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Welcome to Flash Friday! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.

Meet Heather Thrush, a nontraditional student majoring in psychology at ����ֱ�� State University at Geauga, working to minimize the stigma of mental health care. Thrush was raised in Highland Heights, Ohio, but has lived in Georgia, Louisiana and Arizona before moving back to Solon, Ohio, where she lives now. 

Thrush returned to school at age 43, as a working mother of four and, in addition to classes, dedicated herself to hours as an undergraduate research assistant. Thrush works with Assistant Professor Julie Evey, Ph.D., on research surrounding belongingness for a program called ProjectConnect. 

Thrush says Evey has served as a great mentor for her throughout her academic pursuits and regards Evey as the most influential person during her time at ����ֱ�� State. 

“When I returned to college at 43, I was terrified that I was making a mistake. Even after consistently earning high marks, I suffered from imposter syndrome and was convinced everyone just got As,” Thrush said. “Dr. Evey convinced me I belonged here and helped me to ensure others knew that they belonged as well.”

Outside of her academic pursuits, Thrush enjoys competitive weightlifting. She currently holds the state record overall for snatch, clean and jerk in her weight class and age group from the Ohio Weightlifting State Organization. Since she began in 2017, Thrush has consistently ranked among the top three in the nation, according to the Ohio Weightlifting State Association.

Looking forward, Thrush is eagerly awaiting the Midwest Psychological Association’s National Conference, where she will present alongside Evey. The pair will be presenting in Chicago in April and Thrush anticipates this will be her most memorable experience as an undergraduate. 

This conference is a special achievement for Thrush and will be the first national conference she has ever attended. Thrush said she looks back on her life and is proud of who she has become today. 

“I sometimes feel like I have lived two totally separate lives. I am a recovering alcoholic, having celebrated 12 years of sobriety this past September. After struggling as a single mother for years, I remarried in 2018,” Thrush said. “Two years later, while my oldest children were in college, during a pandemic, I returned to school at 43. Since then, I have been on the dean's list each semester and maintained a 4.0 GPA. After graduation, I plan to continue working toward my Ph.D.”

With all she has overcome, Thrush’s resilience is an inspiration to many.  

Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Friday, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.