Psychology Student Ambassadors
- Philip Beloate
- Racheal Embry
- Lynnzie Williams
- Dallas Kiner
- Rebecca Tse
Philip Beloate
Philip is a native of Hernando, double majoring in Psychology and Spanish. He is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and plays in the drumline with UM’s Pride of the South Marching Band. He also participates as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Parent and Adolescent Anxiety Lab.
Why did you choose to attend UM?
After visiting many SEC and private colleges, coming to UM felt like home. The unique community of Oxford combined with the good programs and friendly people at UM convinced me to stay. And although UM is closer to home, it feels like a separate world where I can grow on my own, meet new people, and have a memorable college experience.
When and why did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I didn’t plan on majoring in psychology until late in my high school career. I was always interested in psychology, but I wasn’t convinced that it was a “real” field of work until I researched and discovered that psychologists are very important in industries ranging from sports management to forensics. There are many careers beyond “counselor” or “therapist.” Clearing up these misconceptions persuaded me to declare a psychology major. After taking 12 hours of Spanish work my freshman year, I enjoyed the classes so much that I declared Spanish as a second major.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
Psychology isn’t seen as a STEM field, but the classes involve a significant amount of scientific thinking and analysis of research. Statistics also play a large role in psychology. I enjoy the major because I like science combined with the social aspects that psychology involves. Keep in mind that the field is broad, and there are lots of unique careers that a degree offers (sports, military, and aviation psychologists are some of the most interesting). Also, understand that high paying psychology jobs will require graduate degrees (M.A., Ph.D., etc.).
Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
Enrique Cotelo, my Spanish professor for Honors Spanish 211 and Spanish 303, has been really supportive. He’s very genuine and he makes his classes fun. His encouragement, combined with the students in the class, created a memorable experience that made me want to keep learning Spanish. Though his honors class was really difficult, it pushed me to become a better student.
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
There are lots of great memories, but playing on the Grove stage for the first game day on the drumline was a really exciting and memorable experience.
What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation?
I hope to attend graduate school and obtain a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and go on to become a forensic psychologist.
Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
Outside of classes, I enjoy spending time/going out with friends, going to South Rec Center, visiting the Square, going to Chili’s too much, and binging TV at home.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
Remember to find a good school/social balance. It’s important to do well in college, but it’s also important to have fun. That’s something that I forgot to do in high school, with the pressure of being expected to do well. Also, don’t worry about making friends. As long as you are open to new experiences, you’ll meet new people and get over the awkward first few weeks of college.
Rebecca is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. She is a Provost scholar and works with the Summer Immersion Program for middle and high school students. She is also an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Lay Beliefs and Culture Lab.
