Faculty Spotlight: Breanna Schiff

“Faculty Spotlight” is a weekly column dedicated to conversations made with Point Loma Nazarene University’s faculty and staff members. The purpose of this column is for readers to get to know faculty and staff members better through lighthearted questions. For this edition, Breanna Schiff, a newer psychology adjunct professor, was interviewed. Schiff teaches undergraduates in psychology and is a PLNU alum. Here is a closer look into professor Schiff’s interests:

1. What do you enjoy most about being an adjunct psychology professor at PLNU? What has it been like?

I love being back in the PLNU community as an adjunct. As an alum, it is surreal to be working with my professors as colleagues now and it’s purposeful to be giving back to the school that helped shape me in many ways. You also can’t beat these views on campus a couple times a week!

2. How has being a therapist also shaped who you are?

Being a therapist allows me to see life through many different perspectives. Each client comes in with specific experiences, beliefs and pain that continually open my worldview. This role also challenges me to reflect on my own experiences, beliefs and pain in order to provide the support my clients need and deserve. I didn’t think I wanted to be a therapist as a college student but now I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. 

3. What is something you are thankful for today?

Today, I am thankful for the health of my family… and the chocolate brownies I had for dessert. 

4. What piece of advice would you give to college students?

My advice for college students is to learn for yourself, not just for the grade. Ask the tough questions, challenge what you are learning, apply it to your life, make connections and memories. This is a safe place with plenty of resources to do that for yourself. You will remember that growth more than a test score or the letter on your transcript. 

5. Favorite thing to do on the weekend?

My favorite thing to do on the weekend is have a beach day and try a new restaurant. You can’t go wrong with so many good places in San Diego!