Student Spotlight: Samuel McKenzie
For Samuel McKenzie, a senior majoring in Psychology with an Emphasis in Community Counseling, the path to becoming a future therapist has been shaped by a deep commitment to self-growth, cultural understanding, and community impact.
Born in Florida and raised in Santa Clarita, California, McKenzie describes himself as someone who’s always had a passion for cooking, nutrition, and personal development.
“When I was exploring colleges, CDU stood out because of its strong emphasis on community and community engagement,” he said. “That level of dedication to serving people was something I didn’t see at a lot of other schools—it inspired me and I really wanted to see how that could translate to my actual studies.”
Set to graduate in May 2025, McKenzie reflects on how his time at CDU has broadened his perspective on the world and deepened his understanding of the mental health field.
“CDU gave me a really large perspective of the world—with my major at the center,” he said. “It helped me become more culturally competent and think about how I could use my education not just as a way to help everybody, but also to help specific communities facing unique health disparities.”
McKenzie’s academic journey is closely tied to his desire to give back—especially through therapy. His vision of helping others goes beyond treating immediate issues; it’s about empowerment.
“I want to give people the tools they need to grow on their own and be the best version of themselves they can be,” he said. “To show them their potential—that’s the best way I can give back to those who share their stories with me and trust me with their time.”
As he looks ahead, McKenzie is excited about continuing his education to become a therapist and one day immersing himself in cultures around the world.
“I want to be more culturally competent and more integrated into different communities. Traveling, connecting—that’s my biggest goal for the future.”
He also shared a heartfelt message for students who might be just beginning their journey—whether at CDU or elsewhere.
“If you’re in the same position as me or just starting out—I’m proud of you. I wasn’t just summoned where I am now. I learned a lot along the way, and especially a lot at CDU, too. So please don’t give up. I’m proud of you, and you can do it too.”