Letters to Freshmen from Seniors

The following letters were written to freshmen by graduating Psychology majors at the University of Scranton over the past few years. These are their "goodbye letters."  

Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

As I sit here on the Dionne Green and type this letter to you, I have much gratitude. I have gratitude for the beautiful 70° weather in Scranton today, the campus and the people that have nurtured me into the person I have grown to be, and the everlasting Scranton community that is now a part of me. I am a senior and in a few weeks I will be walking across the stage and receiving my diploma with two degrees in Psychology and Philosophy, and a minor in Entrepreneurship. I promise you that you will blink and then one day you will be in the same position as me-graduating from college. During your four years at the University aim to get the most fulfillment from them, whether that means mental, spiritual, physical, or all of the above. In this letter, I will offer you some advice that I gathered during my four college years.

In regards to your psychology major, well, I hope you benefit from it as much as I did. As a first-year, I entered the University of Scranton as a biology major on a pre-medicine track. At the end of my first semester, I immediately switched from biology to psychology on a pre-physician assistant track. I took several biology and chemistry classes, but always found the material taught in my psychology classes the most engaging and captivating. However, it took me three whole years, until I was a senior, to realize that medicine, regardless of the field, was not for me. It took me three whole years to let go of my ego and consider a different path for myself. During the COVID-19 pandemic I took the time to reflect on where my life was heading and who I was becoming. I talked with close friends and family about where I envision myself after graduation, five years from now, and twenty years from now. With the help and encouragement from my closest allies, I decided to add an entrepreneurship minor, and because of this decision, I finally found where I was meant to be.. This decision led me to becoming an intern for the Women's Entrepreneurship Center, and realizing my potential, and ultimately my natural talents. For example, I helped over ten women in the local area write a business plan, start a business, and thereby determine their own fate. If it were not for my willingness to try new things and open myself up to new opportunities and perspectives, then I would have still been a lost soul today. That being said, it is never too late to change your path. Try new things. Take the risk.

Truth be told, I learned that my major in psychology pretty much served as a four year therapy session for me. I come from a family with various undiagnosed mental health issues, and by default these issues have impacted me. My way of coping with my family, and my own problems, was by taking a deep-dive and thoroughly learning about mental health through my psychology studies. Therefore, I was able to understand those around me, including my family and even myself.

You will learn all about this in your Psych Statistics and Research Methods course, but always dig deeper and try to understand the process that led to the results. For example, you will come across several news articles, Snapchat news stories, and questionable Tik Tok theories, but do your best to unpack what is being presented to you. Never take something for face value. Look into the research, conduct your own research, and ask questions.

That leads me to my third piece of advice: ask copious amounts of questions in class. You will realize how intelligent the professors are in the psychology department so take advantage of that. The professors will become somewhat of a support system, a family i;i.way from home, that will help navigate you through your four years at Scranton. Go to their office hours, send them emails, and ask them questions. You will learn a lot from picking their brain. Get your tuition money's worth of knowledge.

Finally, my last piece of advice to you is always hold the door open for another student walking behind you. This piece of advice will transform your experience here at the University of Scranton. It will turn colleagues into friends, and create a sense of kinship in the most mundane situations. Make the most of these small instances because those are the ones you will look back on in appreciation.

P.s. The more open you are with others, the more open they will be with you. Allow yourself to be vulnerable (at times).

I wish you the best. 

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Dear First-Year Psychology Major,

Welcome to the psychology department at the University of Scranton! I hope you are excited to embark on your four-year journey. This department offers tons of opportunities to expand and tailor your interests, and it is a good idea to take advantage of what it has to offer.

It is perfectly fine to not know what you want to do after graduation yet. However, it would be beneficial to get involved in faculty members' labs, psychology club, and teaching assistant positions as soon as possible if you are interested. I first joined a lab because I thought I might be interested in getting a PhD, but it actually taught me that doing years of research is not for me. I am glad I dipped my toe into something new because it showed me what I do not want and helped me sort out my goals. The experience also impressed the admissions counselors for my master's program and would probably be impressive on a job application as well. If you do end up applying to PhD programs, you will need to have lab experience. Joining a lab can only help you in the end, so if you have the time, get involved! You will get to work closely with a faculty member and other psychology students.

Serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant twice was also an invaluable experience for me. It played a large role in helping me decide to continue my education in school psychology. I love being surrounded by teaching strategies and methods of education, and I loved being able to gain those skills. I wish I had been more involved in psychology club and Psi Chi throughout my years as an undergraduate. I did musical theater, and while I loved it more than anything, my rehearsals usually conflicted with psychology club meetings. I did attend a few times, however, and the psychology club is a warm environment that gives members the opportunity to socialize with students in their major or with a common interest in psychology. They do lots of service events each year, and I have many friends who got involved and looked forward to going each time. If you are interested in research, get involved with APSSC. These clubs will be further explained in your courses, and they are worth considering.

After your first year, you will be assigned a faculty advisor in the department to help you plan your course schedule for each semester until you graduate. If you are dissatisfied with your advisor for any reason, switch! There is no reason to stay with an advisor you do not work well with. If this is the case, approach a faculty member whom you would like to advise you and ask what you can do to make that happen. I promise that they will be willing to help.

If you chose psychology as a major because you want to work directly with people in a clinical setting, I would definitely recommend taking Clinical Psychology with Dr. Norcross in your junior or senior year. Not only will you learn a lot about psychological history, theories, and practice, but it also allows you to take Field Experience in the Clinical Setting for credit in a subsequent semester. Doing my internship for my field experience course was one of the best experiences of my college career. Sometimes, the most valuable education comes from hands-on work, and I feel prepared to start my school psychology master's because of the internship I did.

There are tons of psychology electives to choose from, so I recommend catering those electives to your specific interests or anticipated career goals. If you are interested in speech pathology, take Psychology of Language. If you are interested in child psychology or psychology of adulthood, take both Lifespan Development courses, Child Clinical Psychology, or Abnormal Child Psychology (after you have taken Abnormal Psychology and Clinical Psychology, of course). If you prefer the research side of psychology or are simply interested in non-clinical psychological phenomena, I recommend courses such as Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience.

The psychology major offers a flexible curriculum that allows you to add a double major, minor, concentration, or even all three. I was a part of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Program (SJLA) and ended up double-majoring in philosophy. I was interested in counseling and started taking courses over in that department, and I eventually added a minor in counseling and human services. Additionally, I added the Lifespan Development Concentration, as I already met all the requirements with my psychology and human services courses. If you are interested in another field, you can absolutely declare a major or minor in it along with being a psychology major.

I hope you make the most of your time in the psychology department and at the University in general. These are some things I wish someone had told me when I was starting out. My final piece of advice is to cherish every moment, as you will meet some amazing people. I wish you the best of luck with your studies and beyond.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Well, where should I even begin? There is certainly too much to tell within the confines of a welcome letter, but I will nonetheless try my best.

To begin, welcome! You have come to the right place. Coming out of a pandemic, the world is in desperate need for cultivated minds that are geared towards helping people. We all know the value of physical checkups; seeing a doctor once a year just to make sure everything is okay is imperative to our functioning and living healthy lives. All too often, however, our mental health is neglected. Unfortunately, although we are moving in the right direction, there is generally a negative stigma towards those that seek mental health therapy. Even if you aren't diagnosed with depression, anxiety, etc., it would be in your best interest to speak to a professional. You don't know what's there to get off your chest until you do. Alas, in this rigorous and rewarding field of study, there is much to learn that is sure to benefit both you and those around you. Regardless of what field you pursue, that being behavioral health, clinical, experimental, and the like, you will be benefiting fellow man and making the world a better place.

As mentioned, however, it will certainly not be an easy task. Psychology is an intense and comprehensive field of study, demanding focus and engagement across numerous fields. Unlike many of the other sciences whose courses feel very individualistic and seemingly lack overlap from class to class, psychology courses all work hand-in-hand with one another; it would be in your best interest to retain the useful knowledge gained in one class, as it is sure to help you in others.

During this final semester, I have had ample time to reflect on my overall experiences throughout my four years here at the University of Scranton. To say the least, I had a rocky start. Here's a piece of advice coming in here: do not date anyone your first year here! You may be led to believe that this is because you want to "be adventurous and test the waters." While that is indeed a factor, it's more along the lines of "setting good groundwork" and creating both the healthy educational and social framework that is necessary to have both a successful and enjoyable experience here. Consider this: you're in a brand-new environment with opportunities galore. Because you have these newfound liberties, you should want to capitalize on them, right? I foolishly invested far too much time in my first girlfriend here, as we had no parents or other factors separating us. Hell, we were two minutes away walking-distance from one another. As a result, my grades took a backseat, which is reflected by the poorest performance in my entire academic career: my freshman year of college. In addition, as many friendships were being made, my constant investment in this girl set me back while even people in my own dorm made friends without me. She was wonderful, but I lacked the discipline to balance my commitments. If you have the ability to perform said balance, then by all means do so, but I recommend otherwise.

