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The following letters were written to freshmen by graduating Psychology majors at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ over the past few years. These are their "goodbye letters."  

Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

As I sit here on the Dionne Green and type this letter to you, I have much gratitude. I have gratitude for the beautiful 70° weather in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ today, the campus and the people that have nurtured me into the person I have grown to be, and the everlasting 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ community that is now a part of me. I am a senior and in a few weeks I will be walking across the stage and receiving my diploma with two degrees in Psychology and Philosophy, and a minor in Entrepreneurship. I promise you that you will blink and then one day you will be in the same position as me-graduating from college. During your four years at the University aim to get the most fulfillment from them, whether that means mental, spiritual, physical, or all of the above. In this letter, I will offer you some advice that I gathered during my four college years.

In regards to your psychology major, well, I hope you benefit from it as much as I did. As a first-year, I entered the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as a biology major on a pre-medicine track. At the end of my first semester, I immediately switched from biology to psychology on a pre-physician assistant track. I took several biology and chemistry classes, but always found the material taught in my psychology classes the most engaging and captivating. However, it took me three whole years, until I was a senior, to realize that medicine, regardless of the field, was not for me. It took me three whole years to let go of my ego and consider a different path for myself. During the COVID-19 pandemic I took the time to reflect on where my life was heading and who I was becoming. I talked with close friends and family about where I envision myself after graduation, five years from now, and twenty years from now. With the help and encouragement from my closest allies, I decided to add an entrepreneurship minor, and because of this decision, I finally found where I was meant to be.. This decision led me to becoming an intern for the Women's Entrepreneurship Center, and realizing my potential, and ultimately my natural talents. For example, I helped over ten women in the local area write a business plan, start a business, and thereby determine their own fate. If it were not for my willingness to try new things and open myself up to new opportunities and perspectives, then I would have still been a lost soul today. That being said, it is never too late to change your path. Try new things. Take the risk.

Truth be told, I learned that my major in psychology pretty much served as a four year therapy session for me. I come from a family with various undiagnosed mental health issues, and by default these issues have impacted me. My way of coping with my family, and my own problems, was by taking a deep-dive and thoroughly learning about mental health through my psychology studies. Therefore, I was able to understand those around me, including my family and even myself.

You will learn all about this in your Psych Statistics and Research Methods course, but always dig deeper and try to understand the process that led to the results. For example, you will come across several news articles, Snapchat news stories, and questionable Tik Tok theories, but do your best to unpack what is being presented to you. Never take something for face value. Look into the research, conduct your own research, and ask questions.

That leads me to my third piece of advice: ask copious amounts of questions in class. You will realize how intelligent the professors are in the psychology department so take advantage of that. The professors will become somewhat of a support system, a family i;i.way from home, that will help navigate you through your four years at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. Go to their office hours, send them emails, and ask them questions. You will learn a lot from picking their brain. Get your tuition money's worth of knowledge.

Finally, my last piece of advice to you is always hold the door open for another student walking behind you. This piece of advice will transform your experience here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. It will turn colleagues into friends, and create a sense of kinship in the most mundane situations. Make the most of these small instances because those are the ones you will look back on in appreciation.

P.s. The more open you are with others, the more open they will be with you. Allow yourself to be vulnerable (at times).

I wish you the best. 

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Dear First-Year Psychology Major,

Welcome to the psychology department at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! I hope you are excited to embark on your four-year journey. This department offers tons of opportunities to expand and tailor your interests, and it is a good idea to take advantage of what it has to offer.

It is perfectly fine to not know what you want to do after graduation yet. However, it would be beneficial to get involved in faculty members' labs, psychology club, and teaching assistant positions as soon as possible if you are interested. I first joined a lab because I thought I might be interested in getting a PhD, but it actually taught me that doing years of research is not for me. I am glad I dipped my toe into something new because it showed me what I do not want and helped me sort out my goals. The experience also impressed the admissions counselors for my master's program and would probably be impressive on a job application as well. If you do end up applying to PhD programs, you will need to have lab experience. Joining a lab can only help you in the end, so if you have the time, get involved! You will get to work closely with a faculty member and other psychology students.

Serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant twice was also an invaluable experience for me. It played a large role in helping me decide to continue my education in school psychology. I love being surrounded by teaching strategies and methods of education, and I loved being able to gain those skills. I wish I had been more involved in psychology club and Psi Chi throughout my years as an undergraduate. I did musical theater, and while I loved it more than anything, my rehearsals usually conflicted with psychology club meetings. I did attend a few times, however, and the psychology club is a warm environment that gives members the opportunity to socialize with students in their major or with a common interest in psychology. They do lots of service events each year, and I have many friends who got involved and looked forward to going each time. If you are interested in research, get involved with APSSC. These clubs will be further explained in your courses, and they are worth considering.

After your first year, you will be assigned a faculty advisor in the department to help you plan your course schedule for each semester until you graduate. If you are dissatisfied with your advisor for any reason, switch! There is no reason to stay with an advisor you do not work well with. If this is the case, approach a faculty member whom you would like to advise you and ask what you can do to make that happen. I promise that they will be willing to help.

If you chose psychology as a major because you want to work directly with people in a clinical setting, I would definitely recommend taking Clinical Psychology with Dr. Norcross in your junior or senior year. Not only will you learn a lot about psychological history, theories, and practice, but it also allows you to take Field Experience in the Clinical Setting for credit in a subsequent semester. Doing my internship for my field experience course was one of the best experiences of my college career. Sometimes, the most valuable education comes from hands-on work, and I feel prepared to start my school psychology master's because of the internship I did.

There are tons of psychology electives to choose from, so I recommend catering those electives to your specific interests or anticipated career goals. If you are interested in speech pathology, take Psychology of Language. If you are interested in child psychology or psychology of adulthood, take both Lifespan Development courses, Child Clinical Psychology, or Abnormal Child Psychology (after you have taken Abnormal Psychology and Clinical Psychology, of course). If you prefer the research side of psychology or are simply interested in non-clinical psychological phenomena, I recommend courses such as Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience.

The psychology major offers a flexible curriculum that allows you to add a double major, minor, concentration, or even all three. I was a part of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Program (SJLA) and ended up double-majoring in philosophy. I was interested in counseling and started taking courses over in that department, and I eventually added a minor in counseling and human services. Additionally, I added the Lifespan Development Concentration, as I already met all the requirements with my psychology and human services courses. If you are interested in another field, you can absolutely declare a major or minor in it along with being a psychology major.

I hope you make the most of your time in the psychology department and at the University in general. These are some things I wish someone had told me when I was starting out. My final piece of advice is to cherish every moment, as you will meet some amazing people. I wish you the best of luck with your studies and beyond.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Well, where should I even begin? There is certainly too much to tell within the confines of a welcome letter, but I will nonetheless try my best.

To begin, welcome! You have come to the right place. Coming out of a pandemic, the world is in desperate need for cultivated minds that are geared towards helping people. We all know the value of physical checkups; seeing a doctor once a year just to make sure everything is okay is imperative to our functioning and living healthy lives. All too often, however, our mental health is neglected. Unfortunately, although we are moving in the right direction, there is generally a negative stigma towards those that seek mental health therapy. Even if you aren't diagnosed with depression, anxiety, etc., it would be in your best interest to speak to a professional. You don't know what's there to get off your chest until you do. Alas, in this rigorous and rewarding field of study, there is much to learn that is sure to benefit both you and those around you. Regardless of what field you pursue, that being behavioral health, clinical, experimental, and the like, you will be benefiting fellow man and making the world a better place.

As mentioned, however, it will certainly not be an easy task. Psychology is an intense and comprehensive field of study, demanding focus and engagement across numerous fields. Unlike many of the other sciences whose courses feel very individualistic and seemingly lack overlap from class to class, psychology courses all work hand-in-hand with one another; it would be in your best interest to retain the useful knowledge gained in one class, as it is sure to help you in others.

During this final semester, I have had ample time to reflect on my overall experiences throughout my four years here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. To say the least, I had a rocky start. Here's a piece of advice coming in here: do not date anyone your first year here! You may be led to believe that this is because you want to "be adventurous and test the waters." While that is indeed a factor, it's more along the lines of "setting good groundwork" and creating both the healthy educational and social framework that is necessary to have both a successful and enjoyable experience here. Consider this: you're in a brand-new environment with opportunities galore. Because you have these newfound liberties, you should want to capitalize on them, right? I foolishly invested far too much time in my first girlfriend here, as we had no parents or other factors separating us. Hell, we were two minutes away walking-distance from one another. As a result, my grades took a backseat, which is reflected by the poorest performance in my entire academic career: my freshman year of college. In addition, as many friendships were being made, my constant investment in this girl set me back while even people in my own dorm made friends without me. She was wonderful, but I lacked the discipline to balance my commitments. If you have the ability to perform said balance, then by all means do so, but I recommend otherwise.

Be sure to fully immerse yourself in both your studies and social activities. Like many aspects of life, you should be aiming to seek a "happy medium" between work and play. If you've seen The Shining, you know that "all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy." I implore you to please approach all activities (sports, clubs, gatherings, etc.) with an open mind and try new things. This was a lesson I learned during my sophomore year. I wound up trying clubs and began to become far more involved in school. Studies show that those who are involved in activities outside of the classroom actually perform better than those who devote constant time to academics exclusively. My junior year is when I once again became invested in the arts, particularly modeling, drawing, and sculpting, which is a spark of life I had lost after I graduated from high school. I have told my friends for years that "comfort is the enemy of progress;" you want to be constantly involved and keep your mind active. Of course, academics are and should be your priority, but you have to engage yourself elsewhere. Trust me, you will be doing yourself a favor, and you may even learn a thing or two about an undiscovered passion you have. Who knows? College is a time for self-discovery and cultivation of both the mind and body.

Here are a few closing bits of advice. Firstly, read your damn textbooks. I know it sounds either obvious or unnecessary, but I regret not reading anywhere near as much as I should have. Besides the fact that reading is inherently good for you, reading the texts teachers assign, regardless of how redundant or obnoxious they may seem, will only help you. It reinforces class material and provides an alternate angle towards an approach at understanding content. Next, make physical activity, whether that be sports or the gym, a consistent part of your schedule.

Working out helps regulate your mood and provides a dopamine rush, makes you healthier (obviously), and compels you to be more academically and socially engaged. I can't stress this enough, make physical activity a regular occurrence. Third, make time to study and review material. Not even before exams, but just regularly, it is good to take a few minutes and review class material instead of playing video games or loafing around. Fourth, avoid naps and regulate your sleep schedule. There is literally not enough time in the world, let alone on this letter, to explain the benefits of sleep. When people on all walks of life say that "sleep is the best medicine," they mean it.

Last but not least, recognize that you are in a privileged position. You are in the minority of people who are blessed to come to an expensive and wonderful Jesuit university who has the opportunity to get a bachelor's degree and make a difference in the world... don't be someone who will just piss it away. Make every step count. Consider what it took to get you here; you have parents willing to sacrifice their hard-earned money to send you here and professors that are willing to provide the tools necessary to be a successful and good human being. Remember this every day-go to class, study, make friends, and be involved. I promise you that you will have no regrets when you embrace this wonderful opportunity with full arms.

With this, I wish you the best of luck, fellow psychology student. Now is when you begin a new era of your life-an era that will shape your future for the better. Get out there and grab the bull by the horns! My best wishes to you!

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

My four years in the psychology department have been filled with so many fond memories and I hope you have just as positive of an experience as I did! Starting in intro psychology, I met some of my best friends. The first semester which both feels like it happened yesterday and a lifetime ago, is a little awkward but totally worth it.

I know what you are thinking. I am in a new place. I barely know anyone. Everything is just new. It is okay that you are uncomfortable now. The best advice anyone gave me going into college is that everyone feels the exact same way that you do. Everyone is trying to make friends and figure out how they fit into this new environment. In a surprisingly short amount of time, things will fall into place. One of my best friends from college was in my orientation group. She was also a psychology major and we were both more reserved and introverted at orientation. The first weekend of school I asked her if she wanted to go to target with me and that's where it all began. Both of us were shy, but we made the small effort to put ourselves out there and there was a big payoff from it.

One of the biggest lessons I learned as a first year was time management. For the first time ever I was completely on my own to handle classes, meals, clubs, and a social life. It was more challenging than ever to say "no" when asked if you want to hang out or do things with a friend. Especially as a first year, you wonder if by saying no that will be the last invitation. I am here to tell you that it will not be the last invitation. This will make me sound like a nerd and I promise I had a social life, but it is okay to prioritize doing your schoolwork. You are a student first and, although it will suck in the moment, you will be glad you did well. Pro tip- you get a letter home if you earn a grade of a C- or below. Getting one of those home is not worth spending a few hours with your friends, trust me.

In the psychology department, I was an officer of psychology club for two years and I worked in the social psychology lab. I wish when I was a first year or a sophomore, I knew how to approach professors to ask for Teaching assistantships and research assistantships. When I was a first semester first year, I was under the impression that the student with the highest GPA and final grade in the class would automatically be offered these positions. I did not know until I was in my junior year that you need to approach the professors if you get a B+ or above in a course if you are interested in being their TA. I also learned in my junior year that, as a psychology major, you are allowed to TA for any introductory psychology course regardless of whether you took the professor or not. As for working in labs with professors, start learning about what each of the professors do early on. That way you can plan your electives and explore their interests, so you are ready to approach and ask to work with them before it's too late.

One of my biggest regrets now that I'm graduating is not taking as many psychology electives as I would have liked. I ended up taking a core 8 course as an elective. I am going into Marketing, so my psychology major has ended up being just my interests. Like a lot of psychology majors, I thought I was going to do clinical psychology. Those programs are more difficult to get into than medical school. They require a lot to get into and are a lot of work once you are into them. Do not restrict all of your options initially because you think you know what you want to do. These next four years are going to challenge you and teach you a lot about yourself. You might think you know what you want to do now, but do not wait until junior year career seminar to consider everything that is out there. I changed my second major in my junior year but know a lot of people who think it is too late for  them once they get to  their third year. It is not too late, and you will find your way.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major

Congratulations on your acceptance to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I remember when I was admitted for the first time, I had many different feelings about transitioning to a new school with new people. Now leaving the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, I can say that I have learned a lot from being a psychology major, and I am leaving with some of the best friends I have made and good connections with my professors. Since I have learned a lot, becoming a psychology major was one of the best choices I have ever made. As a psychology student, you will learn more about yourself and how to establish a deeper connection with the people around you. You really get a sense and begin to understand why people think or act a certain way and how to handle situations. Most importantly, I learned how to effectively manage and deal with stressors, which is crucial in times like this. At the beginning of my undergraduate time, I was extremely scared because some of the courses I took were very difficult and different from what I expected. The psychology professors made the transition much easier for me and were there to help me through any troubles I had. They were always very welcoming and encouraged students to come into their office hours for any questions. The best part about the psychology professors is that they truly want the best for you. I remember a specific time at the University when I didn't do too hot on one of my first exams. The professor in my class immediately emailed me to arrange a time to meet with him and review my exam. While reviewing my test, the professor made sure to go over each concept with me and re-explained the material to me in a different way so that I could actually understand it. This situation is very common among psychology professors because they actually care about and want their students to succeed.

The psychology curriculum also ensures that students are prepared for the real world. I remember taking a mandatory career development course in my junior year. This class helped me tremendously in preparing a practice resume, cover letter and engaging in mock interviews. This course teaches you what clothes to wear during interviews, the correct manners, questions to ask, etc. The resume I prepared for this class actually helped me get into several graduate schools and find a lot of jobs. Another course that really benefited me was the field experience class that I took my senior year. For this class, we got to participate in an internship near campus related to psychology. It felt like a real internship, because the professor gave us a series of options, and we as students had to call each placement to see if they would accept us. During the field experience class, we confidently discussed what went on at each of our placements and how to handle certain situations in the workforce. At the end, our supervisors at the placement would grade us based on our experience, which informed us on what we need to work on. These two classes are just some examples of my favorite classes at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.

In the end, my experience as a psychology major at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ was challenging but very knowledgeable. The relationships I have established with my classmates and professors in psychology have allowed me to grow as a person. I am fully prepared to start the next steps in my life in the field of psychology. Some important advice I would give out to incoming psychology majors are: 1. Make sure to read the textbook, as most quizzes/ tests are based on information from the textbook along with class notes; 2. Make sure you try to attend every class, because missing one class may cause you to fall behind a lot; 3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because the professors are more than willing to set aside time to help you.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Congratulations on making a great choice for college! The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is full of exciting experiences and challenges that will help you accomplish all that you wish in the next four years. This letter's purpose is to tell you about my experience in the department and the many experiences you have the opportunity to gain here. I also share some tips and advice about what I have learned through my four years at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.

Through my collegiate career, I held multiple research positions, teaching assistantships, gained clinical experience, participated in several clubs and joined organizations. This department has an ample amount of opportunities, and I think it would be beneficial to share some more details on each of these positions/roles.

My first position for the department was a teaching assistantship. It was my Sophomore year after taking the class the semester before. This position could be compared to a student teacher or assistant teacher. You help the professor run the course smoothly. My tips for getting a teaching assistantship include performing well in the course and showing that you are genuinely interested in the topic, as well as being straightforward with the professor about wanting a TA position! You will learn about the process of asking for a TA/RA position much more your Junior year, but asking a professor if they are looking for TAs is a definite way to get that process going.

My second position for the department was a research assistantship. This happened the summer before my third year, in a program that was designed for a few psychology majors to conduct research. This was one of four research experiences I gained through my major. There are so many research positions in the department, and I suggest trying to get into a lab as early on as possible! One regret I definitely have is waiting until more than halfway through my collegiate career to start research. COVID-19 definitely did not help, as I was not able to complete projects I really wanted to, but I'm hoping you do not run into this problem.

There are also opportunities for leadership in societies and clubs. For example, through just the psychology department, I was a part of Psych Club, Psi Chi, and Pi Gamma Mu. I held a leadership position in Psi Chi. Clubs and organizations offer more than learning and experience, but a way to get to know your peers and participate/volunteer in events. I highly recommend finding a few clubs and organizations that interest you and taking part in them!

Just this past year I gained clinical experience despite the pandemic. I think that goes to show how much the department wants us as students to succeed amidst any obstacles. The process of gaining field experience as an undergraduate is not the easiest task, but the department has a class that sets you up in a position and helps you begin your journey in clinical work.

Here is my main advice - get to know your professors. Even if it is simply introducing yourself at the end of one of your first classes, these people have the opportunity to give you opportunities. These same professors hold the key to positions for assistantships in research and teaching. Not only do they give you positions, but they genuinely care about your success. There are some seriously awesome individuals in this department - take advantage of their knowledge and experience!

In the same way, get to know your peers. I have met people through classes that I love seeing around campus and studying with. The psychology major is malleable in the way that it can either be just work from classes, or you can tum into an amazing experience where you have opportunities to boost your knowledge and gain meaningful relationships. I suggest the latter, as I am lucky to have such a hard to time saying goodbye to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ because it has treated me so well.

I am so excited for you to embark on this exciting journey! More than anything, I am jealous! Take advantage of the next four years here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. The people here want you to succeed, so if you put the work into your classes, people will support you and present you with all that you need. My last bit of advice is take classes/electives that are beneficial to you, and not just an easy A. I am glad I took an extra math-based psychology course rather than an easy elective, because now I do not have to take a summer course for my graduate program like many of my soon to be peers! Have a blast at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, you are going to love it here ( :

Sincerely,

Graduated Psychology Major

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

My biggest piece of advice to incoming sh1dents is to utilize your professors. I know it is scary to approach professors but they were once in our shoes. Build relationships with as many professors as you can, the faculty in the psychology department are extremely knowledgeable and are eager to help. These are the people who are going to be writing your letters of recommendation, whom you are going to be TAing for, and conducting research with. One of my biggest regrets is not reaching out to my professors sooner.

Don't wait. Everyone tells you these four years will fly by, and they really do. I came in as a freshman and thought 'I have so much time to do research and all that, I don't need to think about that now'. Before you know it you too will be a graduating senior. You don't want to look back and wish you had done more. Start putting your foot in the door by joining a few clubs, especially the psychology club.

The psychology major allows for freedom. You have the ability to take free credits both inside and outside of psychology. Utilize these credits, don't just take a class because you heard it was an easy A. Use these electives to explore your interests, try a class from a different major. The courses I've taken have shown me potential interests for my career path as well as shown me there are some things I am definitely not interesting in.

It is okay to change your mind. You are young and college is a time to explore and find out more about who you are. I know it feels like the world, the university, and your parents expect you to have everything figured it, but it is okay if you don't. Your interests are going to change throughout your time spent at the university, that is normal. Don't narrow your focus too much on a particular specialization or subject. The more classes you take in the department the more you will be exposed to various specializations, theories, and career paths. You make think you want to enter a specific field of psychology, however one class you take senior year may change that. Don't limit yourself when taking classes.

