Exploring Majors
When I came to UT, I expected to get a degree in management and complete pre-dental courses. I was accepted into Undergraduate Studies, and while I was initially confused about what that meant, I was glad I didn’t have the pressure of having to choose a career I wasn’t sure about. I explored many options and went back to what I originally wanted to do as a child. I took the intro class to psychology and found it very interesting, and it confirmed that this was what I wanted to study.
Studying Psychology
Studying psychology gives you a foundation for any career. Learning how to talk to people and how to understand why they do certain things is an essential skill. The major allows you to explore the wonders of this world that we all think about and never get answers to. With this degree, I will be able to relate to people in a better way.
My most influential professors were Dr. Juan Salinas who taught the intro psychology course, Dr. Lawrence Brownstein who has experience in the field, and Dr. Metson who also talked to me about her career and her perspective on studying psychology.
The most surprising thing about being a psychology major is that sometimes what seems like common sense isn’t, exactly. Things aren’t always what they seem. The human mind is complex and is the most powerful tool we have.
Road Bumps
I had a very low GPA and I felt like I was never going to pull it up. The average GPA of those who were admitted into psychology program was quite high and far from what I had, so I was afraid I was not going to be able to get in. Despite the fact that it was going to be more of a challenge for me, I still applied and went for it. Hard work pays off, because I was admitted to the program.
Most Rewarding Class
The most rewarding class I have ever taken was Building Sales Relationships (CMS 337) with Dr. Keri Stephens. She taught me many real-world business skills that I can apply to my career. She introduced me to a subject I grew fond of and helped me think like a businesswoman. I found what I am great at and something I enjoy.
Favorite Study Spot
The Architecture & Planning Library and the third floor of the Student Activity Center.
Student Organizations
In my first two years, I was involved in UGS Council. I was also involved in Texas Gospel Fellowship, Texas Latin Dance, and Sigma Lambda Gamma. I was able to expand my network and meet friends in my field through these organizations. I was able to get tips on classes to take and professors to look for and ask students how they enjoyed their majors.
Internship
I have interned with Southwestern Advantage for a year and a summer. The experience and the amount I have grown is priceless. It has helped me transform from a student with dreams to a professional with goals.
Advice For New UGS Students
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore what is out there. UT has so much to offer and the resources it can help ease the stress of college. Face your fears and get to know yourself &emdash; what you like, what makes you happy, and what stresses you. The better you know yourself, the easier it will be to make decisions. College is about learning and discovering many options. Through UGS you have the ability to fully immerse yourself in UT and weigh different options. Use your resources as much as you can. This opportunity isn’t given to everyone.