Winter 08 Graduate to Become Youngest Student at Boston Doctoral Program
When Seth Vacek ’08 was younger, no one thought he’d go to UMBC. They never thought he’d go college, period, or even graduate from high school. But Vacek, who has cerebral palsy, was determined to pursue his education fully, despite what anyone said.
“I didn’t let anything stop me from achieving the goals I’ve set,” he said.
Vacek’s condition affects his fine motor skills and impairs both his speech and walking. Everyday tasks, such as tying his shoes, can be extremely challenging. Despite these physical barriers, Vacek did graduate from high school and at the top of his class.
He continued his education at Anne Arundel Community College, where he graduated with an associate’s degree in general studies. At age 19, he applied to UMBC, and now, at age 20, he graduates and will move on to Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis to pursue a doctoral degree as the youngest accepted applicant in the school’s history.
Vacek entered UMBC as a psychology major, a field he was encouraged to pursue after taking a course with UMBC Assistant Professor and AACC Adjunct Professor Peter Resta. While at UMBC, he engaged in independent research. One of his research studies examined tattoos and why people get them. He presented his findings at UMBC’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) in spring 2008. Another research interest Vacek undertook was examining moshing, a violent form of dance that occurs at live music performances.
“I was always interested in those topics but it was UMBC that helped shape them into research ideas,” he said. “I plan to continue studying both topics in the future.”
In addition to the encouragement he received from the psychology department, Vacek also found great support through the Honors College.
“The environment provided so much intellectual stimulation,” he said. “You’re able to think about and discuss topics outside your major, like philosophy and politics. My professors taught me to really apply critical thinking skills to those subjects.”
Of his professors at UMBC, Vacek said everyone helped him to succeed. In order to graduate, Vacek needed to pass a language course. Wanting a challenge, he decided to study Latin. Learning another language was extremely difficult for him, but his professors went the extra mile to help him.
“Dr. Jay Freyman and I would meet one-on-one in his office and would just go over word after word,” he said. “He really took his time and helped me learn the language.”
Vacek plans on coming back to Maryland after he receives his doctoral degree and would eventually like to teach at the collegiate level and practice psychoanalysis in a hospital setting. He’d also like to open up his own practice.
Although he has mixed feelings about leaving UMBC, Vacek is excited for the next step in his journey.
“I’m nervous about leaving, and, in a way, I don’t want it to end,” he said. “But that’s what happens when your reach your goals. You need to set more.”
(12/18/08)
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