While academics is the reason you are at college. Don't let it over take your lives. I know so many people who spent every free second they had studying and being a member of every club, hyper focusing on getting an A in every class. If you are that person, that's okay. Just know in the long run one A-, B, or even a B- is not going to kill you. I have friends that struggled in the beginning of college and have a few C's. These friends are still graduating with me in a few weeks. Getting good grades and succeeded in your classes is important, but so is taking care of yourself. Don't stress too much over a single assignment, project, or test.

College is a stressful time for everyone. Sometimes as a psychology student you may think that you know more about mental health and how to deal with stressors. Regardless, at some point in your college career you will most likely feel overwhelmed. Take advantage of the resources the University has to offer. The counseling center is free and provides services to more students than you think. Take a trip to CTLE if you are struggling in classes. Reach out to your professors they want to see you succeed. Don't be afraid to make connections and reach out to upperclassmen. Often upperclassmen will TA for classes you will be taking. We were in your shoes and would love to help and answer any questions.

Everyone's experience in college is different. Just because someone is doing more research than you doesn't mean you aren't doing enough. Just because someone looks like they are going out every night doesn't mean you are missing out on anything. As long as you are taking advantage of opportunities academically, there is nothing wrong with spending time with your friends enjoying yourself. College is a place like no other, it really is what you make of it. Enjoy yourself and have a good time, but remember you are paying for an education and classes.

Take advantage of every minute you have in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, before you know it your time will be coming to an end and you will be writing these letters. Go to those silly events that your RA's and the university put on, you may meet some of your best friends there. Explore the city, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has more to offer than you think. Utilize your psychology department and faculty. The University creates well rounded students, you will be more prepared than you think you are.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

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The idea of writing a letter to an incoming undergraduate student seemed like a blast at first, but now I worry that I'm about to stress you out with what I have to say. Hopefully you'll read my advice and think "I already do all of this already!" Even if you don't, I'm sure you'll be just fine. College is a journey for sure. I got every dollar that I paid for and more in both academic and social experiences, even during a pandemic. I am excited to know that you might be starting college during a year where things go somewhat back to "normal."

We have been specifically prohibited from telling you to avoid taking any specific professors (well played, Dr. Karpiak), so I cannot emphasize enough how crucial the use of the "rate my professor" website will be in helping your transcript-building go smoothly. This website offers more than just knowing which professor will give the least quizzes. This could help you pick out professors that are passionate about the class that they're teaching and avoid the ones who are obviously only teaching for the paycheck. I'm sure you know by now that it's easier to listen when the speaker is engaging and interested in the subject they're teaching. It can be useful in helping you find a balance between your more rigorous classes and your more laid­ back ones during your schedule building. Speaking of schedule building, your advisor should really be your right-hand (wo)man. Take it from me, because my advisor and I barely spoke or met, and it made me sort of become my own advisor. Dr. Norcross, the chairperson, encouraged us to all seek advising from whoever we thought could help in the department, not just our assigned advisors. Don't hesitate to go to someone other than your professor for advice!

I did not realize this until it was too late, but you need to take initiative when trying to secure a TA or RA position. This school (and department) is seriously SMALL, which means that positions like these are competitive and will get offered to somebody else if you don't make your move. If you have a good grade in a class like an A- or an A and can see yourself being a TA, ask as soon as the semester is ending, but don't wait until the next semester to inquire! Also, research is fun and great for your CV or resume, so join the Psychology Club and be sure to attend the meeting that highlights all the research that the professors here are up to! Lots of research got postponed by the pandemic, so you can hopefully look forward to more opportunities than we did this year! Start going for all of this stuff after freshman year if you are feeling ready, don't let those juniors and seniors intimidate you! The Psychology Club is great as well because it unites a relatively small group of students that are normally scattered all over campus. Hmmm what else... take Abnormal Psychology early if you can, because it's a prerequisite for a lot of other classes that you may want to take.

Alright, I think that's enough of the academic advise. I'd like to offer some more personal advice. Firstly, do not overwork yourself, whether it's at school or at work. This was one of my greatest mistakes while going to school here, and it screwed up both my social life and GPA. I was spending more time at work than anywhere else, and that's not a way to go through college. Remember to prioritize school, it's the reason you're here. Also, remember to not neglect your social relationships with your friends at school because their social support will provide well-needed relief during challenging moments along your journey. College friendships are formed fast and many of them end, but many of them will last a lifetime. For the love of everything that is good in the world, do not date someone in your major. It is simply too small of a major to do this, trust me. I would also suggest trying to schedule out your days to maximize your productivity, because not having your parents around will make it easy to abandon any structure. At the same time, schedule in a day every week where you have a loose or even no schedule, to not overwhelm yourself. Other than that, try to be careful downtown and in the hill section (especially at night) and schedule a time to call your parents every week. I leave you with one last piece of advice, first-year. Don't do it every night, but you might benefit from thinking of at least 3 things from your day to be grateful for before bed occasionally. I learned about this exercise from my Positive Psychology class, and it helped me see the importance of focusing on the things I had to be grateful for. That's all I got, first-year, this was fun. Good luck!

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Congratulations on picking The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. It truly is an amazing place that you will miss tremendously when your four years are over. I remember my freshmen year sitting in my Intro to Psych class, reading a letter similar to this one. I was naive to think the information in those letters was unimportant. I came to realize, the love for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and this department expressed in those letters, was present in my experience. As someone who was a student-athlete, I had a unique experience from others. However, it did not negatively impact my experience in any way. I really did enjoy my time being a member of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Psych; I learned plenty of valuable lessons in and out of the classroom.

One of those lessons was, get to know your professors and advisor; they really are there to help guide you. I know it sounds cliche, but one of the great things about 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is the small class sizes. It allows for you and your professors to get to know each other, which helps them guide you better through these four years. This will come in handy when you have to ask for recommendation letters your senior year. Many of the professors in this department are so welcoming and are eager to help. Some of the classes will challenge you to think in different ways, but by the end of it, you will be proud of yourself. I do not be afraid to ask for help, professors office hours are vital if you are confused. Also, emails are a vital tool, use it, and check it; treat it as your new favorite social media feed. When it comes time to choose your Psych electives, there are so many great options to take. It is important to pick your classes based on your interests. Do not let others' views on professors sway your choices too much. In the end, you may find you like a professor one of your friends does not. Trust yourself because, for the next four years, it is all about figuring out your future.

This brings me to the next lesson I learned, make friends with people in your major. Study groups were a big part of my time here at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.  You will spend a lot of time with other Psych majors in your grade, so try to form a group you can study with.  These groups can be vital when taking certain classes, like stats and research methods. They can help explain information to you and make homework more bearable. I made some of my best friends from being a Psych major. College can be a scary place but the people you meet can help you create great memories along the way. It is really important to get involved on campus, not just in the Psych department. Join many different clubs, of course, join Psych Club, they can really have an impact on your experience. Make sure you show up to class, read the textbook, and put in the work. College is not like high school, there are many classes where you will have to do most of the learning outside of the classroom. This can be stressful but eventually, you will learn how to balance school and social life.

Finally, enjoy every minute of your time here at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. It feels like just the other day I was in your shoes, stressing about college life in general.  Do not stress about finding your classes, you will get to learn where everything is pretty quickly. The best advice you will receive is to memorize your Royal number fast; you use it for everything. Try to remember to have fun and do not stress too much; everyone is going through the same experience, so lean on each other for support. There are plenty of activities that happen on campus, attend them, even if it is mostly to get the free t-shirt.  During your four years at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, I challenge you to become a "yes" person. Say yes to everything you possibly can do; college is all about having new experiences and forming your path in the world, so try new things. Try to be outgoing whenever you can; at times I struggled with this but every time I tried, I never regretted it. The most important thing is to have fun, study hard, and form new relationships with students and faculty. Step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the ride before you enter the real world. Four years seems like a long time, but I promise it goes by fast. Soon you will be in my shoes, writing a letter to incoming Psychology majors. Take it from someone how has experienced four years at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and loved every minute of it; do not take it for granted, this truly is a special place.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

First off, congratulations on committing to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and choosing the psychology program to study! I am writing to you as a senior, graduating in a few weeks and I have been very emotional as I reflect on my time at school here. I have loved all the time and experiences that I have had during college, so I hope the same for you. I did not come into school as a psychology major, I added it later as a second major (my first is entrepreneurship), so I was never exactly where you are today, but I did complete the major and have had all the experiences with being a psychology major, so I do have some things to say. I can say, hands down, that adding a psychology major has been one of the best decisions I have ever made because I learned just how interested I was in psychology when I started taking the additional courses in the major beyond just intro. I did have some interest before, but my love for learning about psychology grew significantly. I would not change adding a second major in psychology for anything.

As for the psychology classes, something that I have noticed often is that everyone will tell you something different about every course you take. I have had some people tell me that a certain class was extremely hard, and I found it easy, and the opposite has been true too. I hope you can just experience it for yourself and not have other opinions influence you, especially when it comes to the classes you take. Everyone has different interests and areas that they are better at, so it is all really subjective.

I would say by biggest regret with my experience with the psychology program at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is not being as involved. The main aspect that I wish I could have been more involved with is research and being in a lab. I was not aware about all the opportunities there are to do research until all of my friends in the program started to get involve and then I felt like it was too late. In hindsight, it was probably not too late, but that is how I thought about it. I wish I could have been more involved with research so that I could gain skills and increase my knowledge. I also believe that I did not know which areas of psychology really interested me, so I did not know in which areas I would want to research. My advice for this would be, if it is a goal of yours to do research and study psychology in a more involved way, just know that there are plenty of opportunities to do so. You can ask around to different professors and I am sure they would be more than happy to tell you what they research and how to be involved in their lab. All the professors are friendly and approachable so do not be afraid to ask them. If it is not a goal of yours to do this, that is okay too, but just keep it in mind.

With being a double major, I focused more of my energy identifying with and getting involved with opportunities in the business school. For instance, when it came time for me to find an internship, I looked at places that my business degree would apply, and I did not focus on gaining experience in the psychology field. I do not regret this because I have gained so much through my experiences, but I wish I did look a little more into psychology experiences that I could have done. Additionally, with this, I am upset that I could not take as many psychology classes as I would have wanted. This is simply because I did not have room for any free electives with the number of courses I had to take for my major requirements. I wish I could have because some of the psychology elective classes here sound extremely interesting.

My favorite opportunity that I had with studying psychology was a one-on-one class that I had looking at the different contexts that affect a person's psychology and psychological disorders. This opportunity arose when I was in the honors program at the university from my sophomore year until the end of my junior year. I could no longer continue with the program as I realized that it would not make sense for me to continue with how many credits I had to take.

However, one of the components of the honors program is completing three tutorials, which are personalized classes that you take with a professor of your choosing, on an area of your interest, that you work with the professor to create. I thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity because the class was tailored to me and my interests. It definitely was not the easiest class that I have taken, but I can say with full confidence that my writing skills and ability to read and understand research studies improved tremendously. I am grateful that I was able to improve these skills and doing so while learning about something that I was curious about. Maybe this is something that you would be interested in as well, so you can keep this in mind as you are starting your journey off at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.

Lastly, I have been upset lately with the thought of leaving 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ because I have been so happy here for the past 4 years. My last piece of advice is to simply cherish all the moments you have, take advantage of all the opportunities you can, and have an amazing four years!

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome! I know that everything might seem a bit daunting as you’re first moving in and getting settled into college, but I encourage you to start early in making the most of your time here at the University. One of my biggest regrets is not getting more involved in the school’s clubs and activities. Fortunately for you, it’s not too late and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ offers a diverse range of clubs and activities for you to choose from, some of them right here in the psychology department. I’d highly recommend looking into the Psychology Club. Joining any club or activity is a great way to meet new people, but the Psych Club allows for you to meet others in your major which can be really helpful down the road. It made a huge difference for me when I made friends within the department and we could share our struggles, concerns, and achievements.

Since you already picked the best possible major, you’re off to a great start. Don’t be shy when it comes to reaching out to your professors or getting involved in their research, it’ll help out a lot if you’re planning on going to graduate school or looking for a job after graduation. The faculty here, at least from my experiences, are so dedicated to seeing their students thrive and grow, not only as students, but as people, too. As I learned about the field, I also learned a lot about myself, what I’m capable of, and where I needed some work as a student. One of my biggest obstacles was overcoming procrastination, and if you’re anything like me, I’d suggest trying to break that habit early on. Classes, work, having a social life, and time for yourself is a lot to handle, but try your best to pace yourself and not burn yourself out. Setting reasonable goals for myself, making to-do lists, and leaving my weekends work-free are some things that worked for me.

While it can be stressful to think about what you want to do with the rest of your life, I would start giving it some thought. The earlier you have an idea, the better you can tailor your classes to what you actually enjoy rather than filling the credits with a random class. Some of my personal favorite classes within the psychology department were clinical psych, social psych, psychopathology, and field experience. Field experience is a great way to get into an internship in the area that you want to pursue after graduation. Personally, it opened my eyes to just how diverse the field of psychology is and the many ways in which we can use our degrees to help different populations.

Not only did the experience help me narrow my career options, but it helped my confidence grow immensely. Having hands on experience made me realize just how much I was actually learning and was able to apply to the people I worked with at my internship. If you’re an introvert like me, the idea of having to interact with so many people and handle new tasks might seem a bit scary at first, but trust me, it is so worth it. It allowed me to break out of my shell and improve my social skills, as well as make connections with some great people. Always push yourself to try new things! There’s no better time than college to do the thing you’ve always wanted to do, but have been too scared to do it. Even if it doesn’t always go the way you imagined, just remember that you can pick yourself back up and try again. You can learn and grow from just about everything in life.

Lastly, don’t take any of this for granted. One day, when you’re two weeks away from graduating, I guarantee you’ll look back and smile at the all-nighters and the piles of work that always happened to be due at the same time. Don’t forget to make time to take care of yourself and your mental health, no matter how many other things you need to do. If you aren’t taking the time for the things you want to be doing, it will be difficult to get the most out of any experience, academic or otherwise. Cherish the people you meet and the memories you make with them. Having a good support system can go a long way! Also remember that this experience is your own. Follow your own path and don’t compare yourself to everyone around you. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you are proud of what you’ve accomplished.

Best of luck,

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Dear incoming Psychology Majors, 

How are things going? Are you excited to be a college student? A Royal? I know I was when I got here. You can also be a little nervous, scared, anxious, etc; which I also understand. You are in a new space, possibly by yourself, and broke. But I'm here to tell you that there is nothing for you to worry about. Everyone here is doing what they can to make sure that you succeed, especially in the psychology department. From the professors, to the advisors and everyone in between. However, this is college, and you will not be spoon-fed your curriculum. You are an adult and it is your responsibility to make sure you are on top of all your assignments and studying. There is a large amount of reading and it can get overwhelming if you are not careful. And this is coming from someone who wouldn’t Identify themselves as the strongest student; so believe me when I say that it is all doable. I suppose you would benefit from a more detailed look into the psychology major read carefully as I inform you on my experiences. 

Starting off the freshmen year, you will have your basic introductions to the psychology curriculum. You have the intro class, where you will be given a broader look at the different schools of psychology. This class is great at letting you know about the schools and which specific one interests you the most.  This will give you a good idea at the line of courses you will want to take as well. You will also have a public speaking course of some sort with a form of identification that I can't even remember. If you aren’t a fan of public speaking then this class will get you acclimated to doing it. As I'm sure you already know, psychology can be a subjective subject and there isn’t a definite answer for some questions, so hearing your point of view and defending it verbally is a highly valuable skill to have. The next course that is huge in the psychology major is research methods and statistics. I say this because it will probably be the hardest class as a psychology major. That is a consensus around all of the psychology majors that I know as well. It's hard just because of the amount of technical content there is in the subject, but  if you can get past this class, then the rest of the major will be a breeze in comparison.  

As you become a junior, you will take a career development class with Norcross and this class will give you a very good synopsis of what your options are after college. This can be intimidating but your professors and advisors will be there to help every step of the way in whichever way you feel comfortable. As a senior, you will take your senior seminar class and this is where your speaking skills will be in the most use as you will be expected to run classes using the information that you have used over your four years of college. I would say that this was my favorite class that I’ve taken in my time at the university of scranton just because you really get to know your peers and how they view things after studying psychology for some time now.  

Besides the curriculum, I recommend spending more time doing extracurriculars on campus, whether they are psychology related or not. That is one regret that I have about my time at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I was on the lacrosse team so that took up a lot of my free time, but once I stopped playing I didn’t stay consistent and I feel that I would have had more fun doing some of the activities that were left available for me. Besides that, I know that you will have a great time as a psychology major. The whole experience is what you make of it. 

Overall, you will have a great time as a psychology major and you will be fine. Just keep your head up, stay on top of your studies and don’t be afraid to get out your comfort zone. 

Sincerely, 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Students,  

I must admit that, from the moment I read the syllabus for the Senior Seminar course, this was the assignment I was most excited to complete. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve learned a lot of actual education-related information in my four years of college, but the most meaningful things I’ve learned have nothing to do with my classes or my major. I was going to try to write the catchy “23 Things Learned By a 2023 Graduate” listicle type paper, but making things up to hit a specific number feels ingenuine. So, instead, here’s an entirely unplanned number of lessons I’ve learned during my time at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.  

• Raise your hand in class. 

 Yes, even if you’re not 100% sure you have the correct answer. Even if you feel like your question is stupid. Best case scenario: you get the correct answer and get to feel smart, or you ask a question that helps other people learn better, too. Worst case scenario: you get practice speaking in front of others and facing the fear of putting yourself out there in a small, attainable way. Even if the answer is wrong or you feel like your question really was stupid, there are quite literally no actual repercussions. Relish in the fact that, right now, it is not your obligation to be right, but to learn.  

• Embarrassment is a choice.  

If that last paragraph wasn’t convincing enough to make you raise your hand in class, maybe this one will be. I’ve come to realize that you get to choose what embarrasses you. Those face-heating, dizzying moments of “I can’t believe I just did that in front of all those people”? I promise all those people didn’t even notice. If they did notice, they’ll likely forget about it within the next hour. The more you realize that everyone is not actually paying as much attention to you as you think they are, the less you’ll feel the need to be embarrassed by.  

• It’s actually really cool to care about things. 

 Speaking of embarrassment, high school culture makes it feel like being passionate about things is uncool. College will teach you that the things you love are the most interesting aspects of you. Talk about the causes you care about. Join the intramural team for that sport you love to watch. Risk annoying people by never shutting up about that one weirdly niche hobby you can’t seem to get enough of. Being open and shameless about what you love will only ever bring you to the right people and the right places.  

• It’s even cooler to care about people. 

The most fulfilling, important part of your life is the other people in it. High-school-aged me would roll her eyes at this statement. Graduating-college-aged me can’t even adequately express how important my friends and family are to me. I know it’s often tempting to act as if your loved ones will always be there, but it’s important to remember that they will not be one day. Go get ice cream with your parents even if you’d rather sit in your room and watch Netflix. Stay up too late Facetiming your friend that’s halfway across the country at another college. I promise those are the memories you’ll want as you get older.  

• Change your mind, and then change your mind again. 

 I know you feel like the person you are today is the final form of you. I promise, four years from now as you also get ready to graduate, you won’t even recognize the person you were your first week of college. That might feel like a scary, or even condescending, thought, but you should be excited. You’re going to take chances and grow in ways you never expected. If you want to change your mind, your late teens and early twenties are the best time to do it. Get excited for the whiplash that comes as a side effect of growing up.  

• Take the risk. 

Ask the cute guy in your class on a date. Ask for the teaching assistantship or the research position. Spend too much money on concert tickets with your friends. Your college years are not only the prime time to change your mind, but also the prime time to take risks. These are the stories you tell your future spouse and kids. These are the moments that you truly become more of yourself.  

• Get to know your standards like the back of your hand. 

I know I’ll likely think of a hundred other things I could tell you ten minutes from now, but you have assignments to do and risks to take. Treat your college years with care. You have the incredibly rare and exciting privilege of four whole years to learn about yourself, the world, others, and, yes, psychology too.  

Best of luck,  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major: 

Congratulations on your acceptance and commitment to college! This is a remarkable achievement and wonderful opportunity to expand your knowledge and potential for your future. 

As a commuter student for the past 4 years, my experience has not been the same as most college students. I have lived at home with my dad and sister and was fortunate enough to have the time and means to have a job throughout my years. Leaving home can be a scary experience, especially going to a new place where everything is unfamiliar. For me, this was not something I thought I could manage, and I found it in my best interest to stay at home. Whether you have decided to stay close to home or get away from your hometown, it is still possible to get the full college experience and enjoy it. The caveat is this can be harder to do as a commuter student. 