Be sure to fully immerse yourself in both your studies and social activities. Like many aspects of life, you should be aiming to seek a "happy medium" between work and play. If you've seen The Shining, you know that "all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy." I implore you to please approach all activities (sports, clubs, gatherings, etc.) with an open mind and try new things. This was a lesson I learned during my sophomore year. I wound up trying clubs and began to become far more involved in school. Studies show that those who are involved in activities outside of the classroom actually perform better than those who devote constant time to academics exclusively. My junior year is when I once again became invested in the arts, particularly modeling, drawing, and sculpting, which is a spark of life I had lost after I graduated from high school. I have told my friends for years that "comfort is the enemy of progress;" you want to be constantly involved and keep your mind active. Of course, academics are and should be your priority, but you have to engage yourself elsewhere. Trust me, you will be doing yourself a favor, and you may even learn a thing or two about an undiscovered passion you have. Who knows? College is a time for self-discovery and cultivation of both the mind and body.

Here are a few closing bits of advice. Firstly, read your damn textbooks. I know it sounds either obvious or unnecessary, but I regret not reading anywhere near as much as I should have. Besides the fact that reading is inherently good for you, reading the texts teachers assign, regardless of how redundant or obnoxious they may seem, will only help you. It reinforces class material and provides an alternate angle towards an approach at understanding content. Next, make physical activity, whether that be sports or the gym, a consistent part of your schedule.

Working out helps regulate your mood and provides a dopamine rush, makes you healthier (obviously), and compels you to be more academically and socially engaged. I can't stress this enough, make physical activity a regular occurrence. Third, make time to study and review material. Not even before exams, but just regularly, it is good to take a few minutes and review class material instead of playing video games or loafing around. Fourth, avoid naps and regulate your sleep schedule. There is literally not enough time in the world, let alone on this letter, to explain the benefits of sleep. When people on all walks of life say that "sleep is the best medicine," they mean it.

Last but not least, recognize that you are in a privileged position. You are in the minority of people who are blessed to come to an expensive and wonderful Jesuit university who has the opportunity to get a bachelor's degree and make a difference in the world... don't be someone who will just piss it away. Make every step count. Consider what it took to get you here; you have parents willing to sacrifice their hard-earned money to send you here and professors that are willing to provide the tools necessary to be a successful and good human being. Remember this every day-go to class, study, make friends, and be involved. I promise you that you will have no regrets when you embrace this wonderful opportunity with full arms.

With this, I wish you the best of luck, fellow psychology student. Now is when you begin a new era of your life-an era that will shape your future for the better. Get out there and grab the bull by the horns! My best wishes to you!

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

My four years in the psychology department have been filled with so many fond memories and I hope you have just as positive of an experience as I did! Starting in intro psychology, I met some of my best friends. The first semester which both feels like it happened yesterday and a lifetime ago, is a little awkward but totally worth it.

I know what you are thinking. I am in a new place. I barely know anyone. Everything is just new. It is okay that you are uncomfortable now. The best advice anyone gave me going into college is that everyone feels the exact same way that you do. Everyone is trying to make friends and figure out how they fit into this new environment. In a surprisingly short amount of time, things will fall into place. One of my best friends from college was in my orientation group. She was also a psychology major and we were both more reserved and introverted at orientation. The first weekend of school I asked her if she wanted to go to target with me and that's where it all began. Both of us were shy, but we made the small effort to put ourselves out there and there was a big payoff from it.

One of the biggest lessons I learned as a first year was time management. For the first time ever I was completely on my own to handle classes, meals, clubs, and a social life. It was more challenging than ever to say "no" when asked if you want to hang out or do things with a friend. Especially as a first year, you wonder if by saying no that will be the last invitation. I am here to tell you that it will not be the last invitation. This will make me sound like a nerd and I promise I had a social life, but it is okay to prioritize doing your schoolwork. You are a student first and, although it will suck in the moment, you will be glad you did well. Pro tip- you get a letter home if you earn a grade of a C- or below. Getting one of those home is not worth spending a few hours with your friends, trust me.

In the psychology department, I was an officer of psychology club for two years and I worked in the social psychology lab. I wish when I was a first year or a sophomore, I knew how to approach professors to ask for Teaching assistantships and research assistantships. When I was a first semester first year, I was under the impression that the student with the highest GPA and final grade in the class would automatically be offered these positions. I did not know until I was in my junior year that you need to approach the professors if you get a B+ or above in a course if you are interested in being their TA. I also learned in my junior year that, as a psychology major, you are allowed to TA for any introductory psychology course regardless of whether you took the professor or not. As for working in labs with professors, start learning about what each of the professors do early on. That way you can plan your electives and explore their interests, so you are ready to approach and ask to work with them before it's too late.

One of my biggest regrets now that I'm graduating is not taking as many psychology electives as I would have liked. I ended up taking a core 8 course as an elective. I am going into Marketing, so my psychology major has ended up being just my interests. Like a lot of psychology majors, I thought I was going to do clinical psychology. Those programs are more difficult to get into than medical school. They require a lot to get into and are a lot of work once you are into them. Do not restrict all of your options initially because you think you know what you want to do. These next four years are going to challenge you and teach you a lot about yourself. You might think you know what you want to do now, but do not wait until junior year career seminar to consider everything that is out there. I changed my second major in my junior year but know a lot of people who think it is too late for  them once they get to  their third year. It is not too late, and you will find your way.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Scranton. I remember when I was admitted for the first time, I had many different feelings about transitioning to a new school with new people. Now leaving the University of Scranton, I can say that I have learned a lot from being a psychology major, and I am leaving with some of the best friends I have made and good connections with my professors. Since I have learned a lot, becoming a psychology major was one of the best choices I have ever made. As a psychology student, you will learn more about yourself and how to establish a deeper connection with the people around you. You really get a sense and begin to understand why people think or act a certain way and how to handle situations. Most importantly, I learned how to effectively manage and deal with stressors, which is crucial in times like this. At the beginning of my undergraduate time, I was extremely scared because some of the courses I took were very difficult and different from what I expected. The psychology professors made the transition much easier for me and were there to help me through any troubles I had. They were always very welcoming and encouraged students to come into their office hours for any questions. The best part about the psychology professors is that they truly want the best for you. I remember a specific time at the University when I didn't do too hot on one of my first exams. The professor in my class immediately emailed me to arrange a time to meet with him and review my exam. While reviewing my test, the professor made sure to go over each concept with me and re-explained the material to me in a different way so that I could actually understand it. This situation is very common among psychology professors because they actually care about and want their students to succeed.

The psychology curriculum also ensures that students are prepared for the real world. I remember taking a mandatory career development course in my junior year. This class helped me tremendously in preparing a practice resume, cover letter and engaging in mock interviews. This course teaches you what clothes to wear during interviews, the correct manners, questions to ask, etc. The resume I prepared for this class actually helped me get into several graduate schools and find a lot of jobs. Another course that really benefited me was the field experience class that I took my senior year. For this class, we got to participate in an internship near campus related to psychology. It felt like a real internship, because the professor gave us a series of options, and we as students had to call each placement to see if they would accept us. During the field experience class, we confidently discussed what went on at each of our placements and how to handle certain situations in the workforce. At the end, our supervisors at the placement would grade us based on our experience, which informed us on what we need to work on. These two classes are just some examples of my favorite classes at the University of Scranton.

In the end, my experience as a psychology major at the University of Scranton was challenging but very knowledgeable. The relationships I have established with my classmates and professors in psychology have allowed me to grow as a person. I am fully prepared to start the next steps in my life in the field of psychology. Some important advice I would give out to incoming psychology majors are: 1. Make sure to read the textbook, as most quizzes/ tests are based on information from the textbook along with class notes; 2. Make sure you try to attend every class, because missing one class may cause you to fall behind a lot; 3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because the professors are more than willing to set aside time to help you.

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(#6)
 Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Congratulations on making a great choice for college! The University of Scranton is full of exciting experiences and challenges that will help you accomplish all that you wish in the next four years. This letter's purpose is to tell you about my experience in the department and the many experiences you have the opportunity to gain here. I also share some tips and advice about what I have learned through my four years at Scranton.

Through my collegiate career, I held multiple research positions, teaching assistantships, gained clinical experience, participated in several clubs and joined organizations. This department has an ample amount of opportunities, and I think it would be beneficial to share some more details on each of these positions/roles.

My first position for the department was a teaching assistantship. It was my Sophomore year after taking the class the semester before. This position could be compared to a student teacher or assistant teacher. You help the professor run the course smoothly. My tips for getting a teaching assistantship include performing well in the course and showing that you are genuinely interested in the topic, as well as being straightforward with the professor about wanting a TA position! You will learn about the process of asking for a TA/RA position much more your Junior year, but asking a professor if they are looking for TAs is a definite way to get that process going.

