Hi everyone, my name's Rebecca, and I'm a sophomore psychology major in the pre-med track with interests in reading, creative writing, and theater. I'm excited to show you all everything that Hofstra offers, from the quieter study areas of the Pride Den, Hammer Lab, and Axinn Library to the go-to places for larger career fairs and movie showing events such as the Intramural Fields and Pride Park. When I was in your shoes as a prospective student, I fell in love with Hofstra for its campus beauty, incredibly friendly atmosphere, and the exciting career opportunities waiting for me. Although I arrived as my graduating class's only alumni from sunny Los Angeles, I was able to make this colder place feel more like home thanks to a fun-loving and stable friend group, and the supportive and welcoming professors and faculty members. You can find me near the door in the Hammer Lab, my go-to studying place, in front of the Student Center Marketplace where I'll be drinking a Freshens smoothie while chatting with friends, or even in the second floor of the Fitness Center where I go on occasional runs. I encourage you all to ask me whatever questions come to mind, and I'll give you the resources to find those answers. I welcome you to Hofstra and hope you'll enjoy your time here, whether that'll be for all your college years or only for this tour.

Hometown

Cerritos, California

Major(s)

Psychology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I got involved in volunteering around campus in various events, including distributing food and clothes at local food share events, tutoring Hempstead high schoolers for New York's Regents Exams, and planting flowers in community planting events. Additionally, I participate in several clubs such as Hofstra's psychology club, improvisation club, and medical ethics club.

Describe your college experience

It was a major adjustment, especially because I was from California attending a university in New York. While it gave me my first taste of long-term freedom and independence, it also meant being unable to see my parents for several months at a time. But over time, I found a stable friend group and made other friendships in class and outside it. I overall liked my professors and thought they were well suited for their course subjects. I joined clubs, attended events, and overall became more involved with school affairs, and these helped me gain further connections and gave a sense of belonging at Hofstra.

Tip for future students

I'd advise them to try applying for whatever opportunities they can find, such as an on campus job or a school sponsored program in a field of interest. Otherwise, I'd encourage them to get involved within the school, whether by joining clubs with the intent of gaining leadership positions, or by getting community service hours. I'd advise them to set aside extra time to figure out how to navigate their way around campus, and how to get to classes and important locations within the first week or so. I wish I'd known how competitive people get when registering for desired classes. I wish I knew how difficult it would be to decorate a room to make it feel more like a home without filling it with too much clutter that would make me throw out things at the end of the year.

Favorite class

Public speaking, because I admire the professor's skills in audience engagement and retention. She brings to the class infectious energy, good humor, and a cheerful smile, which always makes my day a little brighter. I also like her grading system that neither gives a set of expectations to receive a certain score, nor does it evaluate how well a student does compared to the whole class. Instead, she evaluates how much the individual student has improved from beginning to end, which gives a more even playing field for people with different personalities and confidence levels, and gives the students no one to compete with other than themselves. She not only teaches how to become a better public speaker, but also emphasizes the importance of listening attentively as an audience member. She encourages us to ask questions and give constructive criticism after a speech so that even the audience has active roles in class.

Career goals

I hope to become a psychiatrist. After college, I hope to attend med school and complete a psychiatry residency to become licensed. I want to be able to prescribe medications and make a treatment plan to more directly help clients at a more biological level. At the same time, however, I still desire to be able to talk with clients and practice psychotherapy like a typical therapist.

Ideal way to spend a free night

On a free night, I might read a book while listening to some Lofi music. I've just finished "Project Hail Mary", and I'm interested in starting "The Sun and the Starmaker" soon. I may also record some voice acting lines on my computer to either be submitted through Discord or through Casting Call Club. If I still have time, I work on my short stories and writing prompts on Google Docs.

High school or secondary school

Whitney High School

Favorite spot on campus

I like the Hammer Lab best because I think of it as a one-stop shop for most of my school-related needs. It has many computers, a few printers, a stack of scratch paper that anyone can take, a stapler, a hole puncher, tape, and an electric pencil sharpener. It also has easy access to bathrooms and a water dispenser. Before classes, I often go there to fill my water bottle for the day and sharpen my pencils. Then when classes are done, I can revisit this space for longer study sessions in a quieter part of the school and still have access to these same resources. Paradoxically, the Hammer Lab also tends to be quieter and less occupied compared to the Axinn Library, so I'm less likely to be disturbed by chatter or other background noises while doing homework.