- Global Awareness
To develop my global awareness, I plan doing some smaller study abroad sessions perhaps during the May semester or one of the breaks. I currently am studying Chinese in my coursework to better my understanding of the language and culture, and potentially plan on taking more courses than the GE requirements.
- Original Inquiry
So far, I am involved in a psychology research lab where I gain experience and insight into how research works. I also am in JUROS, a club that reviews and publishes undergraduate research. Through this club, I gain knowledge of how to review academic papers, and this will help me be a better writer when I eventually will be writing my own papers. I plan on continuing to learn more about research by doing my undergraduate thesis.
- Academic Enrichment
My planned curriculum consists of challenging courses, so I learn more about my major. I chose psychology because I find how people think and act fascinating. I also plan to take courses on a wide variety of topics outside of my major to fulfill my GE requirements so I can be a more well-rounded individual. My planned curriculum will help prepare me to graduate school, as well as gain experience in other areas.
- Leadership Development
Outside of the classroom, I am involved in JUROS and my dorm. In JUROS, I currently am an editor, where I review articles submitted to the journal. I hope to apply for a committee position once the older members graduate, which will help me develop my leadership skills. In my dorm, I am the food manager, where I organize the food and help coordinate teams of dinner crews during the week. This helps me gain organizational skills as well as conflict management skills when dealing with residents. During the summer, I also work at a Girl Scout camp, where I go through training to become a better counselor. This training, and subsequent application of the training in real scenarios has, and will continue to help me hone my leadership skills.
- Service Engagement
An ongoing service activity is working at the Girl Scout camp mentioned above. I have volunteered there many times in the past and plan on continuing my commitment. I also occasionally volunteer with my dad at the Bolsa Chica Conservatory, which aims to maintain a fragile ecosystem on the coast. The organization runs tours, fieldtrips, and cleanups to help raise awareness and care for the environment.