My second position for the department was a research assistantship. This happened the summer before my third year, in a program that was designed for a few psychology majors to conduct research. This was one of four research experiences I gained through my major. There are so many research positions in the department, and I suggest trying to get into a lab as early on as possible! One regret I definitely have is waiting until more than halfway through my collegiate career to start research. COVID-19 definitely did not help, as I was not able to complete projects I really wanted to, but I'm hoping you do not run into this problem.

There are also opportunities for leadership in societies and clubs. For example, through just the psychology department, I was a part of Psych Club, Psi Chi, and Pi Gamma Mu. I held a leadership position in Psi Chi. Clubs and organizations offer more than learning and experience, but a way to get to know your peers and participate/volunteer in events. I highly recommend finding a few clubs and organizations that interest you and taking part in them!

Just this past year I gained clinical experience despite the pandemic. I think that goes to show how much the department wants us as students to succeed amidst any obstacles. The process of gaining field experience as an undergraduate is not the easiest task, but the department has a class that sets you up in a position and helps you begin your journey in clinical work.

Here is my main advice - get to know your professors. Even if it is simply introducing yourself at the end of one of your first classes, these people have the opportunity to give you opportunities. These same professors hold the key to positions for assistantships in research and teaching. Not only do they give you positions, but they genuinely care about your success. There are some seriously awesome individuals in this department - take advantage of their knowledge and experience!

In the same way, get to know your peers. I have met people through classes that I love seeing around campus and studying with. The psychology major is malleable in the way that it can either be just work from classes, or you can tum into an amazing experience where you have opportunities to boost your knowledge and gain meaningful relationships. I suggest the latter, as I am lucky to have such a hard to time saying goodbye to Scranton because it has treated me so well.

I am so excited for you to embark on this exciting journey! More than anything, I am jealous! Take advantage of the next four years here at the University of Scranton. The people here want you to succeed, so if you put the work into your classes, people will support you and present you with all that you need. My last bit of advice is take classes/electives that are beneficial to you, and not just an easy A. I am glad I took an extra math-based psychology course rather than an easy elective, because now I do not have to take a summer course for my graduate program like many of my soon to be peers! Have a blast at Scranton, you are going to love it here ( :

Sincerely,

Graduated Psychology Major

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

My biggest piece of advice to incoming sh1dents is to utilize your professors. I know it is scary to approach professors but they were once in our shoes. Build relationships with as many professors as you can, the faculty in the psychology department are extremely knowledgeable and are eager to help. These are the people who are going to be writing your letters of recommendation, whom you are going to be TAing for, and conducting research with. One of my biggest regrets is not reaching out to my professors sooner.

Don't wait. Everyone tells you these four years will fly by, and they really do. I came in as a freshman and thought 'I have so much time to do research and all that, I don't need to think about that now'. Before you know it you too will be a graduating senior. You don't want to look back and wish you had done more. Start putting your foot in the door by joining a few clubs, especially the psychology club.

The psychology major allows for freedom. You have the ability to take free credits both inside and outside of psychology. Utilize these credits, don't just take a class because you heard it was an easy A. Use these electives to explore your interests, try a class from a different major. The courses I've taken have shown me potential interests for my career path as well as shown me there are some things I am definitely not interesting in.

It is okay to change your mind. You are young and college is a time to explore and find out more about who you are. I know it feels like the world, the university, and your parents expect you to have everything figured it, but it is okay if you don't. Your interests are going to change throughout your time spent at the university, that is normal. Don't narrow your focus too much on a particular specialization or subject. The more classes you take in the department the more you will be exposed to various specializations, theories, and career paths. You make think you want to enter a specific field of psychology, however one class you take senior year may change that. Don't limit yourself when taking classes.

While academics is the reason you are at college. Don't let it over take your lives. I know so many people who spent every free second they had studying and being a member of every club, hyper focusing on getting an A in every class. If you are that person, that's okay. Just know in the long run one A-, B, or even a B- is not going to kill you. I have friends that struggled in the beginning of college and have a few C's. These friends are still graduating with me in a few weeks. Getting good grades and succeeded in your classes is important, but so is taking care of yourself. Don't stress too much over a single assignment, project, or test.

College is a stressful time for everyone. Sometimes as a psychology student you may think that you know more about mental health and how to deal with stressors. Regardless, at some point in your college career you will most likely feel overwhelmed. Take advantage of the resources the University has to offer. The counseling center is free and provides services to more students than you think. Take a trip to CTLE if you are struggling in classes. Reach out to your professors they want to see you succeed. Don't be afraid to make connections and reach out to upperclassmen. Often upperclassmen will TA for classes you will be taking. We were in your shoes and would love to help and answer any questions.

Everyone's experience in college is different. Just because someone is doing more research than you doesn't mean you aren't doing enough. Just because someone looks like they are going out every night doesn't mean you are missing out on anything. As long as you are taking advantage of opportunities academically, there is nothing wrong with spending time with your friends enjoying yourself. College is a place like no other, it really is what you make of it. Enjoy yourself and have a good time, but remember you are paying for an education and classes.

Take advantage of every minute you have in Scranton, before you know it your time will be coming to an end and you will be writing these letters. Go to those silly events that your RA's and the university put on, you may meet some of your best friends there. Explore the city, Scranton has more to offer than you think. Utilize your psychology department and faculty. The University creates well rounded students, you will be more prepared than you think you are.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

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The idea of writing a letter to an incoming undergraduate student seemed like a blast at first, but now I worry that I'm about to stress you out with what I have to say. Hopefully you'll read my advice and think "I already do all of this already!" Even if you don't, I'm sure you'll be just fine. College is a journey for sure. I got every dollar that I paid for and more in both academic and social experiences, even during a pandemic. I am excited to know that you might be starting college during a year where things go somewhat back to "normal."

We have been specifically prohibited from telling you to avoid taking any specific professors (well played, Dr. Karpiak), so I cannot emphasize enough how crucial the use of the "rate my professor" website will be in helping your transcript-building go smoothly. This website offers more than just knowing which professor will give the least quizzes. This could help you pick out professors that are passionate about the class that they're teaching and avoid the ones who are obviously only teaching for the paycheck. I'm sure you know by now that it's easier to listen when the speaker is engaging and interested in the subject they're teaching. It can be useful in helping you find a balance between your more rigorous classes and your more laid­ back ones during your schedule building. Speaking of schedule building, your advisor should really be your right-hand (wo)man. Take it from me, because my advisor and I barely spoke or met, and it made me sort of become my own advisor. Dr. Norcross, the chairperson, encouraged us to all seek advising from whoever we thought could help in the department, not just our assigned advisors. Don't hesitate to go to someone other than your professor for advice!

I did not realize this until it was too late, but you need to take initiative when trying to secure a TA or RA position. This school (and department) is seriously SMALL, which means that positions like these are competitive and will get offered to somebody else if you don't make your move. If you have a good grade in a class like an A- or an A and can see yourself being a TA, ask as soon as the semester is ending, but don't wait until the next semester to inquire! Also, research is fun and great for your CV or resume, so join the Psychology Club and be sure to attend the meeting that highlights all the research that the professors here are up to! Lots of research got postponed by the pandemic, so you can hopefully look forward to more opportunities than we did this year! Start going for all of this stuff after freshman year if you are feeling ready, don't let those juniors and seniors intimidate you! The Psychology Club is great as well because it unites a relatively small group of students that are normally scattered all over campus. Hmmm what else... take Abnormal Psychology early if you can, because it's a prerequisite for a lot of other classes that you may want to take.

Alright, I think that's enough of the academic advise. I'd like to offer some more personal advice. Firstly, do not overwork yourself, whether it's at school or at work. This was one of my greatest mistakes while going to school here, and it screwed up both my social life and GPA. I was spending more time at work than anywhere else, and that's not a way to go through college. Remember to prioritize school, it's the reason you're here. Also, remember to not neglect your social relationships with your friends at school because their social support will provide well-needed relief during challenging moments along your journey. College friendships are formed fast and many of them end, but many of them will last a lifetime. For the love of everything that is good in the world, do not date someone in your major. It is simply too small of a major to do this, trust me. I would also suggest trying to schedule out your days to maximize your productivity, because not having your parents around will make it easy to abandon any structure. At the same time, schedule in a day every week where you have a loose or even no schedule, to not overwhelm yourself. Other than that, try to be careful downtown and in the hill section (especially at night) and schedule a time to call your parents every week. I leave you with one last piece of advice, first-year. Don't do it every night, but you might benefit from thinking of at least 3 things from your day to be grateful for before bed occasionally. I learned about this exercise from my Positive Psychology class, and it helped me see the importance of focusing on the things I had to be grateful for. That's all I got, first-year, this was fun. Good luck!

