A learning specialist for the Academic Success Center, Jenya Gaskin specifically chose a career that would allow her to work directly with students.
Why UNLV?
I am at UNLV to help students who are struggling succeed in college and graduate. I am interested in the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral functioning of students. I chose UNLV because I enjoy working with diverse students and also because of the academic needs of the students at this university. I was very interested in assisting with the university's initiatives targeting retention, progression, and completion such as "15 to Finish."
What do you do as a learning specialist?
Right now I am in the process of creating the new learning specialist program. In the near future, basically, I will work with students who have learning concerns, including learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other academic challenges. My services will be open to all UNLV students, who will be referred to us by their advisors or other campus departments such as the Disability Resource Center and Counseling and Psychological Services. I will do assessments on the students to determine their academic strengths and weaknesses and diagnose disabilities, if a student meets criteria. Then, I will help each student develop an academic success plan.
What drew you to your field?
I became interested in learning issues in college while working as a volunteer tutor and mentor in schools. Personally, I also really enjoyed school. I became interested in psychology in college through coursework. I enjoy helping people and wanted a career where I would work directly with students. College students are my favorite age group.
What is a misconception many people have about your field?
When I meet people for the first time, I am often asked if I am psychoanalyzing them. It is not true. That is the last thing I think about when meeting people. Obtaining a degree in psychology also opens one up to diverse career options. Not everyone with a doctorate in psychology performs psychoanalysis. For example, my degree was more focused on academic, behavioral, and social-emotional assessment and intervention.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Charlotte, N.C. I'm a Tar Heel! I completed my undergraduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
"If I weren't able to work in my current field, I would want to be..."
A diplomat. I love traveling to different countries, interacting with diverse people, eating different types of food, and learning new languages.
One tip for success
Persistence. Some people do not think they have the skills to obtain higher education, but I believe anyone can do it through hard work, reaching out for assistance, and persistence despite obstacles.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?
I wish people had more empathy toward other people. I think it is so important. Everybody has struggles. Trying to put ourselves in each other's shoes makes us all better people.
What has been the proudest moment of your life?
One of the proudest moments of my life was completing and defending my dissertation in front of my parents, especially my mom, who also had the experience of defending a dissertation many years earlier.
Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you.
I play golf and am a 10 handicap.
Who is your hero and why?
My parents because they have sacrificed a lot for me and my siblings and have encouraged us to reach our dreams and goals.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy playing sports such as tennis and golf. I also love Broadway plays, documentary movies, and reading fiction books.