In my first few years as a commuter student, I had trouble making friends and getting accustomed to college culture. It felt as though I was still in high school, just with more free time because classes did not span the entire day. I set up my schedule so my classes were spread out throughout the day. For example, I would have a class at 10:00 a.m. and not again until 2:00 p.m. Instead of using my time in between classes to explore campus, make friends, or participate in campus activities, I would leave campus to get work done, eat lunch, or go to my job. I did this for years until I realized I was isolating myself and missing out on enjoyable experiences. I do not recommend doing this. Instead, schedule your classes closer together and spend time on campus. There are a host of clubs, campus activities such as yoga, the gym, speaker events, and much more that you can, and should, spend time doing. This will also give you the opportunity to meet friends and grow relationships with professors and other campus employees who will absolutely help you in your future endeavors. This can be intimidating, however. We are inherently social beings, but the potential of being judged or disliked often holds us back. But you must remember, essentially all students on campus are in the same boat as you. Talk to people you are not sure you would be friends with, tell professors about your struggles, use your advisor whenever you may need them, and most importantly take advantage of all the resources provided to you. It is much easier to make it through college with a support system. This whole experience will be stepping outside of your comfort zone, and the earlier you do it, the easier it gets. It took me a long time to realize this - almost my entire college experience - but now I am a senior with a lovely group of friends, strong relationships with several professors who have given me incredible opportunities and words of wisdom, and places on campus I truly enjoy. If I had just stepped outside my comfort zone earlier in my journey, I could have taken advantage of these relationships and resources much sooner. However, I am incredibly lucky to have these experiences now, and share with you so you can have them too. 

College is a stage in your life where you have free reign to explore what you like and perhaps what you don't like. This is a liberating opportunity. I came to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ with a guaranteed seat in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. On my first day of classes, I went to my advisor and dropped the major and several classes entirely. I gave up this incredible opportunity, but at what cost? I was not interested in the classes I was taking, but I really wasn't sure what I was interested in. I decided to transfer to a neighboring university to pursue a different major and path the following semester: speech language pathology at Marywood University. After one semester there, I decided once again, this was not right for me. 

I transferred back to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ the following summer semester to enter the occupational therapy program. Throughout all these experiences I was not happy or interested in the field, and I could not continue knowing this. Mid-fall semester in the occupational therapy program I decided to drop that major and classes I did not enjoy. It was not until this point, my sophomore year, that I finally found my niche in psychology. The point is, there was no cost. I did what was right for me, and your mind can and will change throughout your journey (maybe not as frequently as mine). There is no reason to choose a major or a path that is not right for you simply because your parents wanted you to, you would make more money, or you don't really know what you want. It is okay to not know what you want, and it is also okay to change your mind. Take courses outside of your major and explore opportunities you may not be interested in. I am immensely grateful I finally found what I loved. This process was somewhat stressful, but not as difficult as one may think. I am graduating a semester early despite all of this change. 

It can be difficult to find a balance between work and social life. It is important to make sure you are taking care of yourself and giving yourself ample breaks from your work-life. But, it is also important to not allow your academics to suffer because you are focusing solely on your social life. Grades certainly do not mean everything, but they are still very important. Maintaining your academic performance will open many doors for you including teaching or research assistantships with professors, job and internship opportunities, and potential entry into honor societies. These of course look good on your resume, but they also provide you with experiences, resources, and connections that will set you apart from other students and contribute to your success in the future. Find your balance early so you are not struggling when you face upper-level courses, and you are not suffering mentally due to lack of social engagement. 

This opportunity you have been granted and worked so hard toward is finally fully in your hands. It is entirely up to you how your experience will play out and how successful you will be. Of course, you will have much support from fellow students and professors, but it is up to you to use these resources and place yourself in a position for success. This is just the beginning, and you have full control over your future. What an intimidating, yet exciting experience to have. Goodluck in your journey throughout college, enjoy! 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

I want to start off this letter by congratulating you on all your accomplishments thus far in your education; you should be very proud of yourself! The psychology department at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is like no other, they are some of the most knowledgeable and caring professors you will have during your time at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. They will be your mentors and I urge you to listen to any advice they offer because they give it with your best interest at the forefront. Right now it may seem scary because you do not know what the next few years will bring however, I promise these will be some of the best years of your young adult life. In this letter I am going to provide you advice that I wish I got on the first day because I believe it would have benefitted me in the long run throughout my journey.  

First, go to office hours if you are confused or behind in the class. Professors want to see you be accountable and they are always willing to help. Office hours are mandatory for professors so they will always be there when they are posted, unless they have a conflict then they will change them. By attending to office hours, you are showing the professor you want to do well in their class and you value the subject they are lecturing you on. During sophomore year it took me a while to get the hang of research methods and statistics yet visiting my professor’s office hours before an exam, and studying with my peers, benefitted me greatly in the long run. I did not see how well it helped me until I was able to read through a full data section of a research paper without asking questions! Also, it is likely you will for a close relationship to them and eventually you may need them for letters of recommendation or teaching assistant experience; I will address those later!  

Second, time management will be your best friend. It does not take a lot to fall behind in some of your classes, but it will do more harm than good once you start missing assignments or not handing in your best work. Psychology is a lot of reading and that will only increase as you progress through the major but professors are there to help you anytime the readings get too confusing. I know during my first year I was more worried about where the next hang out would be for my friends and I rather than my schoolwork and it resulted in many all-nighters because I had not finished my assignments for the evening. Find a library buddy or study buddy that will hold you accountable, I did that, and we have been best friends for 4 years! It is okay to miss a night out with your friends every so often, they will understand and will not hold it against you. 

Third, get involved in clubs on campus. We have an amazing Psychology Club that met often throughout the semester that you can join, as well as numerous others across campus. Within the first month of semester 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ will hold a Club Fair in the Byron where you will see all the tables for numerous clubs on campus; I urge you to go because you may meet a new friend there! At the club fair you will find an assortment of extracurriculars, from sports to academic clubs, we have it all! It is important to push yourself outside your comfort zone because I promise everyone is having the same anxious feelings you may be experiencing. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s student planning board, USPB, is another great club to join because you will be involved in all the student events that will occur on campus. Right now we have Springfest which is filled with all kinds of inflatable bounce houses and food and concludes with a concert in the Byron, it is so much fun!  

Lastly, make sure you find time for yourself. It does not take a lot to be burnt out towards the end of the semester, but I promise if you do something for yourself every week it will go a long way. I did not figure this out until my first semester of junior year and I wish I could go back and do it for myself the first 2 years. Even if it is going to Adezzo or Northern Lights to get a cup of coffee on the weekends and reading a book, not school related is important, because though this campus will seem big at times it can get small real fast. Enjoy the time you have at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ because I envy the position you are in right now; I wish I could go back and do it all over again with my best friends. Have the most fun you can these next four years, they go by so fast! 

Sincerely,  

A Graduating Psychology Major 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Whoever you are, I know that you will do one of two things: disregard the letter (as I once did) and throw it away, or take the time to read it. If you were about to throw it away just make sure you read the first paragraph. 

As you are about to begin your journey through college and the psychology major, I would like to offer some advice and a summary of my college experience. Firstly, my advice is simply to talk to your professors if you are struggling. This might seem very obvious, however, I cannot understate the difference it can make. I offer you this advice because I can almost guarantee that at some point during your college experience, you will encounter issues in your life that will impact your academic efforts. Personally, I regret not being able to vocalize my concerns with the faculty. Instead, I avoided confronting faculty members because I wasn’t sure how they would react. 

My college experience was difficult because I was struggling with ADHD and I had no way of coping with the demands of a college education. Throughout my entire life people, especially my teachers, told me that I was very smart but terribly lazy. I never understood why I couldn’t get past my laziness. I rationalized to myself that it was a matter of maturing and that I would do better in college. This wasn’t the case because I almost failed out my freshman year. I begged my parents for a second chance proclaiming to them that I would do better. Luckily, they let me continue, but my struggles never ceased. In light of this, I decided to see a therapist in order to rule out any possibilities. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with ADHD during my sophomore year. I was relieved to finally find a solution to my problems only to realize that I would have to face a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. I was at a severe disadvantage considering that most people who receive treatment for ADHD do so during childhood. 

Since it was my sophomore year, I felt that I had no choice, but to figure things out on my own. As a result of this decision, I had to work twice as hard as other students. Even then I still couldn’t perform as well as I knew that I could. Oftentimes I came off as lazy or unmotivated to many of the faculty who had me for class. I hated this because I had to work so hard every day just to barely get by. It wasn’t until this year (my senior year) that I started to feel the regret of not disclosing my issue with a professor. More than anything, I just wanted my struggles to be validated and understood. I daydreamed often about walking into my professor's office hours and describing to them my condition. I tried to force myself to do it, but I couldn’t get myself to budge. 

Earlier I mentioned that I couldn’t get myself to approach my professors because I was hesitant about their potential reactions. This was in large part due to the reactions that I received from others within my life. Specifically, my family was never on board with the idea of me having a condition that prevented me from getting work done. As immigrants from Argentina, they had a fairly small amount of knowledge of mental health. Additionally, they often advocated and believed firmly that working hard was the least that we could do. When I write “we” I am referring to me and my older brother. My older brother is a very successful man with many notable achievements. He graduated from Cornell with a Masters degree in Physics and is currently working in a government program involved with military-grade technology. His brilliance and hardworking nature are often expected of me by my family. Needless to say that my accomplishments fall short of those expectations. Nonetheless, I understood that it will take a lot of time for them to begin to realize the reality of my experience. Despite this, the impact of their neglect left me without a much-needed support system. 

If you are still reading this letter and haven’t discarded it yet, I want to leave you with one more thing. If you or anyone you know has a similar experience to me, I urge you to reach out to me. I would be more than happy to provide assistance to anyone who struggles the way I did. 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Congratulations on your arrival to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! As a native 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏian myself, I am excited for you to explore the campus and all the exciting events that happen throughout the year in the surrounding areas. To be frank, I cannot fully put myself in your shoes as I was not originally a psychology major when starting my journey here. However, I can say that the decision to switch to psychology has been the best I've made in my life. The staff are brilliant and explicitly display their hope for your success. Whether it be research opportunities, office hours, or just seeing a faculty member around campus, they will always be prepared to help you. Yet they expect you to help yourself as well and want to see you take on the responsibilities of your coursework to the best of your ability. They will be more reluctant to help you if you slack on your job as a student, so remember to give ample time to each class as needed. It may take a week or two to figure out your own study schedule but it is important you find what works for you and stick to it. 

Moreover, do not let yourself get 'psyched' out (see what I did there) by the overwhelming amount of information you seem to get in the beginning of your first semester. This is not high school anymore and these professors want to treat you as the adult they see you as. That means giving you the schedule for the course and expecting you to be able to time things out on your own. That is not to say that they will not help you in any way, as you should always speak to a professor or advisor if you feel a situation is becoming too much, but do not rely on them to fix your problems. The faculty of the psychology department want to see you figure a situation out and triumph on your own as it gets you ready to face the scary world of the workforce. Whatever field that may be in, they want to give you all of the foundational skills you may need and that includes problem solving. 

As far as the fun aspects of being a psychology major, the biggest would be the psychology club. They hold so many events throughout the year that act as a catharsis of some sort, offering a break from all the studying and stress. Movie nights, raffles, and t-shirt sales are just a few of the events that you could be a part of if you join the club. I highly recommend this, as it will allow you to make more friends in the major as well. I came from a small high school just outside of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, so I know how scary it is to leave a familiar pond and be thrown into an ocean. Events like this helped me crack my shell open and find those I can lean on when times got a little too overwhelming. To know that others were going through the same struggles helped me lift my spirits up as we came up with ways to solve our individual issues. 

Another important tip is to take the required seminars seriously. Some of the most impactful courses I have taken include Career Development, Senior Seminar I, and Senior Seminar II. While you may think they are a simple requirement since they only meet once a week, the lessons I have learned from them I will carry with me in my future career as a counselor. The fundamentals are important, as well as learning how our field was founded to fully understand why it is that we are needed in society. 

Lastly, realize that not knowing exactly what you want to accomplish in the future is fine. I did not know what I wanted my degree in until sophomore year, and it took me another full year to decide what subfield of psychology I wanted to go into. Career Development helped me decide where in the psychology field I wanted to focus my future on, and I took that class during my junior year. College is all about trial and error, new experiences, and figuring out who you are. Part of this realization is finalizing your career decisions, which new experiences can aid you in. Your years at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ will form you into a strong, intellectual, mature adult ready to face the world, and I can't wait for you to meet that version of yourself. 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,  

Congratulations on your decision to be a psychology major here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I remember being nervous when I was once in your shoes, but I quickly realized that there was nothing to be nervous about. If you’re ever uncertain of where a building is, or confused about a concept of a course, please simply ask someone for help. I’d have to say that one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made here at the University, was not speaking up enough. Now as a senior, it’s much easier to speak up and ask questions, but I wish I had spoken up more in the past. It isn’t worth it to just sit there confused in a class. If you need something explained, please be assertive in figuring out your question. I have never had a single issue with any of the professors of the Psychology department. Of course, some professors will be tougher than others, but I found that challenging yourself will truly improve your knowledge. If a course seems too easy, then you probably won’t retain any of the information for the future. The Research/Stats courses will always be a new challenge for students, and an opportunity to expand your knowledge. Don’t back away from trying something new. There are a variety of courses offered by the psych department that I wasn’t even aware of. While here at the University it’s important that you engage in trying to develop relationships. Socially and academically. That was another mistake I made early on in my years here. I wish I had worked harder to create friendships with my fellow students and professors. There were many times where I felt really left out here at the University. I wasn’t sure why I was so lonely here at first, but I was dumb enough to blame it on my environment. It was my own fault, and my lack of communication skills that hurt me socially. I hope you don’t make the same mistake. It turns out that making friends here is pretty simple. It would have been great to realize that earlier, instead of staying to myself so often. My senior year has been by far the year that I’ve felt the most accepted. There’s so much to do on campus and around campus, so I encourage you to get outside when you can. Being around the psychology department for the last couple years taught me more than I could have imagined. The psychology department staff, and other staff around the University have proved to be very helpful. I can honestly say that the department, and the University in general, have so many resources to assist students. I should have taken more advantage of the amount of resources, and assistance offered here. With the assistance that I did need, multiple professors in the psychology department have helped me. I will always be grateful for the multiple professors who helped me to get to this point. From my experience I have found that most of the professors in the psych department are very easy going, and very approachable. I’d also like to tell you something pretty basic, but it’s important. I want you to always be yourself. Some professors on campus (honestly any campus in the US) will try to take advantage of your young mind, and use their platform to preach their personal beliefs. It could be very frustrating to have your time, and money wasted by an ineffective professor, who is overly political. Hopefully you can avoid a professor of that kind. Stay true to who you are, and your own cultural views, because some professors seem to forget that not everyone carries the same beliefs. Never let a professor waste your time. They should be educating you, and preparing you for your career, instead of crying to us about their beliefs. The worst case was my sophomore year, when a professor in the history department was completely obsessed with the former president of the U.S.. Now that I think about it, she wasted so much of my time, when she could have used that time to make us better students. Don’t let anyone waste your time, because it’s precious. More importantly, don’t ever waste your own time. Make sure you always plan out your week and try to get at least seven hours of sleep during the week. Please strive to make positive connections with people while you’re here. Being lonely here my first two years at the University really hurt, and I’d never wish it on my worst foe. Always be your authentic self and do what you can to remain mentally sharp. I wish you the best of luck. Remember to remain positive even when things begin to look like an impossible situation.  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,  

I cannot believe that I am graduating senior already, and now must go out into the “real world.” These four years have flown by but have left a major impact that I will forever be grateful for. I remember the process of picking a college to attend like it was yesterday. I remember joking with my family and saying imagine I chose The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, because it was the furthest away from home. The minute I stepped onto campus I felt at home, and the sense of community was overwhelming. Now it is your turn to spend the next four years of your lives here, so let me try and offer up some advice!  

I would summarize my experience at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as amazing, scary, and comforting. I think every course that I took here at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ was very informative and important. Each professor taught in their own teaching styles, but all of them were great. I think the course requirements for Psychology majors is beneficial because we are exposed to so many different types of Psychology courses. This allows us as students to see what we like and what we do not like. Furthermore, all the professors and advisors are so helpful and so intelligent. They were always there for me when I was stressing about a test or presentation. Without their support, I do not know where I would be.  

Some advice that I would give is take in every second here at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I remember being a freshman and hearing “this is going to fly by,” and I would always remember thinking how could four years fly by? It is the quickest time of your lives, and it is also the greatest time. Focus on your schoolwork but also have a social life and have fun. Some advice that I could give is to have a healthy balance, you should prioritize getting your work done, but then make sure you save time for friends and fun. If you are constantly overworked and stressed out, you will regret not having social time. I think it is also important to practice self-care throughout your years here. It is so easy to be stressed out about all the assignments, tests, and presentations. We are Psychology majors who promote mental health and self-love, so make sure you are doing that for yourself!  

Some more advice would be to take advantage of your professors and office hours. They are there to help you and they also know all the answers to your questions. There will be times where you will not know what is going on in class, but that is normal and okay! Go to your professors and reach out, this also allows you to build a relationship with them. Building relationships is key. This will allow you to open more opportunities and experiences for yourself. I built relationships and was able to be a research assistant, which is a great experience to have. Having a connection will also allow you to ask any question that you gave for your future, which you will be doing your junior and senior year.  

Another piece of advice is to keep telling yourself it is okay to not know exactly what you want to do after college. My plan at first was to go to graduate school for school counseling. I then realized in my first semester senior year, that was not the plan for me. I did not know if school counseling was what I 100% wanted to do, so I did not want to put more money into an expensive degree if I was not completely sure about it. I am now taking the summer and enjoying my time because your degree is not going anywhere. You should celebrate the last four years of the very hard work that you just put in. My newest interest is Human Resources, but who knows if that is going to change in a couple of months. I like the idea of mediating issues in the workforce, but also being a part of the organization and planning out schedules and meetings for businesses. I think in my head I was always describing Human Resources, without knowing what it was. I am very organized, have good time management, and love planning everything out. I also love mediating issues and helping people work through difficult situations. Human Resources look for Psychology majors because of their ability to mediate problems, work as a team, and use their knowledge of research.  

Psychology is an amazing major because you can do so much with this degree. That can also be very overwhelming as well. I remember thinking that there is so much you can do, and I did not know how to choose. My advice for that is that you do not have to choose, take advantage of those options. Try out different options and branches of psychology and see what works and interests you the most. Listen to yourself because nobody else is going to be working your everyday job for you. Everyone defines success in different ways, but for me personally, I want to have a healthy balance of a supportive job and having time for a family.  

As for regrets, I do not have many because I really do feel like I did a good balance of social life and prioritizing schoolwork. I think one regret that I do have is not doing field work or an internship. I was a research assistant, but that is different than being in person and doing some type of counseling or Psychology related experience. I think having this opportunity will allow you to try to narrow the branch of psychology that you want to go into. The course layout at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ will force you to be a part of all different types of psychology, which will alleviate the regret of not seeing all the options.  

Overall, enjoy your time here because The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is home, and it is the best school. You will feel so comfortable and guided throughout your whole experience here. Try not to stress too much and have fun throughout your four short years here! Do not be afraid to ask questions, and do not be afraid to do what you want to do.  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

I am going to get straight to the point. My biggest piece of advice is to build meaningful relationships with your professors. I know it can be intimidating at first, but it is crucial that you make the effort to develop these connections. Go to office hours, initiate conversations with your professors before or after class, participate during discussions, and ask questions when you need clarification. All of these small gestures, whether you realize it or not, can make a great impact on the impressions you make to your professors, especially because they value students who are interested and enthusiastic about learning. Take it from me — throughout my college career, I served as a teaching assistant for three separate courses and built mutually-beneficial relationships with several professors in the psychology department. In hindsight, developing and maintaining these connections with faculty has been one of the most rewarding things I have done during my college career. These working relationships have opened up multiple professional opportunities for me, including internships in the psychology field and graduate school recommendation letters. Overall, I urge you to get to know your professors on a more personal level and establish your presence within the psychology department. You will learn so much from faculty members, and these life lessons will continue to facilitate growth and development throughout the rest of your life, not just within your four years of undergrad. 

That brings me to my next point: take advantage of the psychology department! Our school happens to have an incredible department with countless helpful resources for psychology majors. Aside from the amazing faculty, the department offers opportunities for research, paid and unpaid internships, teaching assistantships, volunteer work, and other unique opportunities not typically offered to undergraduate students at universities. With all of these available possibilities designed to help you succeed, it is important that you take advantage of them and get involved in some way or another. I know that you will most likely hear the phrase, “get involved” a lot as you are reading these letters, but that is for a good reason. As seniors, we have had our fair share of experiences with mistakes and successes to know what works and what does not work. By far, getting involved within the psychology department and on campus is detrimental in order to have a fulfilling, successful college experience. Even as a first year psychology major, you can participate in research studies within the department. The psychology club also offers an array of different on- and off-campus opportunities for those who do not know how to get involved. Other clubs outside of the department also provide similar resources. For instance, I have been a member of the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ chapter of Her Campus since my first semester at the University in 2019. Over the progression of the past four years, I have worked hard to advance my position, make more connections, and gain more responsibilities in various roles within the club. I finally made my way up to the president of the chapter, and I have been serving in this position for the past year. My heavy involvement within this club has taught me countless invaluable life lessons. The most important lesson I have learned from my work in Her Campus, however, is how to effectively lead a large group of people all working to achieve a common goal. This skill is critical for future success in leadership roles in the real world. As I am about to enter a new chapter in my life, I am eternally grateful for learning this skill among many other useful skills throughout my time in college, as they will prove to be extremely useful in my future career plans and other long-term goals. 