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Congratulations on picking The University of Scranton. It truly is an amazing place that you will miss tremendously when your four years are over. I remember my freshmen year sitting in my Intro to Psych class, reading a letter similar to this one. I was naive to think the information in those letters was unimportant. I came to realize, the love for Scranton and this department expressed in those letters, was present in my experience. As someone who was a student-athlete, I had a unique experience from others. However, it did not negatively impact my experience in any way. I really did enjoy my time being a member of Scranton Psych; I learned plenty of valuable lessons in and out of the classroom.

One of those lessons was, get to know your professors and advisor; they really are there to help guide you. I know it sounds cliche, but one of the great things about Scranton is the small class sizes. It allows for you and your professors to get to know each other, which helps them guide you better through these four years. This will come in handy when you have to ask for recommendation letters your senior year. Many of the professors in this department are so welcoming and are eager to help. Some of the classes will challenge you to think in different ways, but by the end of it, you will be proud of yourself. I do not be afraid to ask for help, professors office hours are vital if you are confused. Also, emails are a vital tool, use it, and check it; treat it as your new favorite social media feed. When it comes time to choose your Psych electives, there are so many great options to take. It is important to pick your classes based on your interests. Do not let others' views on professors sway your choices too much. In the end, you may find you like a professor one of your friends does not. Trust yourself because, for the next four years, it is all about figuring out your future.

This brings me to the next lesson I learned, make friends with people in your major. Study groups were a big part of my time here at Scranton.  You will spend a lot of time with other Psych majors in your grade, so try to form a group you can study with.  These groups can be vital when taking certain classes, like stats and research methods. They can help explain information to you and make homework more bearable. I made some of my best friends from being a Psych major. College can be a scary place but the people you meet can help you create great memories along the way. It is really important to get involved on campus, not just in the Psych department. Join many different clubs, of course, join Psych Club, they can really have an impact on your experience. Make sure you show up to class, read the textbook, and put in the work. College is not like high school, there are many classes where you will have to do most of the learning outside of the classroom. This can be stressful but eventually, you will learn how to balance school and social life.

Finally, enjoy every minute of your time here at Scranton. It feels like just the other day I was in your shoes, stressing about college life in general.  Do not stress about finding your classes, you will get to learn where everything is pretty quickly. The best advice you will receive is to memorize your Royal number fast; you use it for everything. Try to remember to have fun and do not stress too much; everyone is going through the same experience, so lean on each other for support. There are plenty of activities that happen on campus, attend them, even if it is mostly to get the free t-shirt.  During your four years at Scranton, I challenge you to become a "yes" person. Say yes to everything you possibly can do; college is all about having new experiences and forming your path in the world, so try new things. Try to be outgoing whenever you can; at times I struggled with this but every time I tried, I never regretted it. The most important thing is to have fun, study hard, and form new relationships with students and faculty. Step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the ride before you enter the real world. Four years seems like a long time, but I promise it goes by fast. Soon you will be in my shoes, writing a letter to incoming Psychology majors. Take it from someone how has experienced four years at Scranton and loved every minute of it; do not take it for granted, this truly is a special place.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

First off, congratulations on committing to Scranton and choosing the psychology program to study! I am writing to you as a senior, graduating in a few weeks and I have been very emotional as I reflect on my time at school here. I have loved all the time and experiences that I have had during college, so I hope the same for you. I did not come into school as a psychology major, I added it later as a second major (my first is entrepreneurship), so I was never exactly where you are today, but I did complete the major and have had all the experiences with being a psychology major, so I do have some things to say. I can say, hands down, that adding a psychology major has been one of the best decisions I have ever made because I learned just how interested I was in psychology when I started taking the additional courses in the major beyond just intro. I did have some interest before, but my love for learning about psychology grew significantly. I would not change adding a second major in psychology for anything.

As for the psychology classes, something that I have noticed often is that everyone will tell you something different about every course you take. I have had some people tell me that a certain class was extremely hard, and I found it easy, and the opposite has been true too. I hope you can just experience it for yourself and not have other opinions influence you, especially when it comes to the classes you take. Everyone has different interests and areas that they are better at, so it is all really subjective.

I would say by biggest regret with my experience with the psychology program at Scranton is not being as involved. The main aspect that I wish I could have been more involved with is research and being in a lab. I was not aware about all the opportunities there are to do research until all of my friends in the program started to get involve and then I felt like it was too late. In hindsight, it was probably not too late, but that is how I thought about it. I wish I could have been more involved with research so that I could gain skills and increase my knowledge. I also believe that I did not know which areas of psychology really interested me, so I did not know in which areas I would want to research. My advice for this would be, if it is a goal of yours to do research and study psychology in a more involved way, just know that there are plenty of opportunities to do so. You can ask around to different professors and I am sure they would be more than happy to tell you what they research and how to be involved in their lab. All the professors are friendly and approachable so do not be afraid to ask them. If it is not a goal of yours to do this, that is okay too, but just keep it in mind.

With being a double major, I focused more of my energy identifying with and getting involved with opportunities in the business school. For instance, when it came time for me to find an internship, I looked at places that my business degree would apply, and I did not focus on gaining experience in the psychology field. I do not regret this because I have gained so much through my experiences, but I wish I did look a little more into psychology experiences that I could have done. Additionally, with this, I am upset that I could not take as many psychology classes as I would have wanted. This is simply because I did not have room for any free electives with the number of courses I had to take for my major requirements. I wish I could have because some of the psychology elective classes here sound extremely interesting.

My favorite opportunity that I had with studying psychology was a one-on-one class that I had looking at the different contexts that affect a person's psychology and psychological disorders. This opportunity arose when I was in the honors program at the university from my sophomore year until the end of my junior year. I could no longer continue with the program as I realized that it would not make sense for me to continue with how many credits I had to take.

However, one of the components of the honors program is completing three tutorials, which are personalized classes that you take with a professor of your choosing, on an area of your interest, that you work with the professor to create. I thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity because the class was tailored to me and my interests. It definitely was not the easiest class that I have taken, but I can say with full confidence that my writing skills and ability to read and understand research studies improved tremendously. I am grateful that I was able to improve these skills and doing so while learning about something that I was curious about. Maybe this is something that you would be interested in as well, so you can keep this in mind as you are starting your journey off at Scranton.

Lastly, I have been upset lately with the thought of leaving Scranton because I have been so happy here for the past 4 years. My last piece of advice is to simply cherish all the moments you have, take advantage of all the opportunities you can, and have an amazing four years!

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome! I know that everything might seem a bit daunting as you’re first moving in and getting settled into college, but I encourage you to start early in making the most of your time here at the University. One of my biggest regrets is not getting more involved in the school’s clubs and activities. Fortunately for you, it’s not too late and Scranton offers a diverse range of clubs and activities for you to choose from, some of them right here in the psychology department. I’d highly recommend looking into the Psychology Club. Joining any club or activity is a great way to meet new people, but the Psych Club allows for you to meet others in your major which can be really helpful down the road. It made a huge difference for me when I made friends within the department and we could share our struggles, concerns, and achievements.

Since you already picked the best possible major, you’re off to a great start. Don’t be shy when it comes to reaching out to your professors or getting involved in their research, it’ll help out a lot if you’re planning on going to graduate school or looking for a job after graduation. The faculty here, at least from my experiences, are so dedicated to seeing their students thrive and grow, not only as students, but as people, too. As I learned about the field, I also learned a lot about myself, what I’m capable of, and where I needed some work as a student. One of my biggest obstacles was overcoming procrastination, and if you’re anything like me, I’d suggest trying to break that habit early on. Classes, work, having a social life, and time for yourself is a lot to handle, but try your best to pace yourself and not burn yourself out. Setting reasonable goals for myself, making to-do lists, and leaving my weekends work-free are some things that worked for me.

While it can be stressful to think about what you want to do with the rest of your life, I would start giving it some thought. The earlier you have an idea, the better you can tailor your classes to what you actually enjoy rather than filling the credits with a random class. Some of my personal favorite classes within the psychology department were clinical psych, social psych, psychopathology, and field experience. Field experience is a great way to get into an internship in the area that you want to pursue after graduation. Personally, it opened my eyes to just how diverse the field of psychology is and the many ways in which we can use our degrees to help different populations.

Not only did the experience help me narrow my career options, but it helped my confidence grow immensely. Having hands on experience made me realize just how much I was actually learning and was able to apply to the people I worked with at my internship. If you’re an introvert like me, the idea of having to interact with so many people and handle new tasks might seem a bit scary at first, but trust me, it is so worth it. It allowed me to break out of my shell and improve my social skills, as well as make connections with some great people. Always push yourself to try new things! There’s no better time than college to do the thing you’ve always wanted to do, but have been too scared to do it. Even if it doesn’t always go the way you imagined, just remember that you can pick yourself back up and try again. You can learn and grow from just about everything in life.

