Psychology Student Ambassadors

Why did you choose to attend UM?
When I first toured, the campus just felt so familiar and so much like home, even though I had never stepped foot on it before. The small campus vibes with its history and architecture were a few of the things that captured my attention. My decision for UM was sealed as I learned more about the academics and values it had to offer!

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I chose my psychology major in the 8th grade when my career development teacher had us take a test to show the job fields we were “destined” for. Careers centered around health care were all over my chart. I chose psychology mindlessly, but as I began to learn more about the field, I truly felt like that test was onto something. And every year since, I’ve grown even more in love with the field and the future possibilities I’ll have to work in it. I decided English would be my minor when I was about to begin my freshman semester because I really adored the idea of writing and reading for school work, knowing I would give up on those passions if I became overwhelmed with assignments. I also really wanted to develop those skills in hopes my future would require them. I chose the education minor halfway through my freshman year as a no brainer for I learned that the coursework offered would help build my communication with children and understanding of their development—things that I believe are fundamental for working in the mental health field.

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?
Go beyond what you think you are capable of! Psychology classes can seem very intimidating because they aren’t classes you typically see in high school, so the material may seem harder or out of your reach, but I promise the professors here will do everything they can to help you succeed! I also highly recommend joining a research lab! Research is such an important aspect of the field, so even if it is not your long term goal to be in the lab, seeing how it is done can be very eye opening and beneficial!

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
Both of my early childhood development classes in the psychology program and the education program really helped solidify the career I wanted to have and that was to work with children! Also, both my Spanish classes impacted me greatly for they humbled me as a student because it didn’t come as naturally to me as I had hoped! I really had to work hard and study to pass the class!

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
One of my most memorable moments here was when I got a round of applause and appraise from my classmates in a writing class. My confidence wasn’t very high, but the support from my professor and peers really stuck with me and still makes me smile to this day. I even got to go on and read that piece in front of a local crowd here in Oxford!

What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for postgraduation? Post graduation, I hope to pursue my education journey by earning my Masters in mental health counseling. Before earning that degree, I hope to dabble in social working and child welfare!

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford? What are your hobbies, favorite places to go, etc.?
When I’m not on campus, I tend to be working at my second home/job, Fergndan’s! When I’m not there, you can find me at the dog park with my two pups, in the Cookout line ordering milkshakes, or browsing the shelves of Square Books with Heartbreak Chai Tea in hand!

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
One thing I wish I could tell myself is ignore the people who say “college is this and that.” I had way too many expectations coming in that weren’t suitable for my wants or desires. I put so much pressure on myself to be sociable, to join every crowd, to make those “once in a lifetime moments.” The issue was, I was forcing those moments when they should have come freely to me. Once I stopped, I began to realize just that!

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 adolescents and young adults.

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.

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?
Some of my dream travel destinations are Paris, because of the Eiffel tower, and London because of its history and my name of course.