School of Social Sciences

Class of 2014
Degree: BSocSc major in Psychology

Graduate Student
University of Michigan

Please tell us more about where you are currently working at and what you are doing.

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology at the University of Michigan. I study close relationships, cultural differences and hormonal changes. Right after graduation, I worked for a year as a counsellor before deciding to focus my attention on my graduate school applications. Throughout the short time that I had been working, I was fortunate enough to be able to continue my work with various undergraduate mentors. I had been volunteering as a Research Assistant during that one year, and I continued to assume the role of a Research Assistant for these professors at SOSS even after I left my job. The research experience that I accumulated, the helpful advice and feedback that I received from numerous faculty members in SOSS (both within and outside of Psychology), greatly encouraged me to pursue a postgraduate career.

What made you choose to do a degree in Social Sciences and why did you choose to do it in SMU?

I had always been passionate about studying psychology and understanding why people behave, think and feel the way they do, so naturally a degree in Social Sciences was the natural choice. With regard to university choices though, SMU SOSS was my first choice and actually, the only university that I applied to. I heard that SMU allowed great flexibility in choosing one's major (and second major), and that really helped in making decisions for my college application because I was probably still very undecided about what I wanted to do for my future career at that point in my life. I had also heard great things about the seminar style classes, and though I was apprehensive and worried at first, the small class size turned out to be one of the greatest merits of the SMU system in my opinion, as it really helped in allowing students to speak directly and freely with faculty. Based on my experiences, that helped build rapport between me and the professors that I came to work with, which would become incommensurably beneficial for my graduate school applications later on. I also remember that I had a brief scan of the course offerings outlined in the recruitment brochure and I thought that it really helped me understand the type of academic courses offered at SOSS. Undeniably, the proximity of the SMU campus to the downtown area was definitely a plus.

How has the SOSS experience been for you, and how has it benefitted you?

SOSS holds a very special place in my heart. I developed lasting friendships with the peers that I made in and outside of classes. I was also heavily involved in many of the programs and events organized by the school. I was a part of the SOSS student society, I was a facilitator at camps, I actively participated in various recruitment activities etc. Even after graduation, I found myself constantly going back to campus to meet with friends, juniors, professors, and even the office staff. Some of my fondest memories include the conversations that I had with friends and faculty. Speaking with these very intelligent people, often from vastly different majors and backgrounds, helped me understand issues from very diverse perspectives. Everyone brought to the table their own nuggets of wisdom and these conversations were often intriguing, thought-provoking, yet very genuine. Personally, I felt I greatly benefitted from these intellectual moments and I actually discerned some important research questions through engaging in these conversations!

Do you have any advice for your juniors that are currently in SOSS or for those who are planning to join the SOSS family?

Students in SOSS are situated in an ideal position to capitalize on their experiences, both academically and non-academically. Actively participating in as many activities as they can not only adds to important college experiences, but can also manifest in a greater sense of camaraderie with their peers that can buffer the stress and hectic workload of the typical college student. For students who wish to pursue a graduate career, plan early and reach out to the professors. Faculty members in SOSS are often willing to help out and provide research experiences. Last but not least, the office staff are also extremely friendly and helpful, do reach out to them for advice as well!