From Shy Music Major to Licensed Psychotherapist: Wendy (Buck) Leeds ’71 Reflects on Her Journey
We recently sat down with Wendy (Buck) Leeds ’71 to hear how a shy Music major transformed her life’s path: one that began with dreams of performance and eventually led to a deeply meaningful career as a licensed psychotherapist.
Finding Belonging at Dean
Wendy remembers her first semester at Dean as challenging. Her roommate – her one connection on campus – left mid-semester, leaving her feeling isolated and unsure of her place. Eventually, things began to shift. She joined Glee Club and theater, and a move to Adams Hall introduced her to a small, close-knit group of caring classmates. It was there that she “found her people”, including her future husband, Tom, who attended Dean for his freshman year, and finally felt a true sense of belonging. “That was family. That’s when I knew I had found my place.”
A Seed Quietly Planted
Music had always been at the center of Wendy’s life, and she hoped Dean would help her grow into her dream of becoming a great singer. While that path didn’t unfold as she expected, one class quietly planted a seed that would change everything years later: a psychology course with Dr. Moberg. “It was the only psychology course I took while I was at Dean, but the subject matter and the way he shared it with us was inspiring. His passion became my passion.” Though she didn’t change her major at the time, the spark of interest Dr. Moberg ignited stayed with her for decades.
Life’s Twists and Challenges
After graduation, Wendy’s life took many turns, and her journey was far from easy. Wendy endured three cancer diagnoses and experienced anxiety she had never felt before. To cope, she began reading everything she could about anxiety, learning strategies that helped her endure treatments and recovery. Her informal study continued for years until one evening, after nearly a decade of self-directed learning, Wendy turned to Tom at a restaurant and admitted, “I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Tom’s simple reply changed her life: “Why don’t you go to graduate school?”
Turning Struggles into Purpose
Wendy took his advice and enrolled in graduate school, eventually earning two graduate degrees in psychology. What began as a personal quest to understand her own struggles became a new calling. “I started studying psychology because I wanted to help myself,” she said. “And then I realized I could help others.”
Today, Wendy works as a licensed psychotherapist, helping others manage the very struggles she once faced. Wendy has also written two books on anxiety, "Calm and Sense: A Woman's Guide to Living Anxiety Free," and “Solving the Anxiety Equation: The Formula to Free Yourself from Fear" and hosts the podcast "Anxiety Connection." She credits Dean for laying the foundation of confidence, connection, and inspiration that guided her through every chapter of her life.
A Message to Today’s Bulldogs
Reflecting on her journey, Wendy encourages today’s students and fellow alumni to embrace their college experience fully: “No matter where you go to school, it isn’t just about academics. Bring your heart and soul. Be open to the experience and it will change your life.”
Wendy’s story is a testament to the lasting bonds of a Dean education – how a caring community, an inspiring professor, and friendships that still feel like family can shape a life in ways you never expect.
Thank you to Institutional Advancement summer intern, Elizabeth McLaughlin '26, for her contributions to this article.