It had been some time since Sandie Sienkiewicz M’26 stepped foot on a college campus before she started in Merrimack College’s two-year graduate clinical mental health program this fall. Luckily, she has her daughter, Sophie Sienkiewicz M’26, to help guide her through her first-year hurdles.
“She’s never used some of the digital platforms for classwork,” Sophie explained. “I’ve also helped with how to get textbooks, how to reach out to professors and things like that.”
“I don’t think she’s asked me a single question,” Sandie laughed.
Sophie started the program this past spring. Before that, both she and Sandie attended an open house event for prospective students. Sandie said she was impressed by the program’s director, Dr. Michael Mobley.
“When we left, I remember thinking I wanted to be a part of the program, especially a program run by him,” Sandie said. “I talked to Sophie first (before I signed up for the fall semester) because I knew it could be kind of weird. We have very different personalities and I didn’t want to embarrass her.”
The Sienkiewiczs have the same class schedule, although they both agreed to be placed in different sections. Courses this semester cover trauma, diversity, culture, skills and techniques. While they might not interact much while on campus, they enjoy the morning carpool trip together.
“I’ve felt very supported at every level,” Sophie said. “My classmates’ lived experiences are very different, which I really appreciate. Some are EMTs, some took a gap year and some are looking for a complete career change like my mom.”
Sophie is looking to pursue a doctorate degree and one day work as a psychologist on a college campus. Sandie, meanwhile, plans to work with women experiencing menopause.
“I wanted a career change where I can be my own boss, make my own schedule and be with my family more,” Sandie said. “I previously wanted to be a psychologist but I pursued law instead.”
In addition to their studies, the Sienkiewiczs are participating in Merrimack’s fellowship program. Sophie works for the college’s CARE (Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation) team, which offers social and emotional support for students in need.
“I feel like (the CARE office) speaks a lot to Merrimack’s character,” Sophie said. “I like working with students a lot and being one of the first lines of support they can reach out to.”
Meanwhile, Sandie offers academic assistance to freshmen through Merrimack’s Compass program.
“We homeschooled for a long time before my children went to different public and private schools,” Sandie explained. “This fellowship is a good fit for me to be offering these students academic support.”