With all that being said, I hope you can internalize and truly consider my advice. College flies by much faster than high school does, and before you know it, you will also be a senior writing this letter to incoming psychology majors. Overall, the past four years have been incredible and have been instrumental in my growth and development as a person. I almost cannot recognize myself when I look back at who I was in August 2019 compared to now, May 2023. I met some of the most amazing, unforgettable people in my life during college and I do not have any regrets about my decision to commit to this school four years ago. As with anyone, I have had my fair share of ups and downs, failures and successes, as well as pains and joys. Even with the stress that comes with academic responsibilities, you will still have a lot of fun if you make the most out of your college experience — as cliché as that sounds. Many of my peers who are writing these letters to you will agree that college really is what you make of it, so make the most out of it and enjoy these surprisingly-brief four years! I want to end with a quote from Taylor Swift that I believe is a great representation of the college experience, graduating, and growing up: “The scary news is, you’re on your own now. But the cool news is, you’re on your own now!” Good luck to all the incoming psychology majors! 

Sincerely, 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

You are about to embark on one of the greatest adventures life has to offer. Throughout your time here at the University, you will gain knowledge, experiences, relationships and most importantly friendships. Foster these relationships and create the experience you want for yourself. Often starting something new can be a daunting task. This may seem scary and overwhelming, however you are set up to succeed here at the University. Being fortunate enough to have gained a spot in the psychology program goes to show that you already have what it takes to succeed. 

One thing I was often told before starting school was to get involved. As someone who is shy and has difficulty putting myself out there, this was a task that was new to me. I spent my first year avoiding this task. Once I began to truly engage in the college experience and participate in events, clubs and other opportunities throughout the campus, I grew to love being here. The beginning was a difficult time for me because I felt overwhelmed, lost and alone. Once I began to create relationships with both professors as well as students, I grew as a person and grew to be more comfortable here as well as throughout life. 

Another aspect of college that may seem silly to state is to go to parties. While it might not be the most professional advice, I can promise you that in doing so you will create friendships and relationships. Throughout my time here, I focused a lot on what was the best education for myself. When I began to further my opportunities and look towards my other options, only then was I able to create a safe space that allowed me to grow and foster relationships. 

Another part of this program I would highly recommend focusing on is the opportunity to create relationships with professors. This is something I strongly advise to do throughout school here, as the professors here on this campus truly want what's best and will do all they can to both benefit you as well as further your education. Reaching out to professors, especially as a first year student can be beyond intimidating. In order to combat that, it truly is important to focus on your own strengths as well as what has been beneficial. 

Another point that has led me to success is focusing on the opportunities presented. One thing I felt I did not do a good job in was using my resources to my full advantage. I had not replied or responded to any of the emails or applied for any jobs or internships they had sent out until my senior year. As soon as I replied, I was accepted to an internship on campus focusing on the skills I would need for my future. While this was a great step, it is something I wish I had completed sooner. This internship has allowed me to gain the skills, along with the real world experiences I need, however had I reached out or applied sooner I would have had time to gain more of these experiences. 

One point I learned throughout my internship as well as through my psychology courses is that it is crucial to network. I often found myself thinking that I was too young to be focusing on that, but now that I am graduating a large part of me is wishing I had started to foster these relationships sooner. Often I find that I have a different perspective than many other psychology majors. I began my time here at the University as a Biology major. In changing my majors, not only was I able to gain information about psychology, but also about creating these professional relationships needed to further your career. 

Overall, You will gain valuable experiences here at the University if you apply yourself. While the task may seem out of reach, it truly is the best way to prepare you for the future and the professors here know that. Trust in your professors, advisors and other professionals here to help strengthen your abilities and allow you to grow. Without them, the success you will see in a few years would be impossible. Focusing on what they teach as well as meeting with them to create bonds and relationships, and to gain information is one of the most crucial aspects of surviving and succeeding here at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. 

Most of all, the most I can recommend is to have faith in yourself. College in general can be a scary and difficult time, and as a psychology major, you are pushed to be more understanding than most individuals. Often I find my friends and family do not understand to the extent that I am able to due to the knowledge I have learned here. The only person who knows what is best for you or knows what the right option is, is you. The University accepted you into their program showing that they trust in you. If such an amazing program can find ways to trust in your ability, it is crucial you also believe in your abilities. Anyone who goes through this program is prepared for the most amazing parts of life, so trust in your knowledge, your education and what this University has to offer. Use the tools you will be given to best prepare yourself. Most importantly, simply believe in yourself because anyone within this program of this University is capable of amazing things. 

Best of Luck. 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

I am going to tell you about my experience at The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as a psychology major and offer advice that I would have considered useful entering into college. To start off, my experience has been fulfilling. I entered college as an undecided major and changed into an early education major from my sophomore to junior years. I felt happy in the education department, but I came to realize I was not passionate enough about it to pursue it as a career. 

I switched to a psychology major starting the spring semester of my junior year. The process of switching majors was quick and effective because the advisor I worked with was kind, supportive, and efficient. That advisor set an exciting tone to this transition which made me feel ready to take on the courses and workload. Although, I still planned to graduate on time so I was stressed about the amount of hard work I would have to put in to complete this major in a year and a half. As soon as I began psychology courses, I knew it was a better fit for me. The faculty and students were welcoming and open-minded. The classes were interesting and taught valuable information that was easier for me to pay attention to and retain the lessons. Initially, the feeling of belonging made it easier for me to adjust and work out a schedule of balancing school and social activities. As time went on, I started to see that it was a lot more work than I was used to and it became difficult for me to keep up throughout the rest of my time in the program.

When my work started to become heavy, I struggled to keep a balance and ended up missing many potential social experiences, which I regret. I was also unable to attend many psychology clubs or activities, which is also something I regret. I think the quality of my experience as a psychology major was exciting and challenging. But, it was challenging in a beneficial way to my growth as a student and in my personal life. While I did spend most of my time doing schoolwork, it was a new challenge that taught me how to prioritize what matters to me. It was also a challenge learning different areas of psychology that showed me different parts of myself as well as perspectives. Psychology courses challenged me to open myself up to educational possibilities and to be gentle with my mental health and emotional body. 

Overall, my experience at The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as a psychology major has been a new and positive experience, but I would like to offer some advice based on regrets I have as a graduating senior. My first piece of advice is to make friends in the major. The people I met through classes were the most amazing, caring, and genuine people I have ever met. I was only able to make a few friends because of my late arrival to the major and my focus on prioritizing my school work. I would advise to go out of your way to make as many friends as possible in the major because it will be helpful to have people around socially and that you can also work with in class and on homework. A stable community of friends is a good way to balance social life and work! Outside of classes, an opportunity to make friends in the major is attending psychology clubs or activities, which is my second piece of advice. Attending clubs and activities is important because it provides an opportunity to network and make new friends. My third piece of advice is to ask questions when you have them. Entering into the major, I was unsure of my place in different student-professor relationships and did not ask enough questions in class. Regardless of being shy, make sure to ask questions, the professors love to help and no question will be left unanswered. Anything is valid to ask! My fourth and final piece of advice is to keep track of attendance to classes. I struggled with attendance between keeping up with work and putting time into keeping up with my mental health. I missed out on important lessons in classes due to this where I could not learn what I needed to know as effectively as learning in class. Make sure class attendance is a priority, it is essential to your learning. Also, in some classes attendance counts towards your grade, so getting into a routine of attending them is vital to your education and performance. 

To wrap it up, the psychology department at The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ provided me with a wonderful experience, even after only being in it for a year and a half. I am grateful for my experience and I know all incoming psychology majors will be pleased with the courses, faculty, and fellow peers. This is an exciting part of your journey, make sure to appreciate it for all that it is and take your college education seriously! 

Sincerely,  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,  

First things first, I want to say how exciting it is to be able to write to an incoming Psychology major and how it seems like just yesterday I was starting off my freshman year of undergraduate school. With that being said, I cannot stress enough how the time flies faster than you think, so I hope you can cherish this new beginning, but also take it seriously. While it can seem that you have much time between now and your senior year, it moves by quick, like I said, and now is the time to get to know your peers and professors. If there’s one thing I find myself regretting after these years is that I didn’t form as many or as strong of bonds with some of my professors. I can understand why it may seem difficult to do and it may be out of your comfort zone, but it does help you in more ways than you think in the long haul. 

I know you have just entered undergrad and I’m sure you do not want to be thinking of this already, but good relationships with your professors can earn you letters of recommendation for applying to grad school. Good relationships with professors also can enhance your college experience in general, with more opportunities to TA for their classes, and overall having them become a large role in your academic career can be a motivating factor. You truly have the best case scenario being in the Psychology department with the range of professors we have in this major. Not only are they well-rounded in their specific interests and fields of the Psychology major, but I have had little bad experiences with the faculty. 

Another big piece of advice I have as well that falls under the category of professors is office hours. I know they can seem a bit intimidating as well but they are a lot more beneficiary than scary. Professors will not turn you away and even if you think what you are seeing them for is a silly question and if anything it can be a step to building a relationship with your professor by showing them that you have interest in their course. You should never feel scared to ask questions, which I eventually learned in college as I was always too shy in high school to reach out to teachers if I had problems understanding the work. College and your learning is what you make of it, and it is up to you on achieving the grades and what you want for yourself. It can be scary, but it is such an exciting time experiencing true independence in learning for the first time. 

A reason why I grew to love and appreciate the Psychology department is the closeness I feel with my fellow peers in the major. It is easy to get to know people in this department, at least through my experience, because you see them consistently through the similar courses you take. In many of the classes I have taken in the Psychology department, group work is emphasized at least once through group projects or having to work with classmates on assignments in class. As someone who never appreciated group work as much, I come to appreciate it more when I look at the new friendships I have made and the comfortability of being familiar with people in the department.  

Another point that I have noticed through talking with friends of mine from other schools within their Psychology department and through my own experience is that the courses here are much more helpful in preparing you for your continued academic or working career. Speaking of careers, a course I found most helpful for my life after undergraduate study and prepared me early for things most are not already on top of was the Career Seminar course we are required to take in our junior year. Having this course be required for Psychology majors is one of the ways this department stands out for me as I know much more now about how to professionalize my resume, how to stand out in an interview and what they expect, knowing the many different fields of Psychology that I can get into that I didn’t even know of, etc. Along with this course are the Senior Seminar courses that I also find of great importance and interest. The class is set up to be fueled by group discussion and your individual ideas. It gives you the opportunity to learn more about the history if Psychology as well as forming your own thoughts and being part of discussion with your peers on the subject you are now so well-rounded on. 

Enjoy these next four years of becoming your own person and discovering your ambitions. One last piece of advice I can provide is when you get in that mindset of putting things off and getting behind on your work, try and push that out. I’m not saying don’t take breaks but don’t let yourself fall behind. The work can be a bit difficult, but there’s never not going to be opportunities to understand and advance, especially in the Psychology department like I have said. The hard work pays off and you will feel at ease as your undergraduate career comes to a close one day. On a closing note, my experience in this department was nothing short of perfect and I can honestly say I feel well-rounded in different areas of the study. I wish the best for your studies and hope you enjoy your Psychology experience as much as I did.  

Best wishes, 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,  

Congratulations on your decision to enter the university as a psychology major! First of all, I am very jealous that you are a freshman and about to start your psychology journey at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I entered my freshman year undecided, but I am so glad I chose psychology as my major. Other than it being the most interesting and impactful major at the University (in my opinion), the close knit relationships that our professors worked towards with us throughout the four years have been so amazing. I don’t know any other majors that have such small classes, especially the seminars, where our professors work towards helping us towards the workforce or grad school. There are many things that make psychology special at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ in comparison to other universities and other majors. I have experienced amazing opportunities, but some regrets I will share with you as well.  

One regret I have during my four years of psychology is not getting involved enough in my first two years. At the beginning of college, I was much more interested in being social than doing anything that had to do with school. I was still a good student, but I didn’t apply myself as well as I should have. There are a lot of connections and opportunities you can make if you get to know staff and you can still have a great social life while also being a great student! Each professor is an expert in their field and they all have such great knowledge to share. Also it’s very helpful to create friendships with other students in your major so you can help each other out! Starting my junior year, I started to get more involved in school activities and clubs, and got to know my fellow psychology majors and met really great people! Senior year, I started working with a professor as their research assistant, which has been very interesting and valuable as a psychology major. Student- Faculty research is also great on a resume, and can help open doors to internships, graduate schools, and future career opportunities. If you connect with your professor and work hard, they can also write you a letter of recommendation one day! I highly recommend being a research assistant or a teaching assistant for faculty in our department. I also highly recommend doing field experience your junior year. I am now in field experience as a second semester senior, and I love it, but I wish I had more free time as a senior. However, field experience has given me amazing opportunities and I’ve met many amazing people working at my placement. Field experience can also be great on your resume and help open many doors for your future! Working with potential future clients or a particular population can help you learn so much about what you want to do after you graduate. I was unsure of what I wanted to do before I started, but I now know that I 100% want to work with children. Psi Chi International Honor Society is the big thing I joined my senior year. Psi Chi is highly regarded and again, helps open doors for your future careers, if you want to work towards that!  

Now, to discuss courses. I have enjoyed many courses, but a few were difficult in my opinion. My favorite courses over the past four years have been evolutionary psychology, child psychopathology, and social psychology. Evolutionary Psychology was so interesting. It was on the difficult side, but if you put the work in, it was really worth taking for me. Child psychopathology is also a great class. You learn so much about psychological disorders in children, and the class is mostly small group discussion based. There are only a few quizzes instead of exams throughout the semester as well, which are open notes. Social psychology was also very interesting to me since I enjoy learning about how we think and what influences how we think. This class was interactive and I really loved it! My least favorite classes were Research Methods and Statistics (Part 1 and 2). I believe I may have had a very difficult professor for this class, but I also didn’t pay as much attention as I should have in the class (although the class was long and they assigned additional videos outside of class). I suggest that you make sure to pay attention as much as you can, since the class builds on what was learned previously.  

Make sure to prioritize self-care throughout your four years as well. As much as academics matter, they never matter more than your own well-being. Make sure to take care of yourself and have fun with your friends. I’m jealous that you still have four years, and I hope you make the most of your time at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ!  

Sincerely,  

Senior Psychology Major  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! These next four years are sure to provide exciting and new opportunities to make close friends, meeting professors, and becoming involved on- and off-campus. Whether you are feeling nervous, anxious, excited, or any combination of the three is valid. I can assure you, as someone who came into the University as nervous and unsure of what to expect, I quickly found that the Psychology faculty and my fellow peers supported me. 

My first psychology class here was Fundamentals of Psychology at 9am. At the first session, I sat in the front row of the classroom filled with around 35 students. Despite feeling nervous, I glanced to my right and recognized a friendly face from my orientation group. Little did I know, this person would become a good friend for the next 3 years! Students all around you are in the same boat. Despite feelings of worry or anxiety, I encourage you to reach out and meet someone new; that person might just become your best friend. 

A friend that lived two doors from my room freshman year encouraged me to attend the club activities fair with him. Following his lead, we both joined club Ultimate Frisbee and began attending practices. I quickly fell in love with the club as I stayed physically active and had an opportunity to meet various people. In fact, I met some of my best friends through club Ultimate Frisbee who I lived with as a junior and senior! Also, I had a few opportunities to participate in meaningful team service events. Although this is only one, there are plentiful clubs and organizations to become involved in around campus. 

Career Development in Psychology was a valuable course that informed me of various career options in Psychology alongside how to become more involved in the Psychology Department. The course distinguished between numerous subfields of Psychology, which have helped me gain a clearer understanding of what I want to work in. Outside of extracurricular activities, I became involved in research with a psychology professor. I worked to help develop a lab study that measures working memory. Although still in-the-works, I gained valuable experience creating the lab experiment with biweekly meetings. Additionally, I had an opportunity to serve a teaching assistant. After taking Sports and Exercise Psychology, I enjoyed the class so much and, fortunately, helped teach a separate course session. I learned about how to combine physical performance experiences with mental toughness strategies such as managing stress and boosting confidence via deep breathing and meditation. During my teaching assistantship, I helped create homework assignments and encouraged students to apply relevant class material while sharing their own performance experiences. 

As graduation rapidly approaches, I also have some regrets to share. First, enjoy your time. Take a few moments to yourself when you get back to your dorm room or house. Think about this letter and savor this moment as a gift. Although many events happened between where I am now and my first undergraduate class, the time flew by. I remember studying for my first big exam, attending my first Ultimate Frisbee tournament, and meeting my first few friends in my dorm as if these events happened just weeks ago. Take a few moments regularly to savor and cherish how you are feeling. Secondly, utilize resources available to you. CTLE is a great resource for academic assistance via writing and tutoring, and the Career Development Center is always available to help along your journey. Whether you are someone who has a general idea of what you plan on doing after graduation, or, if you are like me and mostly open to new ideas, I encourage you to visit the center for some general guidance; they will prioritize helping you discover interests and numerous career paths. The center has helped me immensely in job searching, job applications, and formatting my resume. Lastly, do not hesitate to visit a professor during office hours. I have visited psychology professor’s countless times throughout my undergraduate career. Whether it be seeking clarification on course content, getting to know them better, or just having a conversation and learning about how they got involved in their work, professors are always enthusiastic to see students visiting. I encourage you to use your valuable time wisely.  

In my closing remarks, I encourage you to enjoy this time. The next four years will certainly prove challenging. Fortunately, your advisor is a helpful guide who is more than happy to assist. I encourage you to meet them and visit at least a few times a semester. Each time I visited my advisor, she always checked in on how I was doing academically, but also how I was handling any difficult emotions. Your advisor is someone who is here to support you, and they genuinely care about your well-being throughout your undergraduate career and even post-grad plans. Good luck during these next few years and savor every moment! 

Sincerely, 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,  

Welcome to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, the next few years will be a blast! As you are beginning your undergrad experience, I am ending my mine. For both of us, this is a new but exciting, anxiety-inducing adventure. Majoring in psychology offers a wide web of career choices after your four years here so don’t be afraid to explore them. Just because you came in with a ten-year plan does not mean you have to stick to it. What you put into the next few years will be what you get out of it, so make it count.  

One of the biggest pieces of advice I can offer you is to branch out and explore other areas of interest. As a freshman, I was largely undecided, but I knew I had interests in both Psychology and Criminal Justice. I came in as a Psychology major but took classes in both disciplines, hoping to gain a more concrete idea of what I would like to do with the rest of my life. I ended up double majoring in both Psychology and Criminal Justice and I wouldn’t change a thing. I would have been in a tough situation had I not explored other areas of interest. It is okay to be a little selfish, take the classes you’re interested in, it may open up a whole field of study you had not previously considered. For example, if I had gone through my entire academic career without taking a course in Criminal Justice only to take one in my senior year, I would have missed out on the opportunity to expand on my other interests. I can guarantee that the professors in the Psychology department would rather see you succeed in an area of your interest.  It is okay if you change your major once… or twice. Anyone would rather see you do what’s best for yourself and your future endeavors than stay in a major that you know is not for you.  

Your college experience is your own and it will not be cookie-cutter. Life happens. You are ever evolving into a new person, new relationships begin and old ones end, and family members pass. Life does not stop on account of you being in school. Be willing to be honest with your professors if you need help. There are resources here to help you such as the counseling center. You’re in a new city with people you don’t know yet and who don’t know you yet.  It can be scary but allowing yourself to be open to new people and experiences will bolster your experience here.  With that being said, take the time to make good friends. Friends who will encourage you and build you up. If there are “friends” in your life trying to tear you down, you do not need to stay friends with them.  

As a senior, I can look back and see there are experiences I missed out on. One of my biggest regrets from my college experience was not getting involved more. That’s not to say I wasted my time here, but I wish I had spent more time in the psychology department. I was born and raised in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and as a result, commuted all four years. While commuting has saved me plenty of money, it can be lonely at times. I may have missed out on the opportunity to make deeper connections, but you do not have to. For this reason, I encourage you to get involved, specifically with the psychology department. This will grant you the opportunity to forge connections with your peers and professors that will benefit you both professionally and personally. Also, out of necessity, I worked every semester of college. I understand that it can be challenging to balance work, pursuing a degree, and any other extracurriculars but being part of a group that recognizes your potential, value, and circumstance can bring significant benefits to your college career.  

