Q&A with Nicole Ewers
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
I chose to attend UM because at the start of my college journey, I applied to twenty schools. I was unsure of what I wanted, and I had visited many schools that did not seem like a place where I could envision myself. Then, on a beautiful day in October, I visited UM, and as the day went on, those nineteen other schools faded into the background. Whether it be the pure kindness of those I encountered, the Freshman Studies program that did not judge my “undeclared” status, or the beauty of this campus and community, I knew I had to be here.
I chose to attend UM because at the start of my college journey, I applied to twenty schools. I was unsure of what I wanted, and I had visited many schools that did not seem like a place where I could envision myself. Then, on a beautiful day in October, I visited UM, and as the day went on, those nineteen other schools faded into the background. Whether it be the pure kindness of those I encountered, the Freshman Studies program that did not judge my “undeclared” status, or the beauty of this campus and community, I knew I had to be here.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
I am incredibly partial, but I think my major is the best major. Psychology is introspective, impressive, and immense. Any great i-word. Through my classes, I learn about people and the psyche. I am beginning to comprehend why people may have certain behaviors or thoughts. It is incredibly applicable in many fields, and the field itself is vast. Additionally, graduate school will most likely be necessary to further pursue a psychological career, but it is not something to fear. Through my years here, my major has and will continue to prepare me for this next step as I overcome challenges and achieve success.
I am incredibly partial, but I think my major is the best major. Psychology is introspective, impressive, and immense. Any great i-word. Through my classes, I learn about people and the psyche. I am beginning to comprehend why people may have certain behaviors or thoughts. It is incredibly applicable in many fields, and the field itself is vast. Additionally, graduate school will most likely be necessary to further pursue a psychological career, but it is not something to fear. Through my years here, my major has and will continue to prepare me for this next step as I overcome challenges and achieve success.
Why is your department a special place?
My department is a special place because it is unique. In Peabody Hall, there are people who want to understand other people. Thus, people treat one another in the way in which they attempt to understand how they would want to be treated. There is a general comfort in the air as someone is there to help you should you ask. Office hours are real and reflective. Classes are informative and designed for you. Your advisor advises you. My advisor, in particular, has helped me as I picked my minor, as well as showing me a new emphasis available in my major. Therefore, in this department, there is always going to be something to learn and an opportunity for progress. It excitingly adapts to real-world changes, which prepares those in this department well for life after graduation.
My department is a special place because it is unique. In Peabody Hall, there are people who want to understand other people. Thus, people treat one another in the way in which they attempt to understand how they would want to be treated. There is a general comfort in the air as someone is there to help you should you ask. Office hours are real and reflective. Classes are informative and designed for you. Your advisor advises you. My advisor, in particular, has helped me as I picked my minor, as well as showing me a new emphasis available in my major. Therefore, in this department, there is always going to be something to learn and an opportunity for progress. It excitingly adapts to real-world changes, which prepares those in this department well for life after graduation.
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
Dr. Smith has had a profound impact on me. I had the pleasure of having her in my fall semester of my sophomore year. This was a time in which I was still a new psychology major and fairly certain it was the correct major, but not completely. By the end of this class, I was completely sure. This class was Statistics for Behavioral Sciences, which may not sound very psychological at all, or so I thought. Through her word problems, careful explanations, education on new software, and some well-placed humor, she was one of the best professors I have ever had. So much so, that her office hours were not an intimidating idea, but a real actuality. She would make me feel like I was talking to a wise friend whom I deeply respected. Through this experience, I realized I wouldn’t want to study anything else. Sure, the data of people can be difficult to quantify and understand, but that’s part of the fun of psychology. It was an incredibly gratifying class, and I realized that if I enjoyed a class considered atypical of my major, I was going to love any class in my major, atypical or not. This versatility is widely representative of its complex, thrilling, and supportive department.
Dr. Smith has had a profound impact on me. I had the pleasure of having her in my fall semester of my sophomore year. This was a time in which I was still a new psychology major and fairly certain it was the correct major, but not completely. By the end of this class, I was completely sure. This class was Statistics for Behavioral Sciences, which may not sound very psychological at all, or so I thought. Through her word problems, careful explanations, education on new software, and some well-placed humor, she was one of the best professors I have ever had. So much so, that her office hours were not an intimidating idea, but a real actuality. She would make me feel like I was talking to a wise friend whom I deeply respected. Through this experience, I realized I wouldn’t want to study anything else. Sure, the data of people can be difficult to quantify and understand, but that’s part of the fun of psychology. It was an incredibly gratifying class, and I realized that if I enjoyed a class considered atypical of my major, I was going to love any class in my major, atypical or not. This versatility is widely representative of its complex, thrilling, and supportive department.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After I graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, I would like to attend graduate school. After two years of graduate school, I would like to become a school therapist. I have worked with children all my life, and if I could apply my education to attempt to help them, I would do it in a heartbeat (or at least four undergraduate years and two graduate years). I look forward to this future and am grateful for the opportunities that take me there.
After I graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, I would like to attend graduate school. After two years of graduate school, I would like to become a school therapist. I have worked with children all my life, and if I could apply my education to attempt to help them, I would do it in a heartbeat (or at least four undergraduate years and two graduate years). I look forward to this future and am grateful for the opportunities that take me there.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
One thing I wish I knew as an incoming freshman is that it is okay to live in a time of uncertainty, even if it feels as if others are in a time of certainty. You are on your own journey, and through some exploration, you will realize what you want for yourself and the people you want around you. I believe it is counterproductive to “know everything” when you get to college, because then you do not allow college and yourself the openness you may need to truly realize your identity and role in the world. Do not limit yourself under the guise of a false security that you believe belongs to others. Be a little uncomfortable and give yourself grace to access the countless opportunities that await you.
One thing I wish I knew as an incoming freshman is that it is okay to live in a time of uncertainty, even if it feels as if others are in a time of certainty. You are on your own journey, and through some exploration, you will realize what you want for yourself and the people you want around you. I believe it is counterproductive to “know everything” when you get to college, because then you do not allow college and yourself the openness you may need to truly realize your identity and role in the world. Do not limit yourself under the guise of a false security that you believe belongs to others. Be a little uncomfortable and give yourself grace to access the countless opportunities that await you.
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