Spotlight Mary Taylor Shaak

I never really looked at any other colleges. Growing up, my family wasn’t huge into WVU sports, but my friends were, so I’d come to football games with them, and I just fell in love with the campus. My sister also went here, so I’d stay with her in her dorm when I was in high school. She would show me around, and I just knew this was where I wanted to go.

I have my own personal experience with mental health. My senior year of high school, I went to a residential treatment center for 45 days, which was really hard, but it opened my eyes to wanting to be in this field. I originally majored in nutrition because I wanted to help with eating disorders, but then I learned about the mental health and addiction studies major from a peer. I realized that if I wanted to help people with eating disorders, I needed to focus on the cognitive and emotional side of addiction and mental health.

Now, after being in the major, I’m still figuring out exactly what area I want to work in—whether it’s eating disorders, addiction, or helping adolescents struggling with mental health. But my experiences made me realize how important it is to have people there for you during difficult times, and I want to be that person for someone else.

The compassion and understanding of the professors. I have never had a professor in this program who wasn’t supportive. When I had to miss the first two weeks of my sophomore year due to mental health concerns, they worked with me and made sure I was okay.

Lacey Sawyers, in particular, really took the time to check in with me. That kind of support is something I’ve experienced across the entire program. The professors care about their students—not just academically, but personally.

On top of that, the program includes a lot of practical, hands-on experiences. We do self-care journals, meditation exercises, and activities that don’t just teach us about mental health, but also help us grow as individuals. It’s been really impactful.

I first got involved with their Nourish Community group, which focuses on improving relationships with food, body image, and weight. A friend from class and I decided to attend together. After that, I got connected with Olivia, the program director, and we got coffee and talked. I felt like I had found a safe space, and it really felt like home.

Eventually, I reached out to Olivia to express my interest about working at Collegiate Recovery, interviewed, and got the position. I’ve now been working there for a year, and it has been such a rewarding experience. It doesn’t even feel like a job—that’s how much I love it.

The connections I’ve built with students. I know what it’s like to walk in for the first time, not knowing what to expect. Some people think they need to be in recovery to be there, but it’s really open to any student, no matter if they are in recovery, a recovery ally, or just looking to build connections.

I was nervous when I first went because I didn’t even know WVU had a space like this. But I walked in and immediately felt at home. Now, I try to create that same feeling for others. Since I’ve been in their shoes, I understand what to ask, what not to ask, and how to best support someone who may be feeling overwhelmed.

I want to work in a residential or inpatient treatment center for mental health. I’ve decided to go to graduate school, and my goal is to stay at WVU for the counseling program—specifically the rehabilitation and mental health counseling track. I love the school and the program here, so I’d really like to continue my education in Morgantown.

I’ve written a lot of papers, taken plenty of exams, and done more presentations than I’d like—but it’s helped me grow. I also took a career exploration class that helped with résumé building, personal statements, and interview skills. Between that and the support from my advisor, Hilary Woodrum, I feel like I have access to so many resources that are preparing me for the next step.

You don’t have to have everything figured out. I used to think I needed to be in a perfect place with my own mental health before I could be in this field, but that’s not true. You grow so much in this major, and your experiences—good and bad—give you a unique perspective that can help others.

When I started, I didn’t even know this major existed. I was undecided, unsure of what I wanted to do, and worried about wasting money. But I found a program I love, and I’ve grown so much because of it. The professors, the resources, and the opportunities have all played a role in that.

The community. Everyone here is so welcoming and kind. I still have friends from high school, but I’ve also met so many amazing people here and made my true best friends. I always tear up at graduation when they sing “Country Roads” because it’s such a special moment—everyone coming together.