Take advantage of the time you have here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. Just as your time in high school flew by, your time here at the University will too. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and gain experience, but you have to want them. There are also plenty of resources at your disposal, use them! Your professors, your advisor, CTLE, and the career center are just a few of the many resources afforded to you. Be bold, you are far more capable than you may think, and you have something to offer. Most importantly have fun and do not take the time you have for granted. Before you know it, you will be the one writing this letter to the next incumbent class! 

Best of luck,  

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Dear incoming Psychology Major,  

Hello future psychology major, I hope you are reading this letter and are very excited to embark on the journey of studying psychology at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I am a graduating senior psychology major with a counseling and human services minor, and I am thrilled to be writing you this letter. I hope that you can gain at least some sort of knowledge and incite for your future endeavors as a psychology student at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I remember starting college the same as you and being very nervous, but also excited at the same time. The beginning of college can certainly be nerve wracking as it is a big change, but I can assure you that you made the right choice coming to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and the right major.  

The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is a very fun and friendly place. The campus is very beautiful and the people you encounter will provide good energy. You will find that you can make friends anywhere you go whether it be in your classes, in your dorms, or simply out walking around. I definitely made some lifelong acquaintances from enrolling in this college. Many friends I have made I met right from freshman year and grew closer to until now and others you will meet along the way through the years. I would say the important thing is to always remember to keep yourself open to new experiences. Whether that be trying a new club, enrolling in an unfamiliar class, or even talking to someone you just met it is important to be open to these ideas because you never know who you might meet or what you might learn to enjoy. It may be difficult to try this at first, but you might come to realize that college is all about learning what you love the most, whether that be in your professional life or your social life. 

You surely chose the right major to voyage through as well. I have honestly truly enjoyed studying psychology here. I think it is one of the most interesting and broad majors here at the U. You will find many of the psychology classes to be captivating and enlightening. You will learn a lot of phenomenal new knowledge and the best part about your major is it is very relatable. Since you are studying about the human mind and its cognition/function you will find that you can relate many of the material to the real world around you. It makes it easier to remember and understand the knowledge you will learn because you can apply it to examples in your own life and self.  

A little incite about myself is that I came to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as an undecided student, so I did not receive the early benefits of the psychology department. I did not get to read a letter from a graduating senior or gain assistance from the psychology professors early in my college career. Therefore, I will stress to you the importance of taking advantage of the time and opportunities you have throughout your whole college life to figure out what you would enjoy and want in the future. Feel free to explore multiple classes and majors, minors, or concentrations. If you are undecided or skeptical like I was don’t be afraid to talk to psychology professors or professors from any department at the U. The professors and faculty here are always willing to talk to you about pretty much whatever you want, and I can assure you they will provide you with some amazing incite and knowledge. Taking advantage to do this is crucial because I felt like I did not do this enough throughout the years. I definitely could have spent more time in my professor’s office hours or questioning them after class because the times I did this I always benefited from.  

All that being said, through the undecidedness and scepticalness about my future self, I can now tell you I felt like I chose a great major. The psychology department took me in with a warm welcome and I started to learn what psychology was all about. I enjoyed many of the classes I partook in mainly because the content was so interesting. It just felt like the most fascinating major to learn about at the U, and I think I was right. As I mentioned above the ability to relate it to your own life and real world made the classes feel amazing and captivating. I didn’t think the other majors had as much compelling content as psychology could and this became true. Out of the many classes in the major three stood out to me and were the most captivating. The first and most important class is the final senior psychology seminar your last semester. Within this class I learned the most I could about psychology. The class involves having discussions with your fellow psychology seniors and grappling with the content you have learned all year. The class covers multiple topics and amazing psychology books where you can relate and properly learn how the content of psychology affects the real world. My second favorite class was the first senior seminar that you will take your first semester as a senior. This was very similar to the class I mentioned above just less focused because the class is a bit larger. In that class you will also come to learn the most interesting knowledge and how it relates to the world. The last class I enjoyed the most was the Psychology of Language course. This was a psychology elective course and I found it to be very informative and interesting. I learned about why and how people use language. Since I use language every day it was very fascinating to learn about how it works.  

Lastly I will leave you with a couple tips that might help you throughout your college career. Many I have probably already alluded to throughout the letter. One is to remember to get involved with your school. Whether this be clubs, events, talks on campus, sports or anything extracurricular. I felt that I did not do this enough throughout my four years and there are some truly amazing opportunities I might have missed. If you have even the slightest inkling of interest in something do not be afraid to try it as you will most definitely enjoy it. Another is never be afraid to talk to your professors or advisors. They are your biggest asset while in college. You can learn a lot from them and if you are ever struggling or need help with something they are there to talk. The third is do not be afraid to look into the study abroad programs at the U. There are a multitude of opportunities you can do whether it be a summer course, a few weeks in a different country or a semester long trip. It is something that I greatly wanted to do but did not start looking until very late because I didn’t think I could find anything that would work for me. Some of my friends have done it and said it was one of the best experiences they ever had. There are so many options that you might be able to find one that’s right for you. The last one is to remember to give yourself enough time before going to class. The campus is small, and it may seem like you can leave for class 5 minutes before, but I came to realize I would forget something or run into someone along the way. Make sure to prepare before class so that you are ready to leave on time and are not rushing.  

I hope you find this letter somewhat helpful for your future college career.     

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

First off, welcome to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! I applaud you on your choice of major. Studying psychology will inspire you to ask life’s toughest questions, challenge you to evaluate evidence analytically, and empower you to advocate for others. From now until graduation, you will hear “Catch the Fever, Keep the Fever” in reference to psychology. No doubt, you are sitting in a majors-only introductory course because you have already “Caught the Fever” on your own accord, so kudos to you for following your intellectual passion. To “Keep the Fever” is not a recommendation nor an order; instead, to “Keep the Fever” is ingrained in being a part of the psychology major. Once you begin your coursework, psychology will seep its way into all your studies, actions, and beliefs about people and the world. Many courses of study will allow you to sit idly by, but psychology will change who you are inwardly and outwardly. 

Take your introductory course seriously. It may be chock-full of information, but you will see the material again in later classes, and it is a gift to be exposed to so many areas of psychology early on. Too many undergraduates rely on their advisors to develop their course schedules, but this is your job, and nobody will do it better. I suggest evaluating your degree requirements early each semester and devising a plan for when you will take each course. Some psychology courses fulfill general education, minor, and concentration requirements, so you will capitalize on efficiency by keeping yourself organized. 

Additionally, some courses are offered each semester, some once a year in the same semester, others once a year alternating semesters, and others once every two years. Your professors want you to succeed, but the initiative must be yours, so do your research, keep up with deadlines, and ask every question you can. Make degree works, the psychology handbook, and your advisor your new best friends. Note: you may request a new advisor if you do not believe they are serving your needs, but you must spend a semester to a year with them to do so. 

Indeed you have received a few remarks like, “Psychology? What will you do with that?” upon announcing your major. Rest assured, psychology is phenomenal, especially if you are undecided on a career path like many undergraduates. For instance, psychology is a valuable degree to break into industries such as law, law enforcement, military, healthcare, consulting, finance, management, sales, market research, human resources, counseling, social work, and education. The best time to think about graduate school and employment is the present. So, create a LinkedIn, utilize the Career Center, and focus on honing your networking skills. Do not shy away from connecting with faculty and alums. You will soon learn that 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ affiliates are immensely loyal and will do all they can to help you achieve your goals. 

If you are like most students, your fear of failure will keep you from realizing your full potential. While that is normal, you must learn to let others tell you “No” rather than telling yourself “No.” So, after you finish this introductory course, I implore you to see your professor, whom you should have a working relationship with as you have been diligent in your coursework and have visited them during a few of their office hours, and ask them to be a teaching assistant for this course the next time it is offered. Further, you should ask to be a research assistant for professors studying topics that interest you, though you will likely need to complete PSYC 211 and 212 first, so make sure to satisfy those requirements early. One of my more significant regrets is not running for elected positions in clubs and honors societies, so I urge you to apply for anything you are interested in: it is not rare that only one person is running for a single position anyway. 

Remember that your professors are your allies, advisors, future recommendation writers, and connections to the psychology field and the world beyond. So, do your best to appreciate them, thank them for all they do, and get to know them for who they are as individuals; they truly are the best. While your professors will explain the following concepts much better than I, the following list is my attempt at presenting psychology principles for life. 

• It is easy to underestimate yourself, especially when evaluating others’ perceptions of you; keep in mind “the liking gap,” a psychological phenomenon stating that, on average, people like you more than you think they like you. 

• You will find yourself in many groups at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, e.g., your introductory psychology course, friend groups, clubs, and sports teams, and even as part of a swarm walking from Denaples into AMH. According to herd mentality, groups can, and undoubtedly will, influence your ability to think for yourself. Don’t be a sheep. 

• The bystander effect indicates that individuals are less likely to help when more people are present. So, if you see someone in trouble, act like you are the only person in the world who can help them because, chances are, everyone else is doing the opposite. Further, if you are in trouble, it is best to call an individual out directly, e.g., “You, in the pink shirt, please help me” rather than “Somebody help me.” 

• The Milgram Experiment showed that, as humans, we are prone to dismissing our better judgment when authority figures instruct us to do so; always remember that your actions are your responsibility regardless of whether you are supposed to be obedient to the direction-giver. If you think this example does not apply to you because of its association with the atrocities committed by Nazi soldiers because they were “just following orders,” then you are mistaken; children say, “My older sister told me to hit my younger brother so it’s not my fault.” all the time. 

• College will test your accountability for schoolwork, health, and friendships. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural pathways. When you construct a habit, it is because you have strengthened a neural pathway through repetition; when you break a habit, it is because you have done the opposite. So, recognize that your behavior patterns and who you are as a student, friend, and human being are controlled by the decisions you make every day. 

• Lastly, take note of the Benjamin Franklin Effect, which states that you can get others to like you more by having them do a small favor for you. If you’re struggling to make friends, try this theory by asking a classmate to send you their notes. Remember to be a good person using this one. 

I am excited for all you will become with 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ by your side. 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to your first year as a Psychology student at the University Of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. This is one of the most exciting milestones in your life for sure. I am sure you are feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as you start this next chapter of your life and that’s all normal. Don't worry though you are in the right place and exactly where you are meant to be! On top of learning all about the this fun and interest major, you will meet amazing people, create unforgettable memories, and find yourself with growing both academically and personally.  

I actually started my college journey at another university and transferred to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ for the start of my Junior year, but I think I was more anxious the second time around. No matter what, starting at a new school comes with so many different emotions. Over the past few years, I have learned so much here! Yes about psychology, but also about myself. Being a Psychology major will challenge you for sure but it will also open your eyes to truly how complex and fascinating people really are! You may even start noticing how you begin observing people for fun. In full honesty, some classes may come pretty easy to you and you’ll really enjoy them and then there are super challenging courses you’re going to stress about all semester! For me, I had to work extra hard in my Research Methods and Statistics class and writing the final paper is exhausting. Yet, as I sit and reflect over them all (even the most challenging) I find myself remembering the things I truly enjoyed learning about in each course, and how much growth over the past few years I’ve made. My advice is no matter what others say about the course or the professor, start each one with an open mind! 

Here are a few things I wish someone had told me at the start: 

First, Get Involved! Coming in as a junior this was a little trickier than starting off as a true freshman, but is it a wonderful way to put yourself out there, and meet lots of great people! Join things like the Psychology Club,become a research or teacher’s assistant when the time comes. You’ll gain so many important life long skills.  

Second, do not be afraid to speak up or ask questions during class! Trust me if you're confused the chance that someone else in the class is also confused is very high! No one has it all figured out yet we are all learning together! Also, if you are still confused or struggling, use the resources the school provides for extra services, and seek out your professors during their office hours because they are there to help you. 

Third, take care of yourself! College will be overwhelming at times as you learn to juggle school, work, sports, family, and friends. It’s easier than you think to start lacking nutrition and sleep, which believe it or not will eventually affect your grades! 

Lastly, get the books and DO THE READINGS!! You’ll be happy you did when the first POP Quiz is handed out. I know, it’s so tempting to skip the readings or even forgo the expense of buying books, but then you find yourself in a jam trying to write a paper or study on a book you didn't read or maybe don't even have. Trust me, doing these things will truly help your grade!  

One of my favorite aspects about being a Psychology major is the knowledge I’ve learned about people and how our brains work, along with the skills, ability and opportunities to understand people better; including myself. Whether it's learning about motivation, mental health, or how the brain works I often found myself thinking about how much it all makes sense now. It’s truly eye opening. 

Reflecting back, I have to admit I do have few small regrets. I wish I had taken advantage of more of the opportunities the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ offers. I would have enjoyed partaking in traveling abroad, partaking in more internships, or even being a teacher's assistant. I wish I had used the on-campus resources more. So don't wait on opportunities the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ offers, or the chance to build relationships with professors and peers.  

Overall, I am leaving 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ with so much gratitude and so much to be thankful for. This school and major has challenged me, helped me grow, and is shaping my future. I have gained more confidence and discovered what  truly matters to me in just the two short years I have been here. Enjoy your time here, make memories, and study hard because the truth is your time here will go so fast! 

Best of wishes, 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Congratulations on your acceptance into the psychology program here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I know deciding on a school was not an easy decision. I can assure you that you made an excellent choice by choosing 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. It is my firm belief that we have a unique and rigorous psychology program. We may not be the largest institution, but quantity does not always mean quality, and we excel at providing a quality education. This letter will serve as a reflection of my experiences at the U and a sincere offering of advice for a freshman psychology major such as yourself. I hope you will read this letter carefully and take note of the suggestions, warnings, and regrets that I discuss.  

To be fully transparent, I did not enter the U as a psychology major. I began as a mechanical engineering major and maintained that role for my first two years. After three full-time semesters filled with academic stress and less than ideal grades, I realized I needed a change. I went to the chair of the psychology department, who warmly welcomed me into the program, and discussed the program outlook for my final two years. Indeed, it was possible for me to graduate on time with a complete major change two years into my collegiate career. I share this story to tell you that it is okay if your current major doesn’t feel like the right fit. It is not unusual to switch paths, and it is better to make a change early than to struggle through a major that isn’t for you. I regret not changing my major sooner, as my GPA suffered considerably in my first year. Word of advice, if you are failing a course in your first year, I would recommend dropping it or withdrawing from it to spare your GPA.  

This leads to my first major piece of advice: take your grades and GPA seriously from the outset. You may not think they are important now (I know I didn’t), but your first year GPA is what will set the tone for the following three years. If you start strong, it is easier to maintain a high GPA. But if you start off weak, it can be extremely difficult to bring it back up, even with near-perfect semesters. I know adjusting to college life can be challenging and the coursework may seem overwhelming, but I cannot stress this enough. Please give it your all and get satisfactory grades for your first two semesters. This is not meant to scare you, it is just genuine advice from a regretful senior who wishes he could redo freshman year. If you build momentum early, you will be more motivated to continue strong in the years that follow, and you will thank yourself for leading a successful and accomplished undergraduate career. 

You may be thinking, “Yeah, no duh GPA is important, why is this guy harping on it so much?” To that I would say, having a strong GPA sets you up nicely for future opportunities. Honor societies such as Psi Chi (international psychology honor society), Nu Rho Psi (national neuroscience honor society), and Pi Gamma Mu (international social sciences honor society) are all great opportunities for you to boost your resume and CV. These honor societies also provide opportunities for scholarships, lifelong memberships, and graduation regalia like cords and medallions. You and your fellow scholars will have a sense of pride for achieving these prestigious honors. A solid GPA may also get you accepted into the university’s Honors Program where you will be among the top performing students. You will take specialty classes, work closely with professors, and complete your own research thesis. The experience you will gain is no doubt irreplaceable and will give you a competitive edge when applying to graduate school or employment. This is coming from someone who did not get into the Honors Program or Psi Chi. These experiences, I am sure, will make your time at the U fulfilling and enriching and I encourage you to aim for these goals early. 

The next piece of advice I have is to get to know your professors. The psychology department has 11 full-time faculty and they are among the smartest and kindest people you will meet. They want to see you succeed and genuinely care about your academic, personal, and professional goals. You can build these relationships by taking multiple classes with the same professor, attending office hours, and seeking out opportunities to be a research or teaching assistant. The latter point is especially important if you are considering graduate school. I recommend getting involved with research as soon as you can, which would be the Spring semester of your second year. This is because most professors require you to have taken Research Methods and Statistical Analysis I before joining their lab, which usually takes place in the Fall of your second year. The earlier you get involved with research and build relationships, the better.  

Getting involved around campus is another piece of advice I offer. The university has tons of clubs and organizations that you can join. I recommend going to the activities fair which showcases most of the university’s clubs and sports teams. As a psychology major, I highly recommend joining the Psychology Club and APSSC (Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus). These two clubs will help you develop as a student and a professional and will give you sound advice and resources for future planning. They are also fun clubs and a great way to make friends, and of course, enjoy free food! Joining clubs could also expose you to officer positions, which is a great way to gain leadership experience for your CV and resume. At this point, you may be wondering “Why does he keep talking about resumes and CVs? I don’t even know what a CV is.” In short, a CV is a multipage document that encompasses all of your academic, professional, and research related achievements. 50% of psychology students pursue graduate school from our program and the other 50% go straight into the workforce. A resume and CV are important for both, which is why it is crucial for you to build them up with experiences.  

I advise you to begin looking into career paths as a freshman. I know it may seem like a ways off, but graduation will be here before you know it and it is not a bad idea to start planning early. I suggest looking up the different fields of psychology including: clinical, school, social, industrial/organizational, and cognitive psychology. Having a general understanding of these fields will guide you in shaping a career path. You will learn more about the fields of psychology and how to plan for post-baccalaureate careers during your junior year in the Career Development Seminar class. I also recommend checking out the Career Roadmap which can be found by searching “scranton psychology career roadmap” on Google. This will give a general breakdown of your four year sequence as a psychology major. Reviewing different career options will also help you decide which classes you want to take based on your interests. For example, if you are interested in clinical psychology, you should take PSYC 225: Psychopathology and PSYC 360: Clinical Psychology, which are both rigorous and enriching courses. More interested in neuroscience? Take PSYC 231: Behavioral Neuroscience and PSYC 230: Sensation and Perception. There is a psychology course for everyone and there is flexibility when choosing psychology electives, which is a unique feature of our program. Additionally, we offer PSYC 480: Field Experience in a Clinical Setting, where you will complete a 100-hour internship at a clinical placement and receive three credits. It is my understanding that we will be offering a class on applied behavior analysis (ABA) where you will acquire the certification to become a registered behavior technician (RBT). I also recommend taking this course if ABA interests you. It is a shame that they offer this class as soon as I graduate, but that’s neither here nor there.  

This may seem like a lot, but I am trying to set you up for success. If I had done even half of the things I mentioned in this letter, I would have left feeling much more accomplished. That is not to say my experience was bad, on the contrary, I have had a wonderful time at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I just wish I started as a psychology major and taken full advantage of the plethora of opportunities from the beginning. You get out what you put in. If you dedicate time and effort to achieving your goals, you will have an experience unlike any other. The U of S psychology department is a home away from home and I hope you have a fulfilling and memorable college experience. Again I say, welcome to the U, and Go Royals!  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Congratulations on your acceptance to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! You have picked an amazing place to begin your journey in psychology. My first and most important advice is to be patient with yourself as you adjust to this new change. Starting college is a big transition, and it can feel overwhelming at first. I had never been away from home before attending 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. During my first semester, I was nervous and homesick and was unsure if I had made the right decision. Thankfully, my family encouraged me to give myself time and I am so grateful I did. Now, as a senior looking back, I can honestly say that staying at the University was one of the best decisions I have made. At the University, I have made lifelong friends, made some of my best memories, and have been mentored by professors who truly care about my success. I would have never had these experiences if I decided to leave. 

         My second piece of advice is to get to know the professors you will be working with for the next four years. Not only are the professors in the psychology department knowledgeable and great resources, but they are also kind, supportive, and approachable. The professors want to get to know you and they want you to succeed during your time here and all of your future endeavors. Don’t be afraid to go to their office hours, to ask questions, or to introduce yourself. Building relationships with your professors can lead to research opportunities, internship opportunities, and strong letters of recommendation. Building these connections early can make a big difference.  

         There are also many ways to get involved in the psychology department that will help you grow personally and professionally. I highly recommend joining the Psychology Club and the Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus (APSSC). I have been part of the Psychology Club since my first year and became an officer for APSSC during my junior year. These organizations have introduced me to students who had the same passion for psychology as me and they have been essential in helping me get to know other students in my major. In the Psychology Club, you will take part in department events, community service projects, and social events. In APSSC, you will grow professionally by learning more about the field, preparing for careers or graduate school, and connecting with students who have been in the same position as you.  

