of my academic and career goals, I enjoy a mix of creative, active, and relaxing hobbies. I love painting as a way to express myself, and I also enjoy swimming and spending time at the beach. On top of that, I’m definitely a theme park thrill seeker, I enjoy roller coasters and anything that gives an adrenaline rush. These activities help me balance out my busy schedule and keep me refreshed and grounded.
Languages
- Spanish Fluent
- Chinese (Simplified) Beginner
Additional information
Organizations
