Hi! I’m Sarah, a junior majoring in psychology and homeland security and minoring in business. On a daily basis, I go from learning about the social psychology behind cults to talking about the history of Nigerian terrorist organizations and if that doesn’t sum up the academic flexibility of Tulane, I don’t know what could. In my time at Tulane I have served the New Orleans community as part of Tulane’s biggest service organization, seen the world while studying abroad, and found fulfillment in helping students just like you acclimate to this incredible school. I’d love to tell you about all the things you’d have to look forward to during your time here while also answering any questions 100% honestly to help you decide if Tulane is the best fit for you!

Hometown

Hermosa Beach, California

Major(s)

Psychology and Homeland Security

Minor(s)

Strategy, Leadership, and Analytics (business)

Clubs, organizations & involvement

-Board of Directors Member for First-Year Experience -Orientation Leader -2x social chair for Alpha Phi Omega (Tulane’s co-ed pre-professional community service fraternity) -Intramural volleyball captain (not impressive but fun)

Describe your college experience

While I started making lifelong memories from the moment I stepped on campus, I definitely didn’t feel as though I found my place right away. My freshman year I mostly stuck to the tight knit friend group I made the first few weeks and didn’t put myself out there or network much. My entire college experience completely changed after I got the pleasure of being a freshman orientation leader in the fall of my sophomore year. I became more confident in my abilities as a leader and met so many amazing new people that encouraged me to join other organizations on campus. As I started to become more involved, I gained so many valuable friendships with people of all different majors and backgrounds that have been my biggest supporters and introduced me to so many aspects of campus life at Tulane that weren’t on my radar before. From rooming with an international student to volunteering around the city in my free time, I have had the opportunity to see Tulane and New Orleans from many different lenses, and through each one I have seen an incomparable amount of beauty, authenticity, and culture that I would love to show to anyone visiting.

Tip for future students

My tips for future students would be to not be afraid to take risks that will bring you closer to the life you’ve always dreamed of. Even as someone who craves adventure, moving across the country for school seemed intimidating after growing up in one place my whole life. After 3 years here, I never get homesick because New Orleans has become my second home. Once on campus, I encourage everyone to put themselves out there by joining organizations they wouldn’t normally consider or even run for leadership positions in those organizations as early as possible. You can live a comfortable life by playing things safe, but often a far more fulfilling life lives on the other side of fear. So take the class that challenges you, run for a position knowing you might lose, send in that study abroad application, and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish when you let your belief in yourself outweigh your fear of failure.

Favorite class

My favorite class I’ve taken was International Development. One of my favorite things about Tulane is the academic flexibility and I feel so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to take political science classes in addition to my major. International Development opened my eyes to the type of collaboration and humility it takes to truly make an impact in communities or regions of the world that have previously been exploited or forgotten. I was able to take a new perspective with me into my community service involvements moving forward.

Career goals

After college, I hope to work for a business as an organizational psychologist. I plan to spend a few years gaining work experience before going back to school for either an MBA or a PhD in Industrial​/​Organizational psychology.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be to walk to a new restaurant off campus with friends. A recent favorite of mine has been the happy hour special at Chais Delachaise which is a lovely French restaurant about a 15 minute walk from campus. I also love hosting movie nights in the dorm common room with my friends and some good snacks.

High school or secondary school

West Torrance High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the academic quad (also known as A-quad) because it has the most beautiful green trees year-round. If I ever have a stressful class or exam it’s so refreshing to step outside and be immediately surrounded by nature. The academic quad is also home to the iconic Mardi Gras bead tree that students throw their necklaces up on after Mardi Gras parades in the spring.