         The psychology department is also involved in research which can be beneficial for you to participate in. Many psychology professors in the department lead their research labs and welcome students to collaborate with them on projects. Since my junior year, I have worked in two different research labs and have contributed to five research projects. These experiences allowed me to present research at the Eastern Psychological Association conferences in Philadelphia and New York City, which is something I never imagined I would get to do as an undergraduate. Research is becoming more and more important in psychology, so I encourage you to consider joining a research lab. Every professor has their focus or specialty and if your interests relate to theirs, do not be afraid to reach out and express your interest in their work. The professors are here to help you grow and want you to become a part of their work.   

         Beyond research, make sure to investigate the Field Experience courses and Teaching Assistant positions offered by the psychology department. During my junior year, I joined the Field Experience in a Clinical Setting course and got to work in a clinical setting for a semester. My field experience gave me real-world exposure and hands-on learning opportunities that helped to confirm my passion for clinical psychology. Use this course as an opportunity to learn more about your interests in psychology and ensure that you are on the right path for you. Teaching Assistant (TA) positions are also a unique opportunity offered by the psychology department. Many larger universities only offer TA positions to graduate students, but at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, these opportunities are offered to undergraduate students. Serving as a TA has strengthened my skills in communication, leadership, and collaboration, and set me apart from other students when I began interviewing with graduate programs in psychology.  

         Also, take the time to explore honors societies and Honors programs. Organizations such as Psi Chi, Pi Gamma Mu, and Nu Rho Psi are excellent for building your resume or CV, networking, and growing professionally. If you are interested in research, the Honors Program offers special and unique opportunities. Being a member of the program, I have designed and carried out my own original research project, taken Keystone courses only offered to Honors Program students, and created my own Honors Tutorials where I have gotten to work one-on-one with my professors. Through this program, I have not only grown as a researcher but have also had the chance to form more meaningful relationships with my professors and peers. I highly recommend investigating these opportunities.  

         Finally, my last piece of advice is to enjoy your time at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. I remember students telling me that college would go by fast, and I never believed them. Now, as I prepare to graduate, I see just how true that was. These four years fly by so make the most of them. Try new things, meet new people, and embrace all the opportunities the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has to offer. I will always be grateful for the support and guidance I have received from the psychology department and for the friendships I have made here. Watching my peers grow alongside me has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us. Good luck as you begin your exciting new chapter! 

Sincerely,  

A Graduating Psychology Major 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

During my time at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as a psychology major, I have learned many valuable lessons, some academic, some personal, and many that I wish someone had told me sooner. Perhaps the most important lesson is this: have a plan.  

It is easy to come into to college thinking psychology is a flexible, umbrella major, and in many ways it is. You will hear over and over again that it opens the door to countless career paths, and that is not wrong. However, what people often fail to mention is that many of those doors remain closed unless you pursue graduate school. That is the cath. A bachelor’s degree in psychology alone does not always translate into specialized, high paying jobs. You have to take charge of your own path early on if you want to make the most out of your time here. Remember you are here to create a future for yourself, not just for fun.  

Graduate school is competitive, expensive, and not something to take lightly. If you already have an idea of what you want to do, whether it is counseling, research, healthcare, or something else entirely, take the time to research what graduate programs require. Look into prerequisites, recommended experiences, and what makes an applicant stand out. Then, tailor your undergraduate curriculum and extracurricular involvement accordingly.  

I will be honest, I did not take this advice myself. I was not involved in any clubs or organizations on campus. At the time, I thought I was making the right decision, leaving space for fun, socializing, and less stress. But as I approach graduation and begin applying for jobs, I am feeling the pressure. Many of the entry level jobs available to psychology majors are also open to people with only a high school diploma. That is a tough reality to face after four years of hard work and tuition payments.  

That said, you can prepare in ways that will set you apart. If you are thinking about graduate school but concerned about the coat, get involved. Join clubs, participate in research, take on leadership roles, and build strong relationships with your professors. These things do not just help your resume, they help you discover you interests, find your community, and make the most of college life. Connections are everything, if you have connections, use them.  

 Speaking of professors, I can genuinely say I have never had a truly negative experience with anyone in the psychology department. Of course, I have not had every professor, but I have had most, and I am the type of person who will absolutely speak up if something is not working. Across the board, our faculty is passionate, supportive, and eager to see students succeed. Some are more engaging than others, sure, but none are unbearable. They care about both the material and the people learning it.  

Now lets talk about Research Methods. You will hear stories about this class, it has a reputation. Yes, it is hard. It can be frustrating, stressful, and at times, deeply confusing. But you will survive it, I promise. The good news is that everyone else in your class is going through the same thing. Band together, form study groups, vent over Starbucks, you will come together stronger, more capable, and probably with a few lifelong friends.  

That brings me to another high point of my experience, the people. I met my three closest friends through the psychology program. It was the very first class of my first semester. I walked in, saw two girls who looked friendly, and felt an instant connection. WE alter added another friend during our shared struggles in Research Methods. That bond, born out of long nights and shared stress, turned into something incredibly special. Eventually, you will start to recognize most of the students in your year within the department. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself and make connections, you never know who will end up being your best friend.  

If I could do one thing differently it would be to front-load my credits. Take heavier course loads your first couple of semesters if you can. It may seem overwhelming at first, but it frees up your junior and senior year for things that matter, research opportunities, internships, or simply enjoying your final years with friends. As I write this during my own spring semester of senior year, I can barely bring myself to open my laptop. When the weather turns warm, your motivation will disappear. Give yourself space to enjoy that time without stressing over a full course load.  

Finally, yes, its cliché, but it is for a reason, it is the truth. College goes by way too fast. One minute you are moving into your freshman dorm and getting your stress ball brain, and the nest you are picking up your cap and gown. You will have good days and bad, easy classes and hard ones, moments when you want to skip class and moment when you feel completely inspired. Skip a class once in a while if you want, it will not ruin your life but do try to stay present. These four years are over before you know it, and you will miss it more than you expect.  

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Dear incoming Psychology student,

Congratulations on your acceptance to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. Although I am probably biased in saying you have made the right decision coming to this school, you have also selected the most fascinating, innovative, and rewarding fields to study. I am unsure when you will be reading this, and perhaps you have already settled in, but do not worry—you will feel at home soon. This is a big change and it is normal to feel overwhelmed and want to go back to the safety that is home (if you are living on campus). I was overwhelmed when I started college. I missed my family, friends, my room, and the routine I had become dependent on. However, in a matter of days, I started to remember why I chose the U, it became my home away from home. As someone who switched to Psychology as a sophomore, I can tell you from experience that the professors and the students in the Psych department are unlike other majors. The professors work hard to get to know the psych students (especially psych majors) and form relationships that foster growth. As I prepare to graduate with my degree in psychology, I wanted to share a few things I wish I had known when I first started—insights that I hope will guide you as you begin your journey.

My first piece of advice is to join a club or two. You will hear this advice countless times over your first few weeks, but they will tell you to join as many as you want. Sure, maybe good advice, but do not overwhelm yourself by thinking you have to go to every meeting. Clubs are a great way to make friends but they are not the only way. I found my close friends through my classes and on my floor. It can be hard to put yourself out there and if you are like me and are shy it can feel impossible. You can (and will) do great things. Start small, maybe compliment something the person next to you is wearing, or ask where they are from. One thing I wish I had known at the beginning of my time as a psych major is that it is okay to not know where you want to go with a psych degree. This field, and this program, is competitive and you will meet people who are always busy with 2 jobs, field experience, eight clubs, 20 credits, and still have a near-perfect GPA. If you take anything from this letter please take this: you do not have to be anyone but yourself. Your only competition is with yourself. Don’t burn yourself out trying to impress people. If you do not know what you want to do with your psych degree, which you do not have to stress about now, I suggest taking a variety of different types of psychology. I enjoyed Forensic Psychology and Psychopathology along with plenty of other courses. A lot of people focus on the professors teaching classes to pick what courses they want to take, but I suggest focusing more on the content.

As you begin to settle into college and make this place your home away from home, start to get more involved. I have always been painfully shy and although I have grown a lot throughout college I still had a hard time putting myself out there. It is important to remember that professors are here to help you grow inside and outside of the classroom. If you want to, I suggest looking into being a research and/or teaching assistant! Depending on the professor, some may reach out to the top students in the class, while others expect students to reach out to them. Don’t let the fear of being told no stop you! A great professor at the U once told me when I was candid about my anxiety to challenge anxious thoughts with positive thoughts. Instead of allowing yourself to think, what if they say no? Ask yourself what if they say yes? It sounds silly, but it does save some time from overthinking.

In your junior year, you will have the opportunity to do field experience through the psychology department. It is not mandatory but I think that it is worth it. Although I did not get my first choice placement and ended up somewhere that did not align with my future career goals I would choose that place again. You learn more than you can learn in a textbook through hands-on work. You learn to listen more, judge less, and it exemplifies your desire to help people.

It is okay if your interests change. I started thinking I wanted to go on to get my PhD and all of that extra schooling, but my advisor helped me find my real passion which is working with kids in a hospital setting. This goes back to my previous point: you do not have to burn yourself out to keep up with everyone else. Be open to change. If you feel lost, reach out to professors in the psych department. There were times in my college experience when it seemed like nothing was going right and my performance was slipping or I had to take time off. In my opinion, the psychology professors were the most understanding compared to other professors. This leads to my final and most important piece of advice: please take care of yourself. You can’t help other people if you don’t help yourself. You will hear the basics all through college: drink water, sleep well, and go to the counseling center. Of course, this is all sound advice but it almost feels automatic when you hear it. Find something other than school that you love. Get into a routine that works for you and find the times when you are most productive. You do not and should not try to be productive all the time. Put aside time every day to wind down and do whatever makes you happy. It is okay to not want to be with people all the time.

All the best,

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Congratulations on your acceptance into the University’s psychology program! As you embark on this journey, you are likely feeling a combination of excitement and uncertainty. With this letter, I hope to reinforce your excitement and alleviate your uncertainty by sharing my experiences. While attending 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, I have taken fascinating courses, conducted research with faculty members, served as a teaching assistant, and completed an internship. However, instead of detailing each of these endeavours, I think it would be more illuminating to summarize my experiences in a series of superlatives: most informative, unexpected, rewarding, and challenging. 

While all of my psychology courses were informative, social psychology was particularly illuminating. Prior to taking this course, I viewed education as a purely intellectual pursuit that existed within the confines of the classroom. In social psychology, I learned material that had clear implications for the social problems I regularly observed outside of the classroom. I emerged from the class more knowledgeable about the social systems that make up our world and more prepared to enact the change I wanted to see. While social psychology may not be your area of interest, you will almost certainly take a class that ends up being transformative in some way. My classmates have been similarly enraptured by courses in cognitive, clinical, and numerous other psychology courses. As you look onward to your time at the university, I hope this affirms your excitement in pursuing this major. 

The most unexpected experience I had as a psychology student was discovering my passion for research. As an incoming freshman, I saw research as a hurdle I would have to complete to earn my degree. I planned to avoid it at all costs. My perspective changed in my sophomore year, when two professors asked me to join their research labs. Since I had enjoyed their classes, I decided to give it a try. I quickly realized that my stereotypical perception of research as a mind-numbing, sterile process of number-crunching was inaccurate. Instead, I found that psychology research involves scientifically addressing the most pressing aspects of the human experience. I worked on projects regarding microaggressions, mental health stigma, environmental actions, and psychotherapy. Through these experiences, I gained an appreciation for research as a core part of psychology. I strongly encourage all incoming psychology students to get involved in at least one research lab during their time at the University. Since the department has professors who specialize in diverse areas of psychology, you will have little trouble finding research that aligns with your particular interests.  

A cornerstone of the University’s psychology program is the field experience course. Taking this course was the most rewarding experience of my education at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. Completing an internship gave me the opportunity to explore my interests so I could make an informed decision about my future career path. Based on my interest in working with adolescents, I was placed at a high school mental health center. During this internship, I attended supervision meetings, observed family sessions, and participated in individual sessions. It was deeply fulfilling to form connections with clients and watch them grow over time. Overall, my experience deepened my desire to pursue a career in clinical psychology and affirmed my interest in working with the adolescent population. I strongly encourage all psychology majors to complete an internship before graduating, as it provides a great opportunity to explore your interests.  

The most challenging experience of being a psychology major was taking the research methods and statistics course sequence. This experience was so challenging because it required me to think and learn in ways that I had not before. However, despite the stress and exhaustion these classes invoked, they provided me with incredibly useful knowledge and skills. Learning the fundamentals of research methods made it possible for me to get involved in research labs. Additionally, gaining proficiency in statistical analysis made me a competitive applicant for graduate school. While you may feel stressed about taking these courses, you can be confident that you will emerge with a set of widely applicable skills and a sense of accomplishment. 

Given these experiences, I have three pieces of advice for how to get the most out of your time at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, both academically and personally. First, be flexible! You may be coming into the program with a set plan for the courses you will take, the grades you will earn, and the career path you will pursue. While at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, I have learned that some of these plans will definitely change. Some of the most fulfilling experiences I had at the University came unexpectedly: View this uncertainty as a source of excitement rather than one of stress. Second, participate! Whether it be in class discussions, research, or extracurriculars, try your best to get involved. This program will provide you with abundant opportunities to make friends, excel in your academics, and achieve your long-term goals. While you cannot take every opportunity that is provided to you, try to regularly push yourself to accept challenges and pursue your interests. Third, make time for fun! During my first two years at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, I frequently missed out on social events and fun activities because I was consumed with studying. Although it is certainly important to prioritize your education, a big part of college is self-exploration. Remember that you are more than your grades and make time to do things for you.  

I hope you found this letter helpful in learning what to expect as a psychology student at the University. The psychology department was my home for four years, and I hope you experience that same sense of community. Good luck and best wishes! 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's Psychology Department! If you are not set on your path or still figuring out exactly what you want to do, know this: You are in the right place. I am writing two weeks before my graduation date, and I will say that my time at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has been a journey. It was not completely smooth; there have been road bumps, but I would not change the result. 

 I came to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as a neuroscience major on the pre-med track. I chose the neuroscience major based on what I thought would be impressive and what people were pushing me to do. I soon found that I was in the wrong major due to feelings of distress, self-doubt, lack of motivation, limited interests, and poor academic performance. Switching to the psychology major was one of the best decisions I ever made, and most importantly, it was my decision. One of my only regrets about the Psychology major is that I did not get to it sooner, as I entered as a sophomore. Although I was behind in my major, the professors and students in the program were welcoming and helpful. I felt that I belonged for the first time during my college career. 

However, because of my anxious personality, I kept to myself at first. Intimated about the relationships already formed before entering the program, I avoided clubs, did not seek research opportunities, and hesitated to speak up in class. Looking back, I see how my choices were driven by my insecurities and not by any real barriers. Everything started to change when I started to allow myself to open up to others. Once I did, I made friends with intelligent, empathetic, and similar-minded people.  

If you take one thing from my letter, it is not to hold yourself back. My advice is to try your best not to self-doubt and put yourself out there. Do not miss out on opportunities that you will regret missing in the future. Attend Psychology Club and Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus (APSSC) meetings. Do not let unfamiliarity with students hold you back; these clubs are designed for you to build connections. 

Even if you are worried that you are not good enough, go to professors' office hours and ask them what you can improve on, if there are any research opportunities, or if they are looking for a teacher's assistant. I did not do these tasks as a student, and I regret it immensely. I am thankful that there were some required meetings with professors, for if there had not been, I would have missed out on valuable guidance and advice.   

Additionally, take classes with as many professors in the department as possible. Of course, there will be professors you learn best from or relate to more, but each professor has touched my education in one way or another. Every professor brings something unique to the table. Know your professors and make sure they know you. When the time comes, you will need a letter of recommendation or reference for graduate school or the workforce. Professors will have difficulty writing a shining recommendation that captures all the parts that make you a great candidate if they do not know you well enough. 

As the last graduating psychology class from Alumni Memorial Hall (AMH), enjoy the new Weiss Hall building! During your journey as a student, find a common room in Weiss Hall where all psychology students work on assignments, study, or hang out during their breaks. I started making friends in the psychology department by meeting with them in the computer lab at AMH. Sometimes, the professors like to stop in and say hi, too.  

As someone interested in becoming a clinical psychologist, I recommend taking the Clinical Psychology course. Once you complete it, you will be eligible to sign up for field experience. I learned a lot from my practicum placement, and I am confident you will, too. 

I am grateful for this department, which gave me a fresh start and a sense of belonging. Psychology has helped me become a better talker, listener, peer, friend, and student. I now have a clearer understanding of myself, which will aid my journey to becoming a clinical psychologist. Thank you to my professors and friends I made along the way. 

I am excited for you and your 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Psychology student journey. I wish you the best. Be brave and curious, and put yourself out there. As one of my professors would quote, "Think with a scientist's brain and feel with a humanist's heart." 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to the beginning of what I hope will be an incredibly meaningful, transformative, and fulfilling journey. As I sit down to write this letter, I’m filled with gratitude and awe at how quickly these years have flown by. Being a psychology major at this university has not only shaped my academic path, but it has also deeply shaped who I am as a person. The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has profoundly impacted the person I am today.  

I was one of those students who dove in headfirst. I served as President of both the Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus and our chapter of Psi Chi, and as Vice-President of the Psychology Club. These roles gave me more than leadership experience, they gave me a sense of purpose, a voice, and a chance to foster community among students who shared my passion for psychology. I also found myself involved in many other campus organizations, and I encourage you to do the same. College is about more than your major, it’s about growing into a fuller version of yourself. 

In the classroom, I pushed myself to be present and engaged. I was honored to be selected as a Teaching Assistant for Clinical Psychology course, which gave me an entirely new appreciation for the discipline and for the hard work professors do behind the scenes. I was also a research assistant and a proud member of the University Honors Program. Presenting posters at conferences became a highlight of my academic career, it was where I saw my classroom learning come to life and where I found my voice as a budding researcher. I recently defended my thesis and it was a special moment presenting a topic I was so familiar with to my research committee and peers.  

Some of the most valuable experiences I had were outside of the classroom. I completed several internships, both for credit and for pay, and each one gave me a clearer sense of what I want to do and why this field matters. Seeing real-world applications of psychological theory, whether through clinical work, research, or outreach, reminded me again and again that psychology is not just about studying the mind, but about serving others with compassion and insight. I worked with different populations in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and out of state which were incredible experiences that I think of regularly. It was incredible to be immersed in mental health organizations and make wonderful connections.  

Academically, I worked hard and achieved results I’m proud of. But more than grades or accolades, it’s the relationships and the growth I experienced here that I’ll carry with me. The faculty members became mentors. The students became collaborators and friends. The experiences, big and small, shaped my values and strengthened my belief in the power of psychology to make a difference. 

If I could offer you one piece of advice, it would be to stay curious and open. Psychology is a field that constantly invites you to question what you think you know, about others and about yourself. Some of the most powerful learning moments I had came from being surprised, challenged, or even uncomfortable. Don’t shy away from those experiences. Take classes that push you outside your comfort zone. Have conversations with people who think differently than you. Let yourself evolve. This major isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about learning to ask better, deeper questions. Trust that you’re growing, even when it’s not obvious. Growth in this field, and in life, is often quiet and gradual, but incredibly real. 

If I have any regrets, it's only that I didn’t give myself more time to rest and reflect. In chasing achievement, I sometimes forgot to pause and savor the moment. So, while I urge you to work hard and be involved, I also hope you’ll take time for yourself. College is not just preparation for life, it is life. 

This department, this campus, and this community have given me so much. As I say goodbye, I do so with a full heart. My hope is that you will find inspiration, challenge, and joy here, and that you’ll leave with a sense of purpose that will carry you forward, just as I am now. As the psychology department transitions to a new building, I hope it serves you well and you fall in love with the new building as I did with Alumni Memorial Hall. As I transition to a doctoral program in the fall, I express my gratitude to the department of psychology for propelling me through my undergraduate studies.  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major. 

Congratulations on the beginning of your adventure at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! I can definitely reassure you that this was the right choice and one that I am so pleased that I made when I was a freshman. By choosing psychology, you’re stepping into a field that’s endlessly fascinating, deeply relevant, and filled with mystery, emotion, science, and yes — a few rats in mazes and people named Freud. However, while you may have heard a bit about psychology, remember psychology isn’t just about old experiments or couch sessions. It’s about real life — your life. You’ve signed up to explore how people think, feel, behave, connect, break down, bounce back, and grow. Whether you plan to become a therapist, a researcher, a teacher, or just someone who wants to understand people (and themselves) better — you’re in the right place. 

