Class Acts - Susana A. López

Specialty Area: Counseling and clinical psychology 

What is/has been your favorite class to teach?
I have been very fortunate and have loved to teach all the classes I have been assigned at Cal Poly. They are all unique and offer the students different types of growth, but Multicultural Psychology has a special part in my heart because that is the one that I taught first and aligns perfectly with my professional area. It is not an easy class to teach because we discuss many uncomfortable but necessary topics — topics that I believe can help us appreciate and value different groups of people.  

If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring one book, what would it be?
Because I love books so much, it is difficult to answer this question. But if I have to pick one, it would be "Bless Me Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya. It is not the best book that I have read in my lifetime (still one of my top 10) but it has emotional significance. It was the first book I read in high school that included a Chicano character like me. I saw myself and my family in the words written. It would provide me comfort in the desert.  

How/why did you choose to work at Cal Poly?
Cal Poly is where I started my higher education journey more than 20 years ago. It provided me with the foundational skills needed to be successful in graduate programs. I am a believer and advocate of the Learn by Doing model. I have seen the growth it can make in students ready to go and make the world a better place. I was also raised on the Central Coast, so it feels great being back home.  

What are your research/scholarly pursuits?
A lot of my work revolves around issues of multicultural psychology. I am interested in social issues that impact mental health and how health inequities play a role in that. I am also interested in looking at the strengths and resources (cultural, financial, systemic) of communities and leverage them for better mental health outcomes. I would love to be able to research psychological concepts in immigrant communities during my new time at Cal Poly.  

What is your favorite class/student moment?
I have so many favorite class moments, but it is always inspirational to reflect with my students at the last class of the quarter the learning that has happened in 10 short weeks. The growth is evident. Whenever teaching gets difficult (because sometimes it does), I reflect on the last week of the previous quarter and remember what can happen when we facilitate learning in our students.  

Are there any scholars or individuals that have inspired you?
There are so many people that have inspired me. From previous teachers, professors to family members and friends. My educational journey has been a collective effort and I am appreciative of all of them. My students also inspired me. They help me believe that the world can become a better place. Thank you for inspiring me to keep dreaming.  

What is one thing you wish your students knew about you?
I am very transparent with my students (within learning purposes), so many times students get to know information about me that humanizes us professors. I want them to remember that I too was nervous and scared as a student (first generation undocumented student at that time) and didn’t think I could one day reach my academic and professional goals. It might not seem like it now, but I doubted myself. I want to normalize different reasons we might feel like imposters and tell them that I believe they can achieve their dreams.  

What are your hobbies/extracurricular activities?
As a mother of three young beautiful daughters, most of my time is spent doing things they love. You will see me at gymnastics, parks and outings with them. Even at social justice events in the county. They go almost everywhere I go. On my own time, I enjoy stories. Stories through movies, shows and reading.  

Do you have a favorite getaway location?
I have been blessed and have traveled to various places, but my favorite place is in my birth country. It is Mexico City. It is colorful, joyful, artistic and the food is amazing. It also feels amazing to be in a big city where people are speaking your native language. I hope to go back soon.  

What is a fact about you that few know?
Those that know me, may think I am an extrovert because I love to chat and engage in social justice events and activities in the community. However, I enjoy my alone time and need it to recharge. I will add that spending time with my daughters is different. They are my inspiration and energy to do all I do.  

What is your guilty pleasure?
Food! I love food and quality ingredients. I think most of my budget goes to food (and books). I love the cultural piece of food. How it means so much more than ingredients for so many of us. I like to try new cuisines and new places. So sometimes you might see me eating out alone trying new restaurants in town. Come and say hi to me if you see me.