Lastly, don’t take any of this for granted. One day, when you’re two weeks away from graduating, I guarantee you’ll look back and smile at the all-nighters and the piles of work that always happened to be due at the same time. Don’t forget to make time to take care of yourself and your mental health, no matter how many other things you need to do. If you aren’t taking the time for the things you want to be doing, it will be difficult to get the most out of any experience, academic or otherwise. Cherish the people you meet and the memories you make with them. Having a good support system can go a long way! Also remember that this experience is your own. Follow your own path and don’t compare yourself to everyone around you. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you are proud of what you’ve accomplished.

Best of luck,

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Dear incoming Psychology Majors, 

How are things going? Are you excited to be a college student? A Royal? I know I was when I got here. You can also be a little nervous, scared, anxious, etc; which I also understand. You are in a new space, possibly by yourself, and broke. But I'm here to tell you that there is nothing for you to worry about. Everyone here is doing what they can to make sure that you succeed, especially in the psychology department. From the professors, to the advisors and everyone in between. However, this is college, and you will not be spoon-fed your curriculum. You are an adult and it is your responsibility to make sure you are on top of all your assignments and studying. There is a large amount of reading and it can get overwhelming if you are not careful. And this is coming from someone who wouldn’t Identify themselves as the strongest student; so believe me when I say that it is all doable. I suppose you would benefit from a more detailed look into the psychology major read carefully as I inform you on my experiences. 

Starting off the freshmen year, you will have your basic introductions to the psychology curriculum. You have the intro class, where you will be given a broader look at the different schools of psychology. This class is great at letting you know about the schools and which specific one interests you the most.  This will give you a good idea at the line of courses you will want to take as well. You will also have a public speaking course of some sort with a form of identification that I can't even remember. If you aren’t a fan of public speaking then this class will get you acclimated to doing it. As I'm sure you already know, psychology can be a subjective subject and there isn’t a definite answer for some questions, so hearing your point of view and defending it verbally is a highly valuable skill to have. The next course that is huge in the psychology major is research methods and statistics. I say this because it will probably be the hardest class as a psychology major. That is a consensus around all of the psychology majors that I know as well. It's hard just because of the amount of technical content there is in the subject, but  if you can get past this class, then the rest of the major will be a breeze in comparison.  

As you become a junior, you will take a career development class with Norcross and this class will give you a very good synopsis of what your options are after college. This can be intimidating but your professors and advisors will be there to help every step of the way in whichever way you feel comfortable. As a senior, you will take your senior seminar class and this is where your speaking skills will be in the most use as you will be expected to run classes using the information that you have used over your four years of college. I would say that this was my favorite class that I’ve taken in my time at the university of scranton just because you really get to know your peers and how they view things after studying psychology for some time now.  

Besides the curriculum, I recommend spending more time doing extracurriculars on campus, whether they are psychology related or not. That is one regret that I have about my time at Scranton. I was on the lacrosse team so that took up a lot of my free time, but once I stopped playing I didn’t stay consistent and I feel that I would have had more fun doing some of the activities that were left available for me. Besides that, I know that you will have a great time as a psychology major. The whole experience is what you make of it. 

Overall, you will have a great time as a psychology major and you will be fine. Just keep your head up, stay on top of your studies and don’t be afraid to get out your comfort zone. 

Sincerely, 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Students,  

I must admit that, from the moment I read the syllabus for the Senior Seminar course, this was the assignment I was most excited to complete. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve learned a lot of actual education-related information in my four years of college, but the most meaningful things I’ve learned have nothing to do with my classes or my major. I was going to try to write the catchy “23 Things Learned By a 2023 Graduate” listicle type paper, but making things up to hit a specific number feels ingenuine. So, instead, here’s an entirely unplanned number of lessons I’ve learned during my time at the University of Scranton.  

• Raise your hand in class. 

 Yes, even if you’re not 100% sure you have the correct answer. Even if you feel like your question is stupid. Best case scenario: you get the correct answer and get to feel smart, or you ask a question that helps other people learn better, too. Worst case scenario: you get practice speaking in front of others and facing the fear of putting yourself out there in a small, attainable way. Even if the answer is wrong or you feel like your question really was stupid, there are quite literally no actual repercussions. Relish in the fact that, right now, it is not your obligation to be right, but to learn.  

• Embarrassment is a choice.  

If that last paragraph wasn’t convincing enough to make you raise your hand in class, maybe this one will be. I’ve come to realize that you get to choose what embarrasses you. Those face-heating, dizzying moments of “I can’t believe I just did that in front of all those people”? I promise all those people didn’t even notice. If they did notice, they’ll likely forget about it within the next hour. The more you realize that everyone is not actually paying as much attention to you as you think they are, the less you’ll feel the need to be embarrassed by.  

• It’s actually really cool to care about things. 

 Speaking of embarrassment, high school culture makes it feel like being passionate about things is uncool. College will teach you that the things you love are the most interesting aspects of you. Talk about the causes you care about. Join the intramural team for that sport you love to watch. Risk annoying people by never shutting up about that one weirdly niche hobby you can’t seem to get enough of. Being open and shameless about what you love will only ever bring you to the right people and the right places.  

• It’s even cooler to care about people. 

The most fulfilling, important part of your life is the other people in it. High-school-aged me would roll her eyes at this statement. Graduating-college-aged me can’t even adequately express how important my friends and family are to me. I know it’s often tempting to act as if your loved ones will always be there, but it’s important to remember that they will not be one day. Go get ice cream with your parents even if you’d rather sit in your room and watch Netflix. Stay up too late Facetiming your friend that’s halfway across the country at another college. I promise those are the memories you’ll want as you get older.  

• Change your mind, and then change your mind again. 

 I know you feel like the person you are today is the final form of you. I promise, four years from now as you also get ready to graduate, you won’t even recognize the person you were your first week of college. That might feel like a scary, or even condescending, thought, but you should be excited. You’re going to take chances and grow in ways you never expected. If you want to change your mind, your late teens and early twenties are the best time to do it. Get excited for the whiplash that comes as a side effect of growing up.  

• Take the risk. 

Ask the cute guy in your class on a date. Ask for the teaching assistantship or the research position. Spend too much money on concert tickets with your friends. Your college years are not only the prime time to change your mind, but also the prime time to take risks. These are the stories you tell your future spouse and kids. These are the moments that you truly become more of yourself.  

• Get to know your standards like the back of your hand. 

I know I’ll likely think of a hundred other things I could tell you ten minutes from now, but you have assignments to do and risks to take. Treat your college years with care. You have the incredibly rare and exciting privilege of four whole years to learn about yourself, the world, others, and, yes, psychology too.  

Best of luck,  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major: 

Congratulations on your acceptance and commitment to college! This is a remarkable achievement and wonderful opportunity to expand your knowledge and potential for your future. 

As a commuter student for the past 4 years, my experience has not been the same as most college students. I have lived at home with my dad and sister and was fortunate enough to have the time and means to have a job throughout my years. Leaving home can be a scary experience, especially going to a new place where everything is unfamiliar. For me, this was not something I thought I could manage, and I found it in my best interest to stay at home. Whether you have decided to stay close to home or get away from your hometown, it is still possible to get the full college experience and enjoy it. The caveat is this can be harder to do as a commuter student. 

In my first few years as a commuter student, I had trouble making friends and getting accustomed to college culture. It felt as though I was still in high school, just with more free time because classes did not span the entire day. I set up my schedule so my classes were spread out throughout the day. For example, I would have a class at 10:00 a.m. and not again until 2:00 p.m. Instead of using my time in between classes to explore campus, make friends, or participate in campus activities, I would leave campus to get work done, eat lunch, or go to my job. I did this for years until I realized I was isolating myself and missing out on enjoyable experiences. I do not recommend doing this. Instead, schedule your classes closer together and spend time on campus. There are a host of clubs, campus activities such as yoga, the gym, speaker events, and much more that you can, and should, spend time doing. This will also give you the opportunity to meet friends and grow relationships with professors and other campus employees who will absolutely help you in your future endeavors. This can be intimidating, however. We are inherently social beings, but the potential of being judged or disliked often holds us back. But you must remember, essentially all students on campus are in the same boat as you. Talk to people you are not sure you would be friends with, tell professors about your struggles, use your advisor whenever you may need them, and most importantly take advantage of all the resources provided to you. It is much easier to make it through college with a support system. This whole experience will be stepping outside of your comfort zone, and the earlier you do it, the easier it gets. It took me a long time to realize this - almost my entire college experience - but now I am a senior with a lovely group of friends, strong relationships with several professors who have given me incredible opportunities and words of wisdom, and places on campus I truly enjoy. If I had just stepped outside my comfort zone earlier in my journey, I could have taken advantage of these relationships and resources much sooner. However, I am incredibly lucky to have these experiences now, and share with you so you can have them too. 

