Hi! I’m Anabelle, a first-year planning to double major in Psychology and Spanish. I’m from Greenville, South Carolina, but my mom is Cuban and my dad is from Zimbabwe, so I grew up with a lot of different cultures (and a lot of Spanish) at home. You’ll usually find me at the gym, playing pickleball with friends, or studying somewhere cute with an iced matcha latte. I’ve made it my mission to find the best places on campus to study, eat, and just hang out, so if you want recommendations, I have plenty. My current favorite is Harper cafe! Before coming to UChicago, I had so many questions but was often afraid they were too silly to ask. I’ve been exactly where you are, so please ask me anything. Big, small, or random, I’m happy to answer!

Hometown

Greenville, South Carolina

Major(s)

Psychology, Spanish

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I joined BOLD, Pickleball Club, and OLAS.

Describe your college experience

I’ve absolutely loved college so far! There’s always something going on, whether it’s a club event, a career fair, or just friends deciding to go on a side quest. Doing pre-orientation programs like Career Exploration Week and Discover Leadership made my transition so much easier. I met other first-years before O-Week even started, so I already had familiar faces on campus from day one. The biggest adjustment for me has been balancing a busy social life with classes, but my professors have been really approachable, and I’ve found ways to combine the two by studying with friends. It’s been a lot, in the best way!

Tip for future students

Something I didn’t expect was that finding your people can take a while. You might click with some people your first few weeks and then realize you don’t really connect. It’s easy to feel behind when it seems like everyone else has found their group, but a lot of people are in the same boat, even if they don’t look like it. My advice: keep saying yes to things, whether that’s a club meeting, an intramural team, or a random dinner invite. Every new thing is another chance to meet someone you really click with! There's no rush to find your people :)

Favorite class

My favorite class right now is my writing seminar, where we’re studying how love shapes who we are. As a psychology major, I love that it lets me think about something so personal from a more academic angle. The class is completely discussion-based, so instead of just listening to a lecture, we debate the topics and readings - it's super interactive and engaging, like many of the classes at UChicago.

Career goals

I am hoping to pursue a masters in management, and eventually work as an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist!

Ideal way to spend a free night

It depends on the day! Sometimes I want to go out dancing or explore the city, and other times I’d rather stay in, host a cozy dinner, and set up canvases to paint or put on a movie with friends. I also love a good game night. Honestly, as long as I’m with my friends, it’s the perfect night!

High school or secondary school

Christ Church Episcopal School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is Harper Library! I often grab a matcha from the cafe next door and study there with my friends, and it makes even the hardest assignments feel a little more doable. When we need a break, we walk around the quad surrounded by all the ivy-covered buildings. It still doesn’t feel real that I get to study here!