Lavynya Gomes '26

Why did you choose Lasell?

I chose Lasell for the location and size. Lasell isn't far from home, and smaller class sizes make learning an easier and more enjoyable experience for me.

Have you had an internship? What did you learn at your internship? 

I’m a current senior psychology major. My advanced internship this year is as a case worker intern at The Community Day Center in Waltham where I do case management with the homeless population. Some of my responsibilities include setting up appointments for clients with me and other case workers, documenting case notes during sessions, and referring clients to outside resources for mental health services and rehabilitation.

I initially wasn't interested in social work, but I wanted to try something new to figure out if that was an environment I would be able to succeed in. I was able to expand my skills in client-centered care and managing time-sensitive cases. I also was able to express empathy in many different ways for unimaginable circumstances that most of our clients have experienced. I formed relationships with clients that I worked with, and even clients I didn't work with but were faces that I saw almost everyday. It's always great to be able to connect with people that you don't think you have much in common with. I've built so many professional relationships through this internship.

How has your academic program or professors helped prepare you for your future career?  

My professors have connected me with jobs and professionals in the psychology field, as well as teaching me the importance of mental health and the impact that it has in everyone's life.

What are your Lasell traditions or favorite activities to do on or off campus? 

One of my favorite Lasell traditions is Marathon Monday. It's super fun to get together as a community to watch people run for different causes. We're so lucky to be able to watch from our own campus! It's always a positive day where everyone is in good spirits.

On campus, my roommates and I like to get a big group of people to hit the turf or the quad and play spikeball. More people always end up joining, and it's a really good time. Off campus, my friends and I love going to Dunkin' Donuts, and we've made friends with so many regulars there!