From Curiosity to Calling: Rozhan Shafiezadeh’s Path to Psychology and Purpose

For Rozhan Shafiezadeh, understanding people has always been the starting point.

Growing up in Dubai, she was surrounded by different cultures, perspectives and family dynamics—an environment that sparked her curiosity about how people think, feel and relate to one another. “Over time, that curiosity turned into a passion for psychology,” she says, one that would eventually guide her academic and professional path at Montclair.

Now graduating with a degree in Psychology and dual minors in Child Advocacy & Policy and Family Science & Human Development, Shafiezadeh has built an experience defined as much by hands-on learning as by academic excellence.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Early on, she sought out real-world opportunities to better understand the field. Working as a childcare associate, she managed high-energy environments while supporting children and communicating with families. Later, as a respite care provider for a child with autism, she gained a deeper appreciation for individualized care and the patience required to support development in meaningful ways.

“These roles taught me that psychology is not just theory. It is presence, adaptability and trust,” she says.

That connection between theory and practice became even clearer in the classroom. Courses like Clinical Psychology and Child Development helped her make sense of what she was seeing in real life, reinforcing her interest in working with children and families. “It made me more aware of how important it is to support children not just individually, but within the context of their families,” she explains.

Stepping Into Leadership

Shafiezadeh also embraced opportunities that challenged her to grow in new ways. As a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Ofelia Rodriguez, she supported more than 75 students through tutoring, discussion facilitation and even delivering a full lecture on cognitive psychotherapy.

“At one point, I never imagined I would feel comfortable in a position of authority,” she says. “Yet I realized that I thrive there.”

At the same time, her work as a research assistant in Dr. Michael Bixter’s Cognition, Decision Making, and Behavior Lab strengthened her analytical skills and deepened her understanding of evidence-based practice. Presenting her team’s findings at the Student Research Symposium stands out as a particularly meaningful moment—one that brought together months of collaboration and inquiry.

Mentorship and Momentum

Mentorship has played a central role in her journey. Dr. Rodriguez, along with advisors Macayla Mack and Sanaz Saminejad in the CHSS Student Success Center, helped her refine her goals, build confidence and pursue opportunities she may not have otherwise considered.

“I genuinely don’t think I would be where I am today without their guidance and support,” she says.

Through each experience, one lesson has stayed with her: growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. “Some of my most meaningful experiences came from saying yes to new opportunities,” she reflects. “I’ve learned to trust the process, even when things feel uncertain.”

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Shafiezadeh plans to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology, with the goal of working closely with children and families. Ultimately, she hopes to build a career where she can provide guidance, support and meaningful intervention, helping individuals navigate challenges and build healthier relationships.

Her definition of success has evolved along the way. “Now, I see success more as growth,” she says. “Being open to learning, pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, and making a meaningful impact.”