Meet Dr. Schwartz of the Honors Program!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Jenny Schwartz. I grew up in Boulder and went to Boulder High. I went away for college and grad school and ultimately found my way back here (according to local legend, those who get a taste of the beauty of Boulder Valley, always return). I moved back when my oldest daughter, Emma, was 2 years old (she is now 24!). I had my second daughter, Eliza, here in Boulder and began teaching at CU shortly thereafter. I have been teaching at CU for almost twenty years now (!). Like most Boulderites, I like getting out into the mountains to hike, bike, or run. I also like going to the movies (mainly for the popcorn), so that is something I am really missing during the pandemic.
What inspired you to study and teach psychology?
I was inspired to teach psychology by chance. I actually never wanted to teach or be in academia at all because both of my parents, three of my grandparents, and several of my sisters (I have 4!) are or were professors. I wanted to do something different! I got a Ph.D. in clinical psychology intending to be a therapist and a practitioner of psychology. But after the birth of my second daughter, I was in between jobs and a teaching position
at CU literally fell into my lap. And, what do you know, I found that I loved it! I thrive off the energy of the classroom and I really enjoy getting to know my students. The schedule was also perfect for me because I was able to teach while my children were in school and be home with them afterwards. They are both grown and have moved away from home, but I still love teaching, so here I am!
What have you found fascinating about your studies?
I think the thing I find most fascinating about psychology is the nature of the questions it tackles: “Why do we do the things we do?” “How do our emotions work?” “How do children learn?” These are just the things I want to know. I have also always been fascinated by psychopathology and I like to be involved in understanding and treating people experiencing mental health challenges. I am a clinical psychologist, so this is my
area of particular interest and expertise within psychology.
What is your favorite memory in the CU Honors Department?
My favorite memory of the Honors program is last winter when I gave my SciTalk on the science of happiness. It was a cold and snowy evening. I was walking through campus on the way to my talk, kind of cursing under my breath, telling myself that I was being foolish because no one would come out on a night like that. I knew I would have to just turn right around and tromp back home through the snow, colder and wetter and feeling a bit rejected. When I finished setting up my computer and waited in silence for the time my talk was set to begin, to my surprise, the room began to fill with many students, staff, and faculty from around campus. We had a lively and spirited discussion about research in positive psychology. I was cold when I got home, but my heart was warmed…there are others out there who are interested in improving their lives and the lives of others with the science of psychology. This made me really happy!
In these difficult times, what helps you stay focused?
I think it is really hard to stay focused during a global pandemic! But in some ways, it is actually focus that helps me get through. I find that concentrating on work (like preparing my classes) is one of the few activities in which I feel completely immersed, preventing my mind from spiraling down the road of Covid worries. I also try to meditate daily—this is a different kind of focus that I find helps me keep on a more even keel when the ups and downs of our current situation threaten to take hold. Physical exercise is also key for me—when I run (okay, jog) or hike I get a kind of bodily release that I find invaluable.
Any advice for the students struggling to stay afloat?
My advice to students struggling to stay afloat (as we all are) is to make time to connect with others. If there is one thing that has been demonstrated by psychologists to be the “cure all” in terms of increasing well-being and enabling resilience in difficult times like these, it is relationships. Our minds might tell us that we want to isolate to deal with our stress, but research suggest that the opposite is what works best: reach out to friends, family, coworkers, professors and spend time with them (even if only on Zoom). It is better than nothing!
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