College is a stage in your life where you have free reign to explore what you like and perhaps what you don't like. This is a liberating opportunity. I came to the University of Scranton with a guaranteed seat in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. On my first day of classes, I went to my advisor and dropped the major and several classes entirely. I gave up this incredible opportunity, but at what cost? I was not interested in the classes I was taking, but I really wasn't sure what I was interested in. I decided to transfer to a neighboring university to pursue a different major and path the following semester: speech language pathology at Marywood University. After one semester there, I decided once again, this was not right for me. 

I transferred back to the University of Scranton the following summer semester to enter the occupational therapy program. Throughout all these experiences I was not happy or interested in the field, and I could not continue knowing this. Mid-fall semester in the occupational therapy program I decided to drop that major and classes I did not enjoy. It was not until this point, my sophomore year, that I finally found my niche in psychology. The point is, there was no cost. I did what was right for me, and your mind can and will change throughout your journey (maybe not as frequently as mine). There is no reason to choose a major or a path that is not right for you simply because your parents wanted you to, you would make more money, or you don't really know what you want. It is okay to not know what you want, and it is also okay to change your mind. Take courses outside of your major and explore opportunities you may not be interested in. I am immensely grateful I finally found what I loved. This process was somewhat stressful, but not as difficult as one may think. I am graduating a semester early despite all of this change. 

It can be difficult to find a balance between work and social life. It is important to make sure you are taking care of yourself and giving yourself ample breaks from your work-life. But, it is also important to not allow your academics to suffer because you are focusing solely on your social life. Grades certainly do not mean everything, but they are still very important. Maintaining your academic performance will open many doors for you including teaching or research assistantships with professors, job and internship opportunities, and potential entry into honor societies. These of course look good on your resume, but they also provide you with experiences, resources, and connections that will set you apart from other students and contribute to your success in the future. Find your balance early so you are not struggling when you face upper-level courses, and you are not suffering mentally due to lack of social engagement. 

This opportunity you have been granted and worked so hard toward is finally fully in your hands. It is entirely up to you how your experience will play out and how successful you will be. Of course, you will have much support from fellow students and professors, but it is up to you to use these resources and place yourself in a position for success. This is just the beginning, and you have full control over your future. What an intimidating, yet exciting experience to have. Goodluck in your journey throughout college, enjoy! 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Welcome to the Psychology Department at the University of Scranton. As I sit here getting ready to graduate, I have been thinking about my time in this program. Writing this letter is a way for me to look back at everything I have learned and share some thoughts with you as you start your journey. I hope that my experiences can help you make the most of your time here.

I did not actually start my time at Scranton as a psychology major. I spent my first year in a different department, but something did not feel right. I was just going through the motions without any real interest in what I was studying. When I finally decided to switch to psychology, everything changed. I remember sitting in my first Intro to Psychology class and feeling a sense of relief. For the first time, I was genuinely curious about the topics being discussed. I knew right away that I had finally found the right fit for me. If you are ever feeling like you are in the wrong place, do not be afraid to make a change. Finding a major that actually excites you makes the hard work feel worth it.

One of the most important pieces of advice I can give you is to talk to your professors. This might sound intimidating at first, but it is one of the best things you can do for your education. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you are struggling with a concept or an assignment. The professors here really want you to succeed, but they cannot help you if they do not know you are having a hard time. Beyond just asking for help with schoolwork, I suggest trying to connect with your professors outside of the normal class time. Go to their office hours just to chat. Ask them about the research they are doing, the books they have written, or what their professions are like. These conversations can give you a much better understanding of what a career in psychology actually looks like. It also helps them get to know you, which is very useful when you need letters of recommendation later on.

Looking back, I do have a few regrets about things I wish I had done differently. One big regret is that I did not get involved in much research. I always thought research was only for the “top” students, but that is not true. Working in a lab or research setting gives you hands-on experience that you cannot get from a textbook or sitting in a classroom. It teaches you how to think like a scientist and how to solve problems. If I could go back, I would have joined a research lab in my sophomore year instead of waiting and trying to get in one my senior year. I also wish I had joined more clubs. Being part of the Psychology Club or other clubs on campus is a great way to meet people who share your interests. It makes the department feel much smaller and more like a community.

Another regret I have is not being more social with my classmates. For a long time, I would show up to class, take notes, do my work, and leave as soon as class was dismissed. I missed out on making friends with people in my major who were likely going through the same challenges I was. Eventually, I started talking to the people sitting near me and we began studying together. This made a huge difference. We would meet at the library to go over notes or go to Starbucks together to vent about a hard exam. Getting to know your peers outside of the classroom makes the whole college experience much more enjoyable. Do not just be a face in the classroom. Say hello to the person next to you. You might end up making a friend for life.

I also want to encourage you to stay realistic about your workload. Psychology is a fascinating field, but it involves a lot of reading and writing. Three main courses that required me to put the extra work in were Research Methods and Statistical Analysis 211 and 212 and Clinical Psychology. Although these courses were tough and made me put the extra work in, they are probably the three courses that I benefited from the most. There were times when I felt burnt out by the workload, which is completely normal. It is better to take your time and really learn the material than to rush through just to finish quickly. Make sure you are taking care of yourself physically and mentally. I found that I was much more productive when I made time for things I enjoyed, like exercising and crafting. Do not let your studies consume your entire life. You need breaks to keep your mind sharp.

Psychology is a wide and diverse field. I have learned so much in my time here, not just educationally, but also things that are useful no matter what career path you choose. I am going into the medical device sales field, which may seem strange because I am a psychology major. Although I am not going into a psychology profession, I would not change that my major is psychology. Whether you want to go into clinical work, research, or something completely different like me, the skills you learn in this major will serve you well. Be curious and stay open to new ideas, even if they challenge what you currently believe.

As I graduate, I feel a mix of sadness and excitement. I will miss the psychology building, the friends I made along the way, and the faculty I have connected with. However, I feel prepared for whatever comes next because of the education and skills I received here. I am proud to be a graduate of this program, and I am excited for you to begin on your path.

The University of Scranton is a special place. You are lucky to be here. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Ask questions, get involved, and do not be afraid to be yourself. Your time here will go by much faster than you think, so try to enjoy the journey and slow down as much as possible. Good luck with your studies, and I hope you find the same sense of belonging in this major that I did.

Sincerely,

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

As I sit here in the final weeks of my senior year as an undergraduate preparing to graduate in May, I find myself looking back at the halls of the University of Scranton with a mix of both exhaustion and profound gratitude. Four years ago, I stood exactly where you are: a bit nervous, feeling ambitious more than anything holding a syllabus for Fundamentals of Psychology, a course that I didn’t realize until four years later would change the trajectory of my life. My journey here as a double major in Psychology and Counseling and Human Services has been one of the most challenging and rewarding chapters of my life thus far, and I want to share some of that journey with you in hopes that it might light your way.

If I could offer you one piece of advice, it would be to focus on ingesting information rather than regurgitating it. I know how tempting it is to simply reread your notes over and over with the soul intention of memorizing the information for the weekly quiz you have only to forget the information the next day so as to make room for next week’s quiz’s information. That kind of behavior may have gotten you a high GPA in high school and it might even get you through classes in college, but please do your best to remember that this is not high school and the information you learn here will be necessary in order to pursue your future career. Think critically on the information you take in, never be afraid to ask questions, and always focus on digestion rather than regurgitation.

The second piece of advice I would award you is to not shy away from what are described as traditionally “difficult” classes. I believe every psychology major can tell you about the fear and trepidation they felt going into their first research methods class, but I promise you, your fear is unwarranted for a number of reasons. For one, these courses will serve to transform the kind of learner you are from someone who liked the idea of “helping people” into a scholar who has a deeper understanding of the human condition. My success in these subjects was not due to any kind of innate brilliance, but rather a willingness to engage deeply with the material I was exposed to and a propensity to seek help when the tasks I was faced with felt overwhelming.

One of my few regrets that I would suggest you learn from regarded my inability to balance my academic rigor with providing myself with grace. I know it may almost never feel this way, but your grades truly do not define your worth or who you are as a person. Each and every one of us is multidimensional and multifaceted, with each of us bringing so many valuable resources and experiences to the table. Yes, your grades do matter, but your self-acceptance and subjective well-being are arguably more important. Do not be afraid to take time to focus on yourself, and always remember that you are a human being, fallible as anyone else.

