Dear Students,
As the semester draws to a close, there’s a strange sense of time slipping in ways we can't quite hold. Maybe it’s the weather—cool and damp one day, sunny and hot the next. Maybe it’s the uncertain and often challenging context that surrounds us on the larger Columbia campus and in our shared world. Maybe it’s just that the rhythms of everyday life have felt off-kilter for a while now. Whatever the reason, this moment feels both long-awaited and unexpectedly sudden.
What does feel grounded is the immense effort you’ve put in—through late nights, long days, group projects, exams, papers, difficult conversations, shared laughs, unexpected detours, and meaningful milestones. You’ve shown up for each other and for your work, and it shows. The connections you’ve made, the ideas you’ve explored, and the growth you’ve experienced won’t disappear with the end of the academic year—they're going with you into whatever’s next.
We are all in-between right now; we are in a boundary position. This in-between space can be disorienting. You might feel exhilarated one moment and completely overwhelmed the next. That’s not only okay—it’s expected. Transition is complicated and multifaceted. It can be joyful and bittersweet, clear and confusing, all at once. Whether you’re heading toward graduation, summer internships, new research, or just some much-needed rest, this phase brings change, and change is never one thing.
In the midst of all this, I hope you remember how capable you are. You've managed a demanding year with grace, intelligence, humor, and persistence. (And yes, navigating NYC counts as a life skill.)
So, in the days ahead, take care of yourselves. Let yourself feel proud, tired, uncertain, and excited. Make space for joy and connection. To those graduating: congratulations. We’re so proud of you. To those returning: wishing you a wonderful summer and we’ll see you soon. To everyone: thank you for making our community what it is – abundant, generous, informed, kind, strong – extraordinary.
Lean on your community—and remember, you are part of one that will always be here for you. We are your forever network and your forever S-OP home. Now go and soar!
Warmly,
Current Student Profile
Winnie is a second-year Master’s student in Social-Organizational Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, graduating in May 2025. Originally from Taiwan, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology from Taipei Medical University. After graduation, Winnie began her career in the pharmaceutical industry, where her experiences in the commercial sector ignited her passion for culture change and people-development initiatives, ultimately motivating her to pursue an MA in Organizational Psychology.
Currently, Winnie works as an Organizational Development Internal Consultant at B. Braun, where she leads change management initiatives. With a strong foundation in both organizational development and business strategy, she combines data-driven insights with human-centered solutions to foster cultural transformation, optimize talent development, and enhance overall organizational effectiveness.
Beyond her professional work, Winnie is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. She has proudly served as a leader in the Taiwanese Club at Teachers College, creating a space that nurtures a sense of belonging. She is also an active member of the Organization and Human Development Consulting Club (OHDCC) and works as a Program Coordinator for the Army Leadership Program, where she supports leadership development initiatives aimed at fostering effective leadership skills and team collaboration.
Winnie is passionate about using her expertise in organizational psychology to create healthier, more inclusive workplace cultures that drive sustainable growth. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, and podcasting. She hosts her own podcast, where she shares insights into psychology and explores cultural differences, encouraging vulnerability and helping others embrace their authentic selves.
You can connect with Winnie on LinkedIn here.
Alumni Profile
Tom leverages data and partners with leaders to develop highly engaged and high-performing teams. As a strategic Human Resources professional, Tom is a thoughtful partner and trusted advisor to leadership in achieving high growth by improving the employee lifecycle and empowering organizations to execute on the company vision and goals.
Tom has over 8 years of HR operations & talent management experience across the Sports, Technology, Hospitality, and Biotech industries. He currently serves as a Human Resources Business Partner at Caris Life Sciences, where he provides HR partnership and strategic guidance to senior management in Sales at a next-generation Biotech company and pioneer in precision medicine. Prior to Caris, Tom managed global employee performance and relations at Major League Baseball, consulted with Engineering & Product executives at Circle Internet Financial, and headed the talent management function for over 60,000 associates at Aimbridge Hospitality (the world's largest third-party hotel operator).
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from New York University, Tom graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2019 with a Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology. Outside of his academic and professional endeavors, Tom is an avid violinist and basketball fan.
Tom leverages data and partners with leaders to develop highly engaged and high-performing teams. As a strategic Human Resources professional, Tom is a thoughtful partner and trusted advisor to leadership in achieving high growth by improving the employee lifecycle and empowering organizations to execute on the company vision and goals.
Tom has over 8 years of HR operations & talent management experience across the Sports, Technology, Hospitality, and Biotech industries. He currently serves as a Human Resources Business Partner at Caris Life Sciences, where he provides HR partnership and strategic guidance to senior management in Sales at a next-generation Biotech company and pioneer in precision medicine. Prior to Caris, Tom managed global employee performance and relations at Major League Baseball, consulted with Engineering & Product executives at Circle Internet Financial, and headed the talent management function for over 60,000 associates at Aimbridge Hospitality (the world's largest third-party hotel operator).
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from New York University, Tom graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2019 with a Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology. Outside of his academic and professional endeavors, Tom is an avid violinist and basketball fan.