I am a second-year Psychology major with a minor in Education at Oregon State University. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and OSU was actually the first college I ever applied to and got accepted into. At the time, it felt like a huge step—I had never even been to Corvallis, and the idea of going to such a big school felt far away. But once I got here, I quickly found my place.
I’ve always loved being in the classroom. Growing up, I was the kind of student who signed up for anything that involved teaching, learning, or lesson planning. I originally came to OSU as a double major in English and Education because I knew I wanted to teach. Over time, I realized I was especially drawn to my education courses and learning about human development, which led me to switch my major to Psychology while keeping my minor in Education. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my studies in OSU’s accelerated master’s program in Applied Behavior Health starting in Fall 2026.
Through the Experiential Learning Scholarship, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as part of the IFSA Psychology and Neuroscience program. Studying abroad was never originally part of my plan, but when the opportunity came up, I took a chance—and it ended up being one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. For three months, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and fully immersed myself in a new culture.
While abroad, I took courses in Argentina and Human Rights, Social Psychology, Multicultural Psychology, and Cognitive Neuroscience Foundations. Beyond the classroom, I was able to engage directly with the community by volunteering at soup kitchens and connecting with people from different backgrounds. These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of global perspectives and allowed me to share my own experiences as a student from the United States.
My time in Buenos Aires had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional goals. It inspired me to continue exploring education and service in global contexts, while also reinforcing my commitment to supporting diverse communities at home. It also showed me the importance of language, cultural awareness, and stepping outside of what feels familiar. This experience didn’t just shape my education; it helped me better understand the kind of educator and professional I hope to become.