Another regret I would suggest you learn from is not considering your future soon enough. Professors will seldom discuss the topic of your career and life trajectory with you unprompted. After all, you are an adult now and the responsibility to consider these topics falls on you alone. My advice to you is to talk to your professors about these topics early. Think long and hard about what you want your future to look like and reach out to those wiser than you to determine what career can most readily make that dream for your future a reality. For example, if you are looking to pursue a Ph.D. program after you graduate with your bachelor’s degree, begin taking up research and teaching assistantship positions as soon as possible so as to have plenty of experience under your belt. These programs are extremely prestigious and will only take in the best of the best.

The last piece of advice I would give you but by far not the least important is to stay out of your room. Whether it is sitting in the library to do your work or eating your late night in DeNaples with your roommate instead of at your desk, the more you can be present around campus the more you will be known. And when you are feeling disparaged and alone, just try to remember that everyone is just as lonely as you. People naturally seek connection, so put yourself out there! And if you have a rough day, just remember that tomorrow is another day. J

Sincerely,

A 2026 Graduating Class Psychology Senior

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

      Welcome to the University of Scranton and to one of the most rewarding, challenging, and meaningful academic journeys you can choose. Right now, you are probably thinking about classes, roommates, schedules, and trying to figure out where your future is headed. You may feel excited, nervous, motivated, or completely uncertain. I experienced all of those things too. Looking back now as I prepare to leave Scranton, I can honestly say that the experiences, people, and opportunities I found here shaped me far beyond the classroom.

      If there is one piece of advice I could give you immediately, it is this: take advantage of the opportunities in front of you, even when they seem intimidating. College moves quickly. Four years sounds long when you begin, but suddenly you are sitting where I am now, wondering how it all went by so fast. The students who grow the most are usually not the ones who stayed comfortable all the time. They are the ones who said yes to opportunities, challenged themselves academically, introduced themselves to professors, joined research labs, applied for leadership positions, and stayed open to experiences they never expected.

      One of the best decisions I made was becoming involved in research. At first, research sounded overwhelming. I assumed I needed to be an expert before even applying to be a research assistant. The truth is that professors understand you are learning. They are looking for students who are curious, dependable, and willing to put in effort. Becoming a research assistant changed the way I viewed psychology. In class, you learn theories and concepts. In research, you see how knowledge is actually created. You learn how to ask questions, analyze data, think critically, and communicate ideas clearly. Those skills helped me not only academically but professionally and personally as well. It is through gaining research experience where I have now carved a pathway to receiving my doctorate in clinical psychology.

         Research also helped me discover what I truly care about. Before college, I thought psychology was only about therapy and understanding the mind. Scranton showed me how broad the field is. Through classes, research, and conversations with professors and peers, I became interested in mental health, behavior, development, and the importance of evidence-based approaches to treatment. Those experiences gave me direction and helped me develop long-term goals. My advice is to start thinking about your future early, even if your goals change later. Having an end goal gives meaning to the work you are doing every day. Whether your goal is graduate school, counseling, research, medicine, social work, education, or something completely different, let that vision motivate you when classes become stressful.

         At the same time, do not become so focused on the future that you miss the value of the present. Some of the most important moments in college happen outside of grades and resumes. Talk to your classmates. Build relationships with people in your major. Psychology courses often involve discussions about human behavior, emotions, relationships, and identity. The conversations you have with peers can challenge your thinking and help you grow. Some of the friendships I made in psychology classes became support systems during stressful semesters. Everyone around you is trying to figure things out too, even if they seem confident.

        Another important lesson I learned is to take hard classes instead of avoiding them. It is tempting to choose the easiest schedule possible, especially when balancing work, extracurricular activities, and social life. But some of the courses that challenged me the most ultimately helped me grow the most. Difficult classes teach discipline, resilience, and confidence. They force you to think differently and improve your skills. There were times when I doubted myself academically, especially during the early days. However, struggling through those classes made me more capable and prepared for future opportunities. Growth rarely happens when everything feels easy.

          Do not be afraid to ask for help either. Reach out to professors during office hours. I know that can feel intimidating at first, but most professors genuinely want students to succeed. The students who build relationships with professors often gain mentorship, career guidance, research opportunities, and stronger confidence in themselves. Some of the most meaningful conversations I had in college happened during office hours or after class. Those moments helped me clarify career goals and pushed me to believe I was capable of more than I originally thought.

              Be open to field experiences too. Classroom knowledge matters, but direct experience is what truly teaches you about people. Volunteer opportunities, internships, community-based learning experiences, and clinical exposure can completely change your perspective. Sometimes those experiences confirm what you want to do. Other times, they teach you what you do not want to do, which is equally valuable. I learned that psychology is not only about understanding disorders or theories. It is about understanding people with empathy, patience, and respect. Field experiences helped me realize how important human connection is in any helping profession.

              At the University of Scranton, you will also hear a lot about cura personalis, or care for the whole person. At first, I thought of that phrase as another university value repeated during orientation. Over time, I realized how important it is. Psychology can become emotionally heavy. You will learn about trauma, mental illness, addiction, discrimination, and suffering. While it is important to care deeply about others, you also need to care for yourself. Do not neglect your mental health while trying to achieve success. Your rest, balance, and relationships matter and serve as a driving force. You are more than your GPA, your resume, or your future career title.

         If I have any regrets, they mostly involve moments where fear held me back. There were opportunities I hesitated to pursue because I doubted myself. Looking back, I wish I trusted myself sooner. Apply for positions even if you feel underqualified. Speak up in class even if you are unsure. Introduce yourself to people even if you feel awkward. College is one of the few times in life where growth is expected. You are not supposed to have everything figured out immediately. I also wish I spent less time comparing myself to others. Psychology students at Scranton are motivated, intelligent, and involved in different activities. It is easy to feel behind when you see classmates succeeding around you. But everyone’s path is different. Some people discover their passion immediately. Others take longer. Some students excel academically but struggle personally. Others are still building confidence. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself rather than competing with everyone around you.

           As you move through your years here, remember that success is not only measured by achievements. Success is also becoming more compassionate, self-aware, resilient, and open-minded. Psychology has a way of changing how you view both yourself and the world around you. If you allow yourself to fully engage with the opportunities here, you will leave Scranton as a different person than the one who first arrived.

This university gave me opportunities I never expected. It gave me experiences that challenged me intellectually and personally. It introduced me to people who inspired me. Most importantly, it taught me that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone and commit yourself fully to the opportunities in front of you. So be curious, work hard, ask questions, stay open-minded, and take chances on yourself. Become a research assistant. Take the difficult classes. Reach out to professors and peers. Gain field experience. Have goals that motivate you, but stay open to unexpected paths along the way. The next four years can shape your life if you allow them to.

            Good luck and enjoy every moment while it lasts.

      Sincerely,

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Dear Incoming Psychology Student,

First of all, welcome to the University of Scranton! I hope you enjoy your time here and make the most out of your journey. My first two years as a student, I was not as involved as I am now during my senior year and was struggling to find my place on campus. I was struggling with my mental health and did not enjoy the academic system, especially in college. I then remembered why I became a psychology major in the first place; I love to learn about mental health and keeping up with news related to psychology. Reminding myself of my reason helped me push myself to do more during the rest of my time here. I hope you can remind yourself of your reason why throughout college.

Take your time in exploring all corners of psychology; this field is bigger than you think! I am still learning about new fields in psychology even as a senior. Trust me, you do not have to go the clinical route (unless you want to) and will not have to be a barista for the rest of your life. Figure out your passion within psychology and do research on career paths. I thought I wanted to go the clinical route as a freshman, but in my junior year I realized that I prefer to stay behind the scenes and am looking into industrial/organizational psychology.

My biggest advice is to try new things, even if you are afraid to do so. By applying to positions such as my internship, my research assistant role, and being on the programming board, I developed a sense of purpose and met people who have changed my life for the better. Another piece of advice is to not be afraid of asking questions. There are many people in the psychology department and outside of it who want to see you succeed. Take advantage in getting to know your professors early, as I believe the psychology department is a hidden gem on this campus.

One of my regrets is not getting to know my professors more because I was too shy to approach them. Near the end of my undergraduate journey, I got more comfortable with the faculty, but I still think it is better to start sooner rather than later.

I have grown a lot as a person during my time here. It used to be difficult for me to adjust every semester, but during my latter years I have become good at adjusting to short term changes. Another piece of advice I have is to take classes that are interesting to you. Do not only take what other people advise you to. This is important in order for you to figure out your likes and dislikes within various fields. For instance, I took a healthcare administration course in my junior year. It might seem random, but it made me interested in the healthcare industry and was a career path that I had considered taking. I took various courses that I was not interested in and it dimmed my passion for my academics, leading me to be less motivated. Please learn from my mistakes!

