Sydni Nguyen

Why did you choose to attend UM?

Honestly I chose UM because of the Oxford small town charm and the pretty campus. I was unsure on what I wanted to do, but I thought if it is something in psychology, I would figure it out when I got there.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?

I chose my major in high school, but I did not choose my minor until the end of my freshman year. Psychology for me has always been interesting, but I did not know much about the career choices in the field until I got to UM and started talking to the professors. This is when I realized the potential psychology has for being an important part of the work force. My General Business minor came when I talked to IO psychologists in the business school. I am still exploring the different branches of psychology, but since IO is not explored much in the psychology program, I decided to try to bridge the gap between the two and learn more about what the business school has to offer.

What would you tell a high school student about your major?

A lot of people going to college are pursing a career that can get them a lot of money within a short period of time, but psychology is a field that requires at least a masters to get a higher paying job. If you are passionate about psychology and want a high paying job, you have to commit the time for those degrees.

Why is your department a special place?

The psychology department has great professors who are open and willing to talking to anyone who makes the effort, but there isn't just professors. There are many great grad students who are helpful, understanding, and less intimidating to talk to if you're someone who is a little intimidated by professors.

Can you tell me about a professor or a class you've taken that has had the most impact on you?

Research Methods in Psychology was a class that had the most impact on me because, while it was hard for me, it was amazing to be able to understand psychology on a deeper level and be able to read research papers and actaully digest the knowledge.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?

One of the most memorable moments I have had was staying up till 5am on finals weeks with my friends in the Honors college room fighting for my life while doing my first ever research proposal. The rush of turning in a final paper that took over your life for weeks is one of my favorite feelings of freshman year.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

I plan on going to grad school, but where that will be is still unknown. What I will be going to grad school for within the psychology field is also unknown, but it will all fall into place.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self?

I would tell myself to stop stressing so much about an A- because a little drop in GPA does not define who you are. I would also tell myself to stop comparing myself (grades, appearance, accomplishments, etc.) to other people because college is so much more enjoyable when you stop letting excess stress get to you. Most importantly, find an apartment earlier for cheaper rent.