Get to Know Racheal Embry
Why did you choose to attend UM?
I had the opportunity to visit UM during my junior year of high school and was able to sit in on a couple of classes, meet with professors and staff, and see campus from a different perspective. I was met with nothing but kindness and helpfulness from the faculty and the students I spoke to. For this reason, I decided that this was the campus I wanted to spend the next four years at.
When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
Since I can remember, I have always loved helping others in any way I can. As I grew up, I became interested in understanding why people thought the way they did and behaved in certain ways in response to others and their surroundings. For this reason, I began exploring the field of Psychology and was hooked. I declared my major as Psychology before my freshman year of undergrad. Now, I get to combine my love for helping others with the field of study that continues to grow and teach me by becoming a clinical psychologist.
What would you tell a high school student about your major?
The field of psychology is incredibly broad and there are dozens of ways to use your major. I would recommend talking to professors who research different topics and ask questions so you can begin to explore what your interests are. I also recommend getting involved and having first-hand experience with the topics you are passionate about. The psychology department has a number of opportunities for you to get involved such as research labs and internship classes. By doing this, you can begin to see what path suits you.
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
During my freshman year at UM, I took an honors 101 course with Dr. Ashleen Williams that focused on self and society. This class consisted of 15 students where we were able to discuss broad topics in detail, hear differing opinions, and expand our horizons outside of the classroom. This class is where I began to find myself as a student at the University. I learned what it meant to be a First-Generation college student at UM and began getting involved in groups and organizations. This class set the foundation for my college experience and helped me find support through faculty and peers.
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
My most enjoyable experience at the university was not one moment but rather a series of moments while I was a Community Assistant on campus. Through this experience, I was able to connect with freshman and help them begin their college journey. I found friends among my coworkers and residents and was able to grow and learn right alongside them.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
After I graduate the University of Mississippi in 2024, my plans are to pursue graduate school to obtain my PhD in Clinical Psychology. I hope to work as a clinical psychologist for individuals with severe psychopathology.
Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
Outside of school, I enjoy cooking and baking, buying books at Square Books, and trying Oxford coffee shops with friends.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self?
You don’t have to have it figured out. I came into college with a plan of how my college experience would go and what I wanted my career to look like. This quickly changed as my first year was affected by COVID-19. Then as I started taking classes, I began to explore new topics, and my plan changed some. This is completely normal. Almost everyone alters their plan during college whether that’s their major or their life postgrad. Be flexible and open to exploring new options.
Why is your department a special place?
The psychology department at the University of Mississippi creates an atmosphere of learning through professors and supporting staff who truly care about their students’ learning. These professor’s know how to teach because they have devoted their life to understanding how individual’s learn and process information. The material taught in psychology classes transcends the classroom and can be applied in a variety of contexts both in academic and nonacademic settings. There are a multitude of ways to apply the information being taught in classrooms from getting involved in research labs to enrolling in a psychology internship class.
What are your 3 favorite things about your major/department at UM?
1. The classroom material and subsequent conversations revolve around fascinating information and research findings.
2. The professors and faculty are extremely supportive, care for their students, and understand how to teach material because they understand how individual’s learn.
3. There are a number of ways undergraduate students can get involved with higher psychological research or clinical practice.
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