Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish
Why did you choose your major?
I chose Psychology because I wanted a major that would allow me to not focus so much on a career and having my life “figured out” but rather on the opportunities and the doors that it would open for me. There are so many paths that you can take from just a foundation of quality education.
Would you recommend it to a future student? Why?
Yes, absolutely. This subject not only makes you more aware of other people’s behavior but your own as well. This has allowed me to grow and change for the better as a person and be able to apply things I learned in a classroom setting to my relationships with others.
What were your future plans before graduating?
I plan on moving to Spain to teach English as well as attend graduate school there! My purpose is to provide service and educate others so becoming a philanthropist is my goal. I think it is important that I learn by living and existing in other communities to learn how to best help create a difference rather than assuming that I know what people need from me.
Are there any experiences — in or out of the classroom — that have helped you identify that path?
As a Syrian immigrant, a person’s wellness including mental and physical health isn’t discussed much in my culture. My past has been very influential to who I am today, but my drive as a minority woman stems from wanting to create an environment where everyone comes together and holds each other as we heal our past and create a beautiful and kind future together.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
Immediately after graduation, I got the opportunity to work as a NODA in Student Life, where I planned and oversaw the Orientation Staff for New Student Orientation. Currently, I am working as a Conversation Assistant in Valencia, Spain where I am devoted to aiding students in their English language proficiency and cultural growth.
How did Cal Lutheran prepare you for success in this work/study?
The intimate class settings at Cal Lutheran instilled in me the profound importance of fostering a strong professor-student connection. I aspired to have the same influence on my students that my professors had on me. Today, I find fulfillment in achieving the goals I held close to my heart, particularly as a first-generation immigrant from Syria, which, at times, presented unique challenges.