Why did you choose to attend UM?
The appeal that the University of Mississippi had to me lay in what I term the “completeness” of the institution. As an out-of-state student, typical preconceptions about the University are related to sports and Greek Life (which, for the record, are certainly strengths of the school), but I have found it truly impossible to separate any particular element of campus life from another. The academic standards are high enough to force even the most unmotivated student to, at a minimum, try, and the athletics are exciting enough to encourage the most introverted student to attend a game.
The appeal that the University of Mississippi had to me lay in what I term the “completeness” of the institution. As an out-of-state student, typical preconceptions about the University are related to sports and Greek Life (which, for the record, are certainly strengths of the school), but I have found it truly impossible to separate any particular element of campus life from another. The academic standards are high enough to force even the most unmotivated student to, at a minimum, try, and the athletics are exciting enough to encourage the most introverted student to attend a game.
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?
Like every major, the most important thing a prospective psychology major should determine before beginning their studies is what they plan on doing with the degree. Psychology is very eclectic, and the career opportunities reflect this fact. Law, medicine, social work, academia, and politics are but a few examples of fields a student could eventually find themselves in, but it is important to determine the one in which they would like to specialize so their coursework, internships, and extracurriculars align with that goal.
Like every major, the most important thing a prospective psychology major should determine before beginning their studies is what they plan on doing with the degree. Psychology is very eclectic, and the career opportunities reflect this fact. Law, medicine, social work, academia, and politics are but a few examples of fields a student could eventually find themselves in, but it is important to determine the one in which they would like to specialize so their coursework, internships, and extracurriculars align with that goal.
Why is your department a special place?
The nature of what the Psychology Department studies almost forces the atmosphere of its classes to be distinct from others on campus. Professors and graduate students are always cordial and passionate about what they teach and/or research because psychology, unlike other scientific domains, requires collaboration from many disciplines, ultimately allowing these individuals to study what they are truly interested in. This latitude is also extended to students and is reflected in the number of classes the department offers. With an array of classes that cover anything from personality to sexuality, it is not unreasonable to assume that a majority of non-majors have likely taken at least one class in the department.
The nature of what the Psychology Department studies almost forces the atmosphere of its classes to be distinct from others on campus. Professors and graduate students are always cordial and passionate about what they teach and/or research because psychology, unlike other scientific domains, requires collaboration from many disciplines, ultimately allowing these individuals to study what they are truly interested in. This latitude is also extended to students and is reflected in the number of classes the department offers. With an array of classes that cover anything from personality to sexuality, it is not unreasonable to assume that a majority of non-majors have likely taken at least one class in the department.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
The most impactful class I have taken thus far was Dr. Hales’ Readings and Research in Psychology. While not a traditional class per se, it definitely is unique in that it allows undergraduates to get a glimpse into the research that professors and graduate students do. It also has afforded me some access to events occurring in the Psychology Department that I otherwise would not have known about.
The most impactful class I have taken thus far was Dr. Hales’ Readings and Research in Psychology. While not a traditional class per se, it definitely is unique in that it allows undergraduates to get a glimpse into the research that professors and graduate students do. It also has afforded me some access to events occurring in the Psychology Department that I otherwise would not have known about.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
My most pressing goal after graduation is to find a post-baccalaureate program where I can continue to build on the research experience that I have been gathering at the University of Mississippi, so that even further in the future, I may be qualified for admission into a graduate clinical psychology program. Upon the completion of this schooling, I hope to both practice psychology as a therapist and teach in some capacity.
My most pressing goal after graduation is to find a post-baccalaureate program where I can continue to build on the research experience that I have been gathering at the University of Mississippi, so that even further in the future, I may be qualified for admission into a graduate clinical psychology program. Upon the completion of this schooling, I hope to both practice psychology as a therapist and teach in some capacity.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
It cannot be overstated how important involvement in campus activities is for new students. A crucial difference between high school and college is the increased amount of freedom that students receive. Unfortunately, this can be a double-edged sword, as it is extraordinarily easy to put forth little or no effort towards active involvement. Even if one’s participation is limited to attending home basketball games, they will be rewarded disproportionately for the limited effort put in and find themselves better adjusted than those who do not.
It cannot be overstated how important involvement in campus activities is for new students. A crucial difference between high school and college is the increased amount of freedom that students receive. Unfortunately, this can be a double-edged sword, as it is extraordinarily easy to put forth little or no effort towards active involvement. Even if one’s participation is limited to attending home basketball games, they will be rewarded disproportionately for the limited effort put in and find themselves better adjusted than those who do not.
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