Psychology Student Ambassadors

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.

Rachael is majoring in Psychology. She is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College as well as an Honors Ambassador. She is president of the First-Generation Student Network. She also participates in the Cognitive Underlying Behavior Research Lab as the Lab Manager.

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 why 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? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
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.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to 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? What are your career goals/ plans for post graduation?
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 (about the general college experience)?
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.

Lynnzie is majoring in Psychology and double minoring in Criminal Justice and Disaster Sciences. She was part of the BRIDGE Stem program in 2020. She loves to visit Square Books and local coffee shops.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose UM because it had everything I was looking for: an excellent psychology program, research opportunities, a great class size, and not too far from home.

When and why did you choose your major / minor?
I officially decided on my major (psychology) spring semester of freshman year once I researched all of the majors offered and saw myself enjoying this one the most. By spring semester of sophomore year, I decided on two minors (disaster science and criminal justice) after talking to my advisor about my future plans and he advised me that those would suit me best.

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?
Do not rush and believe that you have to know going into college! If pursuing a degree in psychology, know that there are so many fields and options for you to choose from with a bachelors in psychology! I was discouraged after hearing that it’s useless, but it is not!

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
The most impactful class I have taken was Introduction to Clinical Psychology with John Young. During the class, I found the career that I am interested in, as well as learned more about the ins and outs of a specific field of psychology.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
My enjoyable moment at UM was definitely spring semester of 2021. It had just snowed and everyone got together and had a snowball fight, and the joy created from a (somewhat) miserable week was amazing.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for post graduation?
Once I graduate, I plan to attend graduate school and pursue a degree in Clinical
Psychology. I have a few ideas of what area of clinical psychology I would like to go into, but my top option right now is prison or forensic psychology.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
I love spending time with friends, picnicking in Lamar park, going to Square Books, or hanging around a local coffee shop!

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
Learn how you study and retain information best, go to class, and get to know your professors (don’t let them intimidate you)! You got this, so breathe.