I chose this major to help me better understand people and develop better relationships. With my knowledge of psychology, I hope to improve criminal justice reform and police-community relations, as well as create effective programs to prevent crime.
I love how all the sociology courses have cultivated a safe and supportive environment where I am able to continuously engage in meaningful conversations with my professors and peers. In addition, all of the sociology professors have been an amazing support system to me in helping to engage in opportunities and professional resources aimed at preparing to pursue my goals of working as a public health professional.
I chose my majors (Political Science and Psychology) because I have always wanted to make a difference in the world by being aware of the political systems in place and what is going on in people’s minds. My majors intrigue and challenge me to pursue a career where I can positively impact the world and the people around me.
Majoring in biology, there are endless routes that you can go with it, and it made me feel more at ease not being boxed into a certain career based on my major. I also knew that majoring in biology at a smaller school could optimize my opportunities to build my resume and become a more competitive applicant for graduate school.
The more you immerse yourself in the science language and basic theories the easier it is to learn more and develop critical thinking strategies to help with upper-division studies. My advice is to stick with it no matter how challenging a stem major can get, you will surprise yourself with what you can accomplish if you truly have a passion for science.
The biology program exposed me to a side of education that I previously was unaware of. I experienced methods of teaching such as reverse classrooms, in-class discussions on research papers, and self-constructed research projects that expanded my knowledge and, even more importantly, got me excited about learning. I use these learning methods to this day in dental school.
My experience conducting research taught me key skills like critical thinking, advanced writing, and being a great team member. Doing research allowed me to graduate with biology departmental honors, and helped me stand out in my application to my graduate program.
Geology can be challenging at times with the various course requirements, but in the end, it’s worth it for the overall experience. The geoscience community is also very open and welcoming at Cal Lutheran and outside.
Environmental science is perfect for those who can’t choose between science and humanities or have some love for both. I think it’s a great interdisciplinary field that teaches you the science between all of earth’s systems and how they interact but also how people, culture, history, and literature all interact with the environment.
My major provided me with a lot of opportunities to beef up my resume. It really made me stand out when looking for a job. My most useful skill I learned was time management and meeting deadlines. As a Geologist for an environmental consultant company, meeting deadlines for reports is very important to keep clients happy.