I’m sure you’re experiencing a lot of emotions, both positive and negative, because I sure did when I was a freshman leaving home for the first time. It is completely normal to feel unsure, out of place, and even a little scared - everyone feels this way, you are NOT alone! I started my freshman year as an Undecided major and committing to psychology my Sophomore year was one of the choices I wish I made sooner. You will learn quickly that psychology majors are truly unique and different from a lot of other majors at the U. My first piece of advice is finding a friend in your psychology classes who is also a psychology major. Typically all psychology majors in the same year will end up in at least 3 of the same classes together, so you can’t really escape each other. Having a friend you can form a study group with, sit next to in classes, go to events, or even go to dinner with was something that made my experience here so much better. Finding a good friend when you first get to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is something that is definitely hard to do when navigating your new life, but I believe in you!  

Another piece of advice I’d love to give that helped me was finding a club to join. You will receive information soon about the club fair, which you should definitely go to. While it is definitely intimidating with 50+ clubs on campus, there is truly something for everyone. Personally, I found my community in Liva Arts Company, while theater isn’t for everyone, I can attest that everyone in that club will support you through the beginning to the end of your time here. Even if it’s just to gain your footing, finding a place where you feel a sense of belonging will truly help so much. I also recommend this because my freshman year I found myself not wanting to leave my dorm because I was nervous about looking like a loner, not having someone to hang out with, or even just having a hard time adjusting. Finding a reason to get out and about in the community, while it might be uncomfortable at first, you won’t regret it.  

For me, I still am struggling understanding where exactly I want to take my degree in psychology. I can promise you, most of the people surrounding you in the major also aren’t completely sure. There are truly so many choices of fields to enter once you graduate, as many people say, you can really do anything with a degree in psych. I strongly recommend taking the most experiences you possibly can. Try an internship in a field you have even the smallest bit of interest in, you won’t lose anything for trying. I tried a variety of different fields in psychology, particularly within the law focus. Through a semester-long internship, I realized that wasn’t what I wanted to do and now I'm one step closer to finding out what I’m truly passionate about. There isn’t anything wrong with trying new things, not every course or field is going to interest you and that’s ok! Try that interestingly titled class that piques your interest, it might be something you are truly passionate about.  

Remembering that you are human is also key when entering college, and quite easy to forget. If you feel like nothing is going right or your way, you aren’t alone, professors are here to understand and help you through the college experience. Especially psych professors are best to ask for assistance because truly they do understand what you are going through. If you need an extension, just ask (I know it’s scary). Don’t push yourself past your limits, it won’t help you, your grades, likelihood of getting into grad school or anything else. Keeping the understanding of yourself and your abilities realistic is key, you are only human. You are adjusting to a lot right now and people all around the U are here to support you in your journey.  

Most of all, the most important piece of advice I want you to know is this: you belong here. You made the right choice. You’ve joined a vibrant, supportive, and sometimes quirky community that’s here to grow with you. We’re excited for everything you’ll learn, the questions you’ll ask, and the unique perspective you’ll bring. Welcome to the psych family. You’ve got this.  

Wishing you the best of luck,  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

These next four years are about to be an amazing but challenging experience for you, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. When I started here at the University, I was a biology major but as a first year I took Intro to Psychology which sparked my interest. I decided before the start of my junior year here that I wanted to change my major to Psychology which was the best decision that I ever made. Although I only got two years in the major, I am still so grateful for them. The faculty in this department are the best and they all truly want to see you succeed. They will provide you with so many awesome opportunities some of which I got to take part in myself. 

The experience that is the most important to me is the clinical field experience course. I was able to go to a real placement in the community to experience and learn about real life people that have the conditions that you will learning about throughout your time here. My placement was in a court that specializes in people that found themselves in the criminal justice system while also experiencing severe psychological disorders. I spent 100 hours over a full semester at this facility and I really did learn so much. You will sit in so many classrooms and take in so much information which is also very important but there is something different about getting to see it all happening in real life. It will make everything that you’ve learned make much more sense. You will also get the opportunity to work alongside a supervisor in the placement and other staff there as well. This is a great opportunity to connect with people actively working in the field and they can answer a lot of your questions as well. With that being said, if I could only recommend one experience that I think you should do, it would without a doubt be this one. Heavily consider this when you become a junior or a senior. 

When it comes to different courses offered here at the University, there are so many interesting ones that I really enjoyed. Just so you know though, you may not love every course and that is okay and completely normal. It is still important though to experience a wide variety of fields in psychology and having well rounded knowledge in them will definitely be helpful. One course that you will hear about from students that have already taken it is Statistics and Research Methods. Many students did not have a good experience with this course since it is a lot, and it is hard work. Statistics is not easy, but it is very important in the psychology field and once you understand it, I think it can almost be kind of fun. In my personal experience, I liked that class in a way. Although it was challenging, the knowledge you get from it is quite useful. A piece of advice I have for you when it comes to this class and also any class at the whole University is ask questions and go to professors’ office hours! The professors are once again there to help you, and they can help you better your understanding if you are stuck on something. 

Some of my favorite classes that I have taken here are psychopathology, lifespan development, and psychology of language. Psychopathology is an important class in my opinion. It teaches you about all the disorders in the DSM and their symptoms. This class is very good for people that are interested in taking clinical psychology at some point. Lifespan development is also a very interesting class since it teaches how people develop throughout their while life from before they are even born. Psychology of language is also one of my favorite classes because it is a fun and interesting elective where you would learn how language develops in people starting as infants and how language is learned in different cultures. I highly recommend taking all these courses at some point. 

Clubs within the program, like the psychology club for example are a great way to get involved in fun activities and make friends with the same interests as you. They even put on an event this year where we all got together and played cornhole and ate ice cream. One of my regrets is not getting more involved in club activities. I suggest that you try out as many clubs as you can because there is so many fun things you can get involved in through them. Also, making connections with fellow students is important.  

Good luck and enjoy every moment, it goes fast! 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Welcome to the Psychology Department at The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! As someone who’s at the finishing line of this journey, I want to offer a heartfelt congratulations for choosing this path. Studying psychology at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has been one of the most rewarding, challenging, and eye-opening experiences of my life. Now, as I say goodbye, I’d like to share some reflections, some advice, and maybe even a few things I wish I had done differently.

When I first arrived, I wasn’t totally sure what I was getting myself into. Psychology intrigued me and I knew I liked understanding people, figuring out how the mind works, and helping others. But, I didn’t realize just how broad and deep this field really is. Over the past few years, I’ve studied everything from memory and brain structures to social behaviors and research statistics. Some courses fascinated me while others were difficult and sometimes frustrating. But every single one shaped how I think, how I study, and how I see the world. Let me say this clearly that psychology is not just about helping people. Yes, that’s often part of it, and if that’s what drew you in, you’re in the right place. But psychology is also a science. That means you’ll need to befriend data, embrace research methods, and get comfortable with things like APA formatting. I remember dreading research-heavy classes at first, but by the time I finished my last project, I realized just how empowering it is to ask a question and use real data to explore it. Don’t underestimate how valuable these skills are not just in psychology, but in life.

One of the best things about this department is the variety of courses you can take. Try everything. Cognitive, developmental, abnormal, social, cultural, biological, you may find your passion in a place you didn’t expect. Be open-minded. I walked into a sensation & perception class expecting to be totally lost, and instead I walked away with a new appreciation for the brain’s complexity and how biology intersects with behavior. Outside of classes, get involved. Whether it’s the psychology club, research assistant positions, or volunteer work through the department, these experiences matter. They help you build friendships, deepen your understanding of psychology, and prepare for life after graduation. Plus, they make your time here more meaningful. I remember working on a research project during one semester, and it pushed me to apply what I’d learned in class in a hands-on, real-world way. It was one of the most valuable parts of my college experience.

I won’t pretend every moment was easy. There were times I felt overwhelmed, burned out, or unsure if I was even in the right major. If that happens to you, know that you’re not alone. Talk to your peers. Ask questions. Seek out help when you need it, whether that’s from the counseling center, your advisor, or the tutoring center. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is full of people who really care about your success and don’t be afraid to lean on that support. And while you’re working hard, don’t forget to live. This is also about you experiencing college life! Go to that event. Join that club. Say yes to that weekend excursion with your friends. Psychology teaches us about the importance of balance, but sometimes we forget to apply that to our own lives. Some of my best memories from 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ came from stepping outside my comfort zone, both academically and socially. If I could go back and change anything, I would have asked more questions and I would have gotten to know my classmates and professors sooner. I would have been braver about pursuing internships and talking to alumni. I let fear of not being “good enough” hold me back in some moments and I hope you won’t make the same mistake. You belong here and you have something to contribute. Don’t be afraid to speak up, reach out, and push yourself a little harder.

Most of all, I want to encourage you to trust the process. Psychology isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about learning how to ask better questions, how to think critically, and how to make sense of the complexities of human behavior. Whether you go on to be a therapist, researcher, teacher, businessperson, or something else entirely, your time in this program will prepare you well. As I leave The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, I carry with me not just knowledge, but a deeper sense of empathy, curiosity, and resilience. This place, this major, this journey completely changed me and I hope it changes you too for the better. Good luck. Study hard. Be kind to yourself. And enjoy every moment, you’ll be walking across that graduation stage before you know it.

Warmly,

A Psychology Student

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Congratulations on your past achievements that have led you to start your Undergraduate experience as a Psychology Major, and welcome to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! I hope that you are having a warm and positive start to your college experience. The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has many exciting opportunities waiting for you!

I know that starting a new school is an experience that is filled with mixed emotions. The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has various resources around campus in place to support students throughout their academic journey. The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has a great selection of career counseling, mental health support, and activities around campus that have helped me with my adjustment to the University. I am grateful for the social, academic, and personal growth that I’ve made throughout my time in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.

I began my first year knowing that I was interested in learning about mental health and career opportunities available in the field of Psychology after graduation. Throughout my undergraduate experience, I had the opportunity to participate in several activities that enhanced my interests. I enjoyed taking the courses Psychopathology, Social Psychology, and the two Lifespan Development courses offered. After finishing my first year, I decided that I wanted to add the Lifespan and Development Concentration to my academic plan. I took the courses Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Case Management/Interviewing, and Field Experience in a Clinical Setting to complete my minor. After finishing the minor, I would conclude that it was a positive experience, and I am happy that I made the decision to take these courses.

The Field Experience in a Clinical Setting Course was one of my favorite experiences as a Psychology Major. I completed an internship in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ where I had the opportunity to co-facilitate group therapy sessions, observe intakes, draft group notes, and build relationships with professionals. I enjoyed meeting clients and gaining professional experience. This experience helped me develop skills that will be helpful throughout my future career. The course offers a wide range of internship locations around the greater 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ area. There will be a location that will align with your interests in the field, there are many internship locations to choose from. I also enjoyed the once-a-week discussion based seminar that is required during this course. I enjoyed connecting with my peers and having a chance to meet new people with similar interests as me. All in all, this opportunity helped me determine my future career goals and I would recommend considering registering for this opportunity throughout your undergraduate experience at The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.

In addition to the Lifespan and Development Concentration, I also added a Counseling and Human Services Minor. I enjoyed learning about counseling skills and practicing them so they can be used properly outside of the classroom. Many of the Counseling and Human Services courses have a Community-Based Learning component, which I especially enjoyed because it allowed students to participate in supporting individuals around the community. College is a very busy time, and I appreciated the opportunity to spend portions of my day outside of the classroom and helping in the community. I particularly enjoyed the courses Case Management/Interviewing, Counseling LGBTQ+ Individuals, and Introduction to Human Adjustment. Also, the faculty in this program are exceptional, they are all very knowledgeable and kind. Overall, I am delighted with my decision to add the minor, and I would recommend this decision to students who are also interested in learning more about Counseling.

Some of my favorite memories that I made in the Psychology Department are those that I made through joining a Student-Faculty Research Project. I started by taking the course, Psychology of Racism, and found interest in the discussed topics, and decided to ask the professor if I could participate in related research. I administered questionnaires, analyzed data, co-authored a poster, and then had the opportunity to present the project in Philadelphia. The following year, more students joined the research project and we developed a research team. As a result, I had the opportunity to be the first author, and co-author, and present two research posters at a conference in New York City. If you are interested in research, I would recommend joining a Student-Faculty Research Project, I loved my experience!

I appreciate the support that the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ staff has had throughout my academic experience. The faculty at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is happy to answer career-based questions, course questions, or questions about the field that they work in. I enjoyed learning about the experiences that my professors went through to be where they are now. Please do not hesitate to reach out to faculty if you ever find yourself confused in a class or while navigating your career. I regret not utilizing the support of my faculty, even if I had not taken their class yet until I was an upperclassman. It is always okay to ask for help, the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is an incredibly supportive community! All faculty will be more than happy to help you navigate through your experiences, and I remember feeling incredibly nervous to reach out initially.

Please do not be afraid to try new things. Taking a chance and trying something new can be a great way to learn new skills! I decided to study abroad in Rome, Italy during my Junior Year, and I am so happy that I decided to do so. I absolutely loved this experience, and it helped enhance my perception of the world. I remember feeling nervous to study abroad, become a research assistant, add a minor and concentration, but it is important to remember that taking a chance and getting outside of a comfort zone can result in positive experiences.

These four years went by so fast, and I am sad to say goodbye. The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has been such a wonderful place to live and study these past four years. The friends, community, and opportunities that I have met here have been overwhelmingly positive. I found it particularly important to navigate my choices with an open mind, and positive attitude, and following my interests helped me find my place at the University. I wish you the best of luck on your journey, always be yourself and follow your dreams!

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major:

Congratulations on entering this incredibly exciting period of your life! I think that graduating high school is one of the most rewarding and terrifying experiences that students experience. It marks the end of your life as you know it, and often means that great changes are about to occur in your life. These changes feel scary in the beginning; leaving the people that you love to embark on a new journey is painful. However, I promise that this pain will morph into joy as you settle into your new home at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. It may take a little while, but if you embrace the new people, places, and opportunities that are in front of you, you will find what is meant for you.

Choosing to be in the Psychology program at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is one of the best choices I had made in my college career. When I first arrived at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, I was a Nursing major. This major felt like the right choice at the time, but ultimately proved to not be the path for me. After a year and a half in the program, I switched to Psychology, and have not looked back since. As soon as I began taking psychology classes full-time, I fell in love with the field. One thing I love about the Psychology classes at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is their small size. I have gotten to know every one of my psychology professors here at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, and I am so thankful to have gotten so much individualized attention as I grew in my interests.

My favorite course that I have taken as a Psychology major at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ was my Field Experience in Clinical Settings course. Through this course, I had the opportunity to complete 150 hours as an intern in a Clinical Psychology setting. I interned in both the Social Work and the Behavioral Health units at Saint Joseph Center in Dunmore. Prior to this internship, I knew that I wanted to go into Clinical Psychology, but I was not sure which patient population I would like to work with. My field experience introduced me to working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and has inspired me to pursue a doctoral degree that will allow me to work closely with this population. I encourage you strongly to take advantage of the opportunities that 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ will offer you to hone your career interests, especially those that will expose you to professionals in your field of choice.

I am also incredibly thankful for the opportunities I have had to perform research with professors at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. As someone who joined the Psychology program as a sophomore, I remember being scared that I was “too late to the game”, and that I would not be able to find professors with openings in their research labs. I am so glad that I was brave enough to ask to participate in research. I found that the professors in the psychology department are thrilled to involve students in research, and will help you to find the best labs and research topics for you. I did research in both forensic and social psychology, and had the privilege of presenting my research at psychological conferences. Completing research projects increased my confidence in collaborating with others, and ultimately inspired me to pursue higher education in psychology. I encourage you to engage and develop relationships with your professors as early as possible, whether that is through research or other means or collaboration.

One of the best parts of being a Psychology major at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ was incorporating my other academic interests beyond psychology into my coursework. I am also a Philosophy major, and I have loved studying how my two majors relate. I highly recommend taking as many courses in other areas as you can, and adding an additional major, minor, or concentration to your degree. You come to love psychology even more when you see how it is involved in your other passions!

Incoming Psychology Major, I am so excited for everything you have ahead of you. Beyond being a psychology major, I encourage you to not be afraid of making mistakes in your time at college. Trust me, they will happen. Forgive yourself as much as possible, and learn from your mistakes. In your freshman year, you will find people that end up being friends for life…and some that will not. Embrace the uncertainty as you navigate your new social life, and trust that the people that are meant for you will come. Say hello to as many people as possible, especially your classmates! The people you next to every day may become your best friends…that is what happened to me! I am so thankful that I stepped outside of my comfort zone and befriended my classmates, and for the growth we experienced together over the last four years. Finally, treat every day at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ like a blessing- trust me, time will fly, and before you know it, you will be graduating! This is one of the most precious parts of your life, and I promise that you will look back with just as much love for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as I have by the end of your time here.

With love, 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,  

Welcome to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! Everyone is going to ask you if you’ve watched The Office, if the answer is “no”, do not feel bad. I have been here for four years and still have not seen a single minute. My first day in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, my floormates and I did ice breakers as part of our meeting with our RA. When I shared that my major was psychology, someone asked me (and this is a direct quote) “Oh! Well, what mental illness do you have?” Obviously, I was stunned. I did not see that question coming, and had no idea how to handle it, I just laughed it off and we moved forward to the next person. The point of this is: do not let anyone tell you that psychology is stupid. Do not let anyone tell you that its useless, or not a real science. Stand your ground, chances are if they are laughing at you, then they just can’t take the heat.  

Do not be turned away from psychology because of research methods, long papers, many nights up reading, or disagreements with professors. These things happen in every major, and every student in those majors are also complaining about them. If psychology is something you really feel passionate about, do not give up on this department. You will know when you’ve made it past the rough parts. Sophomore and junior year are the most difficult course-work wise, but by the time senior year comes around it will be smooth sailing, so push through. You got into this school; you will make it out in good shape.  

I should also issue a warning: you will have classmates that belong in a psychopathology textbook. I realized this during my sophomore year. People are attracted to things like them, they are intrigued by things about themselves that they want to fix. However, they most likely will not realize this. You might know, but they probably won’t. Whatever you do, do not tell them that they belong in a textbook, I met someone who did this once and it was not good for anybody. I am not kidding, and I mean this sincerely when I say you will see people every day that you will have a compulsive urge to assess and/or evaluate. Under no circumstances should you go around thinking about other people’s psychopathology all the time. You’re going to want too, but you should not. You are not better than your peers, you all got here in the same way.  

Everyone thinks that psychologists are mind readers or whatever painfully un-funny joke is trending right now. As all of us know, this is not the truth. Psychologists shape the world we are in today. There is more than one vocational path. I came in as a freshman thinking I was going to be a clinical psychologist. Now, I am graduating with a seat in a master’s program in school psychology. You can pursue a career in a “clinical” path and not end up as a clinical psychologist. Do not let what your friends or peers are doing influence what career you know will make you happy and satisfied.  

I suggest that when you get the opportunity, you take clinical psychology. It is offered every fall, but you are supposed to take it at the start of junior year. I know that seems far away, but it really is not. Even if you do not want to pursue any clinical path as of right now, or even in the future – you should still take it. Clinical psychology is and will always be one of the best courses I have ever taken at this university. I learned more about psychology and the profession as a whole than I ever knew possible.  

Some of my closest friends I have today are people I met in AMH. Hopefully this remains true for you in Weiss Hall. AMH was my home away from home, it was there when I was happy, sad, angry, stressed and every other emotion in the book. I believe that Weiss Hall will hold the same promises and comfort for you as AMH did for me – after all, it is the people that make the place. When you surround yourself with good people, in a good place, you feel good. The people in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ have changed my life for the better. Reflecting on the last four years, I have nothing but pride in my heart for my time here. You will grow more than you ever thought possible. You will be friends with people you would not have thought twice about in high school. You will have a newfound respect for education. Most of all, you will love where you live. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ was the best decision I made in my young adult life. As I sit here writing this, 13 days before graduation, I want nothing else than to jump in a time machine and go back to August 26th, 2021. Enjoy it while you can, and do not be afraid to say “yes” to any opportunity that comes across your path.  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

First of all, congratulations on your acceptance to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! The ability to continue your education is a privilege not many are able to have, and you should be extremely proud of yourself and the hard work you put in to get here. I remember my move in day to the freshman dorms very clearly; it was time of mixed emotions. I was nervous about leaving my home and my parents, yet I was so excited to start a new chapter of my life and find some independence within myself. Whether you are a commuter or decide to live in a dorm as a freshman, I absolutely suggest making sure you attend freshman activities and as scary as this sounds, put yourself out there. The connections you will make here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ will last a lifetime. Being able to look back on the past four years and cherish all the memories and connections I have made is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart.  

Another piece of advice I have for being a freshman in college in general is to become active in clubs. The university offers so many types of academic clubs, club sports, and hobby clubs where you can forge connections and set yourself up for success. Joining the club your major hosts is a great way to connect to faculty and other students who you will be more than likely have classes with. The psychology club offers a range of activities from social events to research opportunities. Finding a sense of community within your major will make your time as a psychology student here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ even more fulfilling. Having a balance between your academic life and social life in college is very important, so I would also suggest joining a club that you are interested in outside of your field of study. I have ridden horses for fifteen years, and I joined the club equestrian team here and I can say that it was the best decision I have ever made! I am still friends with teammates that graduated four years ago. I also was able to become a leader within the team, and I have been co-captain and captain of the team for the past two years. Clubs have the ability to offer fun activities, but they are also great opportunities to learn from older 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students and for you to find your place as a leader.  

