Travis McCarthy (Ciempa) ’19
Travis, an alum of the class of 2019, found a passion for combining his two majors: psychology and theatre. He now works with patients at the Brien Center, where he guides his patients through therapy sessions using theatre processes. However, Travis’ focus when he first came to Merrimack was on a different aspect of his life: cross country running. “My intention was to maintain my involvement in a sport that held great personal significance, as well as forge enduring memories. However, after completing my first year at Merrimack, I made the decision to shift my focus towards academics and participation in the esteemed Theatre program offered by the college.”
McCarthy found a way to combine his two passions into a profession where he could help others. “I have always harbored a deep appreciation for the performing arts, and it was Merrimack’s highly experienced Theatre faculty that ultimately solidified my choice. During my encounter with Dr. Kathleen Sills, her immediate recognition of my interest in Psychology and Theatre solidified my determination to attend Merrimack College. Her supportive commentaries, such as acknowledging the synergy between the two fields of study, left me eagerly anticipating the opportunity to collaborate with her.”
“I discovered that amidst the negatives in our world, there will always be individuals willing to extend a helping hand, and I aspire to be one of them.”
One faculty member that Travis truly enjoyed working with was Dr. Allison Seitchik. “I had the privilege of being taught by Dr. Allison Seitchik, a remarkable professor who instilled in me the value of seeking assistance when faced with challenges. Through her teachings, I learned that compassion and solidarity are pivotal aspects of our society. One memorable class with Dr. Seitchik focused on the concept of Ostracism, which entails the exclusion of individuals from a particular community or group. During this session, Dr. Seitchik emphasized the importance of kindness and empathy, and she exemplified these virtues in her interactions with students. She consistently made herself available to provide academic support and fostered a profound understanding of the subject matter.”
“While pursuing my bachelor’s degree at Merrimack I feel like I developed amazing skills of flexibility, adaptability, and spontaneity that are going to help me for the rest of my career as a Drama Therapist, mental health counselor, and as an individual. I needed to manage my time effectively to make sure I was attending my classes, getting enough self-care, and doing the necessary work I needed to do to excel in my extra-curricular activities.” When Tyler was not in class, he was participating in the OnStagers group, serving as a wellness peer educator, and participating in the schola choir.