You will soon find out that the faculty of the psychology department is filled with some of the most supportive, intelligent, and genuine people you will ever meet! You will see these people almost every day and one of them will become your academic advisor, so please make sure you put in your best effort to show them respect and kindness that they will evidently show you! 

Along with great professors, you will have the great privilege of partaking in what I believe to be some of the most interesting course work here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. The social psychology course is a course that was probably one of my favorites. It is very fun to see concepts you learn in class play out in real time in your own personal life experiences. The social psychology class is also a great class to learn how psychological concepts can be used to enact social change. Another course that I remember as being an integral part of my learning experience here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ was the research methods and statistical analysis course. I will not sugarcoat the courses and say they were easy, but I learned so much from these courses that I use in many other aspects of my academic life here in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. These courses taught me how to be an educated consumer of research and how to write an academic paper.  

Outside of your major courses, you will be required to take a multitude of general education required courses specifically philosophy and theology courses. Please do not write off these courses as busy work or “something I just have to take in order to graduate”. Humanities courses offer such great insight into the multitude of perspectives people all around the world have on ethics, religion, and philosophical ideas, and you will be surprised how helpful and insightful these classes can be while you pursue your degree in psychology. I picked up a minor in theology and religious studies, and I constantly pull information I have learned in these classes and use it in my senior seminar psychology course discussions.  

As I said when I started my letter: Congratulations on your acceptance to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! You are about to experience a huge milestone in your life. Take this time to think about a person in your life who helped you get to where you are right now – honor them and honor yourself by putting your best foot forward and working hard for the next four years!  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to the psych department at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! This letter is to give you some advice as a graduating senior psych major and to tell you about some of my experiences from the last four years. First of all, I know you might feel quite overwhelmed right now thinking about whether you chose the right major, how you will meet all the graduation requirements, how you will make new friends, and how you will adjust to college life in general. But try to remember to take things one step at a time and you will get through it. Starting college can be scary, but it can also be a lot of fun!  

I remember being nervous and excited about starting college, meeting new people, and getting to know new professors. From the very first day of my first psychology classes here (Current Topics and Social Psych), I knew I made the right choice of major and already felt a strong sense of community within the department. One of the first friends that I made here was in both of those classes with me and even though she decided to switch majors, we are still close friends today. So, my first piece of advice would be to talk to the people around you in your classes! You never know who your new best friend could be, and they could become a helpful study buddy as well. The number of students in your classes will shrink each year as people switch majors or transfer schools so you will likely know everyone else in your year by the time you are a senior. Making friends in the department is important because these are the people you will be learning and growing with. They are your support system and everyone here wants to help each other out. I can honestly say that I have never felt a sense of competition within my cohort (other than the typical friendly competitions like who will get the highest grade on a test). Making friends in the department is particularly important for if/when you decide to apply to graduate school. That process is not fun, it takes a lot of time, effort, and motivation so it is crucial to surround yourself with other people going through the same thing and support each other through it. I have made some amazing friends here and I know my experience would have been very different without them. 

Another tip is to make some upperclassmen friends. I know sometimes it might be intimidating to try to talk to the juniors or seniors as a freshman, but we are not scary, I promise! We want to help out the underclassman, too. I became close with two junior psychology majors when I was a sophomore because we were in an honors class together. They helped me out a lot and gave me some really good advice. The upperclassman have all been where you are, we got through the tough classes, like Research Methods & Statistics and everyone has opinions about which professors to take for different classes. The upperclassmen can also act as mentors and answer questions or give study tips. Again, everyone wants to help each other out! 

Just as forming friendships with other psychology students is important, building relationships with your professors will also be helpful. All the professors in the department want to help and support their students in whatever way they can. Again, there is a very strong sense of community here and Everyone wants to see you succeed. The classes are small enough that the professor will know who you are and it is likely that you will have the same professor multiple times. A great way to build a stronger relationship with a professor is to join their lab if they focus on a topic that you think you might be interested in. The psychology club hosts meetings every semester about each lab and what they do, but just going to office hours to talk to a professor is also a great way to show interest. For example, during the spring of my sophomore year, I took Psychology of Language (an amazing class, I highly recommend) and I was really interested in the subject and wanted to learn more. So, I asked the professor if there were any open spots in her lab and she let me join! I have been a member of two different labs, which has been a great experience because each professor runs their lab differently, so it was interesting to experience different mentoring styles. I would also highly recommend getting into a research lab as soon as possible, I did not start doing research until my junior year and I wish I had started sooner. Research experience is a crucial part of grad school applications, so the more experience you get, the better. 

I would also suggest taking advantage of the different types of psychology classes offered every semester, and keep your options open. There are many interesting subfields of psychology and you never know what hidden interests you might discover. I personally discovered my love for cognitive psychology, specifically language and memory, after taking the Psychology of Language course. I ended up changing my whole career plan after taking that class. Like most incoming psychology majors, I wanted to go into the clinical field and I specifically wanted to work with children. I was so sure that I would end up as a clinical psychologist, but then I joined the Language and Memory Lab and developed a passion for research. I have also worked as a tutor for the last three years and found out that I really enjoy teaching as well. Now, my plan is to earn a PhD in cognitive psychology and become a professor. Plans can change, so it is helpful to keep your options open and explore your interests.  

Finally, enjoy your time here with these friends and professors. Everyone says this, but the next four years really will fly by. Not so long from now, you will be writing one of these letters wondering how it is possible that you are graduating in two short weeks. I truly had the best time as a psychology major and would not have picked any other major. I will miss this department and everyone in it and I will always remember all the good memories from 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. Good luck and enjoy the new building! 

Best, 

Graduating Psychology Senior 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Welcome to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and the beginning of the next chapter of your life. Now that I am at the end of my college experience, I think back to how unsure and curious I was when I first arrived. If you are feeling that way now, just know that it is completely normal and most of your classmates feel that way too. It is easy to look around and think everyone else has it all figured out, but most people are adjusting just like you Change is scary, but now you have the chance to meet so many new and interesting people that may become your best friends for life. Some of the people you meet in your first few weeks may end up being a part of your support system for the rest of your college experience. When you first come in, everyone is so open to meeting knew friends so do not be nervous to approach anyone because chances are, they are also looking for a friend. It is also important to make connections for classes, it is helpful for studying and staying on top of what is going on. However, you do not have to have it all figured out in one day or even one month, it is different for everyone, but slowly you will start to feel more at home, you just have to trust the process. Give yourself time to grow in the environment and do not be discouraged if things feel overwhelming at first.

My experience in college, specifically as a psychology major, has been growing both academically and personally. Some classes will be challenging, and there may be a time where you do not connect with the material or the professor, but that is okay, and it happens to everyone so do not let it scare you. In fact, struggling a little can be a powerful part of learning. Something that was a hard lesson to learn for me when coming to college was learning that it is okay to fail because you can always bounce back. You just have to get through the tough ones and mixed in are classes that are extremely influential and intriguing with professors who genuinely care not only about psychology, but what is best for you. these classes will stick with you and you will think about them years later, some may even help you decide what direction to take after graduation.

There are many classes that are offered here that allow you to explore what area of psych you like, if you do not already know, and if you do think you know, explore more anyway. You might find that you like an area you never thought you would. There are so many aspects of psychology, you will find your comfort zone. Do not be afraid to take electives outside of your expected path because you might be surprised to find a passion you did not expect. I know so many people, not even just psych, who came into college set on one career path and completely changing it. It happens more often than you think, so let yourself be curious and take advantage of the opportunity while you have it because this field has a wide variety of paths, and this is the perfect time to take advantage of exploring it.

Outside of the classroom, I encourage you to get involved in activities related to psychology or even ones that are simply for fun. Joining clubs, volunteering, or participating in research studies can deepen your learning and help you connect with others who share your interests. It is something that I wish I had taken more advantage of during my time here. While I did get involved in a few extracurricular activities, I sometimes found myself too focused on academics and missed out on opportunities to engage more deeply with the community. Looking back, I realize how valuable it could have been to participate in more student organizations because they offer a sense of connection that is hard to find in the classroom alone.

In college, one of the most important aspects is time management, and it is something that I struggled heavily with freshman year because my high school did not do much to prepare me. It is different than what you hear from what the teachers say in high school, while some professors are strict, most are reasonable and understanding. If you need extensions explain your situation truthfully and respectfully, and you will most likely get more time. However, developing habit of planning ahead on assignments is crucial. I am currently still struggling with this problem, so I want to make it clear that this is a problem that many of us face, and it takes time to improve if you are not naturally like this already. College is fast paced, and it catches up with you quicker than you would think so slipping behind can be hard to come back from. In terms for advice I have to offer for this problem, what I have found best helps me is breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of looking at big assignments as one overwhelming task, I try breaking it down and this way the workload feels less daunting and more achievable. Do a little at a time and it builds up. However, it is also important to give yourself breaks to do the things you enjoy so while it is good to take advantage of free time to get assignments done, do not let it encompass you. When you get out of class, if it is convenient, do your work, then set a time to stop and relax. Most of the most memorable moments I had were not while I was in class or doing homework, so make sure to let yourself have fun.

As you continue on this journey, remember that everyone’s college experience is unique, and you will find your own path. Do not be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of the resources available to you. For me, the friends I made were the best part of this place. They got me through everything, and they helped to take me out of the draining cycle that school can induce. Cherish the moments and embrace the challenges, even though some are going to be seemingly pointless. Enjoy the process, and best of luck on your journey as a psychology major.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,  

The best piece of advice that I could give is to enjoy your time here at the University. I know this may sound cliché, but the years really do fly by. It may not seem like it when you’re cramming for finals and midterms or when you feel like you have a mountain of assignments that need to get done but trust me it does.  

Get involved in Psychology club and other clubs on campus. It helps you to build relationships with your peers in your major, professors, etc. putting yourself out there at times can seem intimidating but, once you do it, you realize that it isn’t as bad as you think. If I had to pick one of my biggest regrets that I had during my 4 years at the University, I would say it was not getting involved more with the psychology department. The psychology department compared to others, is relatively small, so you will have the same professors for different classes. Try to build a rapport with them. Go to office hours, introduce yourself. Again with the cliches, but it’s nice to see your professor around campus and have a small conversation with them or even just a smile and wave. It goes a long way. And you never know when you may need that professor for something, whether it be research assistant opportunities, TA opportunities, or even recommendation letters for graduate school.  

Another big piece of advice would be don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are all human; we make mistakes and sometimes in class things don’t click for us as easily as we hope they will. If you find yourself struggling with material at any point during the semester, don’t be afraid to talk to your professor after class, email them any questions/concerns you may have, go to their office hours, or seek out tutoring. There are so many resources that the University offers for students to succeed so take advantage of them, you won’t regret it.  

Try not to compare yourself to your peers. Trust me I know this is easier said than done, but it’s important that you know that everybody moves at their own pace. For me personally, I found myself always comparing myself to my classmates who were involved in more campus activities, getting internships and research opportunities, etc. This brings on an immense feeling of imposter syndrome and makes you feel as if something is wrong with you, or you need to pile on a million things into your schedule to feel adequate. But, if there’s one thing you take from this letter, its that you are right where you need to be. The accomplishments of others do not define you. You are enough and you will get to where you want to be, achieve things you want and get the grades that you want all without having to compare yourself to your classmates, or other people in your major, or even your friends. Everyone has their own unique sets of talents and skills, and the goal is to home in on those and work towards your goals, whether it be academically, professionally, or personally.  

The most important thing when you get to the University is to work and play hard. These are the best 4 years of your life. You get the opportunity and independence to be who you want to be and go in the direction that you want. The beauty of college is that your future is entirely in your hands and while that may seem terrifying, it can also be a freeing thing. You have the choice to decide what you want to do. You have the opportunity to meet so many different people from different walks of life and gain so much knowledge from them that honestly is a beautiful thing. So don’t forget to live your life to the fullest and enjoy everything that the university has to offer.  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

As I write this letter and think about the most important advice or takeaways that I could, I am overwhelmed with nostalgia and simply do not know where to begin. As the clock is ticking down on my time here at the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, your time is just beginning, and I could not be more excited for you. It feels as though just yesterday I was attempting to navigate the campus, feeling anxious, nervous, and excited about my future here. So, from a senior who is reminiscing to an incoming freshman, who is probably just as excited as you are anxious, let me share a few thoughts on the journey you are about to embark on.  

I entered the University as a biology major and switched to psychology at the end of my sophomore year. I was very unhappy in biology, and after taking Fundamentals of Psychology, I realized that my passion truly lay with psychology, and I needed to switch majors. The two years I have spent in the psychology program have been nothing short of transformative. When I began to delve into the psychology content in my junior year, I was immediately more interested in the content of my courses than I ever was as a biology major.  

One key piece of advice I will offer is to be engaged in your classes, especially your psychology classes and related seminars. The more you put into your classes, the more you will get out of them and benefit from them. Professors will also notice when you are engaged in the content and attentive in class. Ask questions. I never regretted raising my hand and asking a question, and professors will recognize and appreciate the effort to learn and clarify new information. Your professors are very knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about their fields. Another key piece of advice is to go to office hours. The conversations you have with your professors outside of the classroom will not only enhance your relationship with them, but your education will benefit greatly.  

Explore opportunities on campus, such as clubs, volunteering, research, seminars, and more. The University and the Psychology Department offer so many extra learning experiences and opportunities outside of the classroom. One thing I regret about my time here at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is that I did not attend as many of these extra opportunities as I could have. There were seminars, guest speakers, and networking/club events that I skipped because I thought I did not have the time, or because I was nervous that I would not know anyone and would feel lost. I regret not putting myself out there more and pursuing more opportunities. So, take advantage of extracurriculars, seminars, guest speakers, club meetings, and just put yourself out there and meet people who could potentially enhance your education or help you pursue your goals.  

Another piece of advice I will offer is to look take the opportunities to apply what you are learning. As a senior, I took the Field Experience course and was a practicum student for a school psychologist. This was one of the best experiences I had at the University. The field experience itself was incredibly rewarding and a wonderful opportunity that I am so grateful to have pursued and completed. I was able to remember and apply lots of information I have learned in my psychology classes. Learning something in the classroom is one thing, but seeing it in the real world and being able to apply your knowledge firsthand truly enhanced my learning experience.  

While the psychology major and the opportunities that come with it are awesome, keep in mind that psychology can also be emotionally demanding. You will learn about difficult topics that relate to human suffering and the complexities of the human condition. It is crucial to be aware of and prioritize your own mental health and well-being. As you will come to learn, self-care is important. Taking care of yourself is not a sign of weakness, but rather an important strength that will help you better understand how to care for and help others.  

As I prepare to have my last class, graduate, and leave the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, I will not just have a degree, but an expansive knowledge, invaluable experiences, and strong, lasting connections with both faculty and fellow students. I hope you are excited for your journey through college with the psychology program here because it is an incredible one, and you are in excellent hands with all the faculty.  

I wish you the best in all your years here at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, go Royals! 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ! I just want to begin by saying that I hope you have a wonderful time here and enjoy the 4 years that you have, because it will be over before you know it. I had a great time with the psychology major over my tenure here, so I'm going to describe my experience while also giving some advice where possible.  

So, let's begin with freshman year, this year is defined by its discovery and weariness to try new experiences. The best advice that I can give is to just try and talk to people. It can be very easy to get caught up in your classes and daily schedule, but you forget to meet new people as they can be some of the greatest help possible. I would investigate your psychology classes first as anybody you meet will most likely also be a major. This can be the greatest help of all as finding friends in your psychology classes will help you throughout your whole time at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, because even unintentionally you will likely have classes with them. As for the classes themselves, all of them are fairly simple as they are all courses that do not rely on a lot of prior knowledge but are still important as these are the classes that your future classes will build upon.  

Moving on to sophomore year, this year will have you feel a lot more comfortable, as you should be familiar with the campus at this point and hopefully you have gotten to know some people as well. The goal for this year (outside of doing well in classes) should be to get to know your professors better. Look into the ones you have taken a liking to in your freshman year classes and try to build a friendly relationship with them. Some people decide to become research assistants with them, this is obviously very helpful, but not at all necessary. Getting to know these professors will be your greatest resource as they are professionals, so any reasonable question you have, they will be able to help you, and they could also guide you in ways that you might not have even realized. The biggest class you will take for sophomore year is Research Methods and Statistics. This class is in two parts, and it is rough to say the least. Me and all the other classmates I had over the year had a rough time with it, so the best advice I have is to stick with the people in your class. You all are struggling together, so help each other out and you will make it through fine.  

Junior year is categorized by confidence and decisions. It is at this point where you are really going to have to decide what to do for your future. The advice that I would give for this year is to do a lot of research on what you want to do. You should be completely settled into college life at that point, so with that you should be putting your knowledge into figuring out what exactly you want to do with your life after college, wether it be graduate school or going straight into the workforce. This is also how you should be deciding classes, because hopefully you have completed your GE classes at this point and are able to more freely choose the psychology classes that you want. Some of the classes that I enjoyed the most were abnormal psychology, sensation and perception, and positive psychology.  

Finally, we have senior year, which is categorized through finalizing decisions and looking towards the future. Ideally, you have a path that you are trying to follow at this point and working towards that. Senior year might just seem like a victory lap, but “senioritis” can hit hard and affect your grades if you do not try. Finish strong, and the work that you put in will come to benefit you. The most notable classes of this year will be your senior seminars across both semesters. These are the true capstones of the major and you should treat them as a celebration and a review of your time spent at the university. 

Overall treat the major as an experience worth going through and dedicating your time toward. If you have ever coasted through classes before try and really grapple with the information you are learning in your Psychology classes. No other subject to me has resonated and made me rethink how I experience the world. Try your best, and most of all don’t forget to enjoy the ride, you'll be done before you know it.  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

First off, I would like to say congratulations. You’ve chosen a tough, yet important route. As a psychology major about to graduate, I’d like to use this chance to welcome you and share some of my views, lessons, and advice. If this letter may assist even a little, then it was worth writing.   

When I first chose psychology as a major, I did it for one reason: I like helping people. I did not have this whole route planned out, very few of us do, but there was something about understanding and helping individuals through their challenges that drew me in. That feeling stayed with me through the years, even when classes seemed unbearable.  

One of the most influential experiences while here at the university was my internship, which helped me confirm that I was on the right path. Being in a real-world setting and seeing the concepts used in class to help others gave the major a new meaning. It’s one thing to learn about development, behavior, and behavioral issues in a textbook; it’s completely different to witness it in the real world in action. This hands-on learning built my confidence in psychology as a career and showed me the value of combining theory with practice, reminding me why this work matters so much. It was through this internship that I realized how rewarding yet challenging this field can be, and I walked away from it feeling inspired and eager to keep growing as a future psychologist.  

If you’re not sure what area of psychology you’re most interested in, that’s okay. College should be an area to explore. I found my calling in school psychology, something that I didn’t know much about at first. But through some of the coursework and hands-on experience, it became clear that working with students in a school setting was where I could make a difference. Picking a major is just the start, you still have to find your own way forward from here. There are many specializations to choose from, and you have four years to decide which one is for you. Do not be shy: take the time to meet the professors, ask questions where you have them, and take full advantage of your four years here. All of this will help you find where your place is in the field.  

With that being said, I do have some regrets while attending the university. The biggest of these was not getting involved with research with professors. There are a lot of opportunities to assist in faculty-led studies that may help in deciding which area of psych is best for you. It’s also a path in obtaining a deeper understanding of psychology, improving your grad school application, and forming good relationships with faculty. I used to think that research was only for students going into academia, but that is not true. Even if you’re more practice-oriented like myself, the skills you learn from research will be well worth it. 

For advice, I would say this: be prepared to work hard, but don’t be so focused on the end that you forget to look around. The four years you spend here will go by faster than you think. Seriously. One moment you’re learning the difference between classical and operant conditioning, and the next you’re writing a goodbye letter like this one. So yes, study hard and do your best. But also make time to join clubs, hang out with your friends, go to events, take electives that may interest you, and breathe. College is not only about your degree, it’s about who you become in the process of getting it. The memories you make here and the people you meet will shape you just as much as your coursework. Do not let it pass by without living it.  

To be blunt, psychology is not an easy major to choose. It takes patience, a willingness to reflect on yourself and others, and determination. You may even question whether or not you belong in this field. Those doubts are normal, but remember why you chose psychology in the first place. Remember that helping people is powerful, and that with time and experience, that desire will turn into skill and competence. 

As I prepare for graduate school to become a school psychologist, I am nervous and excited. This university has been a home for the past few years. It’s where I learned how to think critically, listen deeply, and work toward something that is greater than myself. I hope it becomes that for you too.  

Wishing you the best on your journey, 

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