Furthermore, do not ignore extracurricular activities. There is no doubt that you will be busy, but these are the places where you will meet people who are important to you. It is also a great way to take a break from homework and studying if you procrastinate like I do. Another one of my regrets is starting extracurricular opportunities my junior year, I truly wish I started as a freshman. I started my junior year to make up for opportunities that I had missed, and while it was not too late, it was still bittersweet. I joined the programming board and an acapella group. I have met the loveliest people in these spaces who have given me advice and lifted me up. This is what helped me to grow the most outside of my classes.

Lastly, I wish you the best for your future, whether you stay in psychology or not. Being in college is a privilege that I was lucky to have and I will not take it for granted. Remember to work hard and take plenty of breaks to take care of yourself. It is necessary to put yourself first if you are struggling and to reach out for help. Try not to beat yourself up for failures that you encounter and make it a goal to do better everyday.

Sincerely,

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to the University of Scranton and to the psychology department. I’m sure you are feeling a mix of emotions like excitement, nervousness, uncertainty, and curiosity about what the next few years will look like. I remember feeling the same way when I first started. Psychology sounded interesting to me, but I honestly did not fully understand how much the major would shape the way I think, communicate, and understand other people. Looking back now, I can say that being a psychology major has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my college years. 

One of the first things you should know is that psychology is much more than people assume it is. You will learn about development, memory, learning, research methods, biological processes, cognition, and statistics. Some courses will challenge the way you think about human behavior and even yourself. Other courses will push you outside your comfort zone academically, especially if research or statistics are not your favorite subjects.  

My biggest piece of advice is to stay open-minded. Some of the classes you expect to love may turn out to be difficult, while others you never considered interesting may become your favorites. Try not to decide too early what kind of psychologist or career path you want because you can develop new interests in topics when you least expect it. 

Another important lesson I learned is that time management matters more than you think. Psychology courses often involve reading, writing, research papers, group work, presentations, and studying for exams all at once. It can become overwhelming very quickly if you procrastinate. I learned that staying organized and starting assignments early reduces stress greatly. College moves fast, and it is easy to fall behind if you are not careful. 

At the same time, do not let academics completely consume you. Some of my favorite memories came from experiences outside the classroom. The friendships you make in college can become one of the most meaningful parts of your experience. Spend time with your friends, go to campus events, meet up for lunch, and enjoy the small moments in between classes and assignments. Some of the memories you will look back on most are not always the grades or exams, but the conversations, laughter, and support you shared with the people around you. College goes by faster than you expect, so make time to enjoy it with the people who make it special. 

One regret I have from my time as a psychology major is not taking advantage of more research opportunities or internships outside of school. At the time, I often felt too busy, unsure of myself, or convinced that I had more time to figure things out later. Looking back, I realize those experiences could have helped me build confidence, gain professional experience, and explore different career paths within psychology. Internships and research opportunities allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations and can help you better understand what interests you most. My advice is to put yourself out there, even if you feel nervous or unqualified at first. The experience you gain is valuable, and you may regret the opportunities you did not take more than the ones you did. 

A piece of advice that I have constantly been given throughout my four years is do not panic if you do not have everything figured out right away. One thing I regret is spending too much time comparing myself to other students. Some people will seem like they have a perfect plan for graduate school, internships, or careers, while you may still feel uncertain. That is completely normal. Everyone moves at their own pace. Psychology majors go into many different careers, including counseling, education, business, healthcare, social work, and more. There is not one “correct” path. Focus on discovering what genuinely interests you instead of measuring yourself against others. 

If I could go back and change anything, I would tell myself to be more confident and more present. I spent too much time worrying about grades, the future, or whether I was doing enough. While academics are important, college goes by incredibly fast. Every chance you get, make memories and spend time with friends before you all go your separate ways because you will never get the chance to live life the same way you do in college. Celebrate your accomplishments, even small ones and take breaks when you need them. Allow yourself to enjoy the experience instead of constantly stressing about what comes next. 

As I say goodbye to the University of Scranton, I feel grateful for everything this experience has taught me. The psychology program helped me grow academically, personally, and professionally. It strengthened my ability to think critically, communicate with others, and better understand the complexity of human behavior. More importantly, it taught me resilience, adaptability, and empathy. 

To all incoming psychology majors, my advice is simple: stay curious, stay involved, ask questions, and give yourself grace along the way. Take advantage of opportunities, even if they scare you a little. Learn from both your successes and your mistakes. Most importantly, remember that college is not only about preparing for a career, it is also about discovering who you are and who you want to become. 

Sincerely, 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major:

Welcome to the University of Scranton and to one of the most interesting, challenging, and rewarding majors you could choose. Right now, you are probably feeling a mix of emotions. Maybe you are excited, nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure if psychology is even the right path for you. I remember feeling all of those things too. Looking back now as I prepare to leave Scranton, I can honestly say that majoring in psychology shaped me not only as a student, but also as a person.

When I first entered the psychology program, I thought psychology was mostly about mental health, therapy, and understanding emotions. While those things are certainly important, I quickly realized psychology is much broader than I expected. You will study human behavior from biological, cognitive, developmental, and social perspectives. Some courses will challenge the way you think about yourself and other people. Others may completely surprise you. There will be moments when you feel confident and moments when you question yourself. That is normal.

One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give you is to stay open-minded. Do not decide too early what area of psychology you think you will love or hate. Some of the classes I expected to enjoy ended up being difficult for me, while courses I was nervous about became some of my favorites. Give yourself room to grow and change. Psychology is a field that constantly reminds us that humans are complex, and that includes you too.

Another important thing I learned is that success in this major is not about being naturally “smart.” It is about consistency and honestly, that was something I struggled with at times. Procrastination can become one of your biggest challenges if you let it. There will be long nights reading research articles, studying statistics, writing papers, preparing presentations, and trying to understand concepts that seem impossible at first. Time management matters more than you think, and if I am being honest, was something I struggled with throughout my time here. It can make an already stressful semester feel overwhelming very quickly. If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice, it would be to start assignments earlier and trust that even small progress makes a difference. Future you will always be grateful.

Do not be afraid of research methods or statistics courses. I know many psychology majors enter the program nervous about those classes because they sound intimidating. I was nervous too. But those courses ended up teaching me some of the most valuable skills I gained during college. They teach you how to think critically, analyze information carefully, and question assumptions instead of accepting everything at face value. Those skills matter far beyond psychology.

I also encourage you to take advantage of opportunities outside the classroom, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. I attended some of the events the school offered and spent a short time in the psychology club, and those experiences reminded me how valuable it is to connect with others who share your interests. Looking back, one of my biggest regrets is not getting more involved in volunteering in the community and participating in research opportunities. I realize how much those experiences could have added to both my personal growth and my understanding of psychology in action. It is easy to get caught up in just attending classes, completing assignments, and moving from one semester to the next. At the time, it was easier to tell myself I was too busy or that there would always be another chance later. College moves faster than you expect, and those missed opportunities are something I wish I had taken advantage of. Those opportunities can help you build confidence, make connections, and better prepare for whatever path you choose after graduation. If those opportunities are offered to you, seriously consider saying yes.

At the same time, remember to take care of yourself. Psychology students spend so much time learning about stress, mental health, trauma, and human struggles that sometimes we forget to check in with ourselves. There may be semesters when you feel burned out, anxious, or emotionally exhausted. Balancing school, work, family responsibilities, friendships, and personal challenges is difficult. Give yourself grace during those moments and ask for help when you need it.

If I have another regret, it is that I spent too much time doubting myself. There were opportunities I almost did not pursue because I assumed I was not capable enough or qualified enough. Looking back, I wish I had trusted myself more. Incoming students often think everyone else has everything figured out, but the truth is that most people are learning as they go. Confidence grows with experience, not before it.

I also spent too much time worrying about having my entire future planned out immediately. As psychology majors, many of us feel pressure to know exactly what career path we want to pursue. Some students know they want to become therapists, researchers, counselors, professors, or social workers right away. Others do not know yet, and that is okay too. Psychology opens many doors. Your path may change several times before graduation, and even after graduation. Allow yourself the freedom to explore.

One thing I will always appreciate about the University of Scranton is how much the psychology program pushes students to think deeply about people and society. The major teaches empathy alongside critical thinking. It encourages you to understand behavior in context rather than making quick judgments. Those lessons stay with you long after exams and assignments are over.

As graduation approaches, it feels strange to say goodbye to a place that became such a large part of my life. There were stressful days, exhausting weeks, and moments where I felt overwhelmed, but there were also moments of growth and accomplishment that I will never forget. College changes you slowly over time, often in ways you do not notice until the very end.

So, to every incoming psychology major: be curious, ask questions, challenge yourself, and do not be afraid to grow into a different version of yourself than the one who first arrived here. Learn from your mistakes instead of letting them define you. Push yourself to get involved, even if it feels intimidating at first. Take opportunities even when they scare you. Most importantly, remember that your worth is not measured by grades, internships, or how perfectly you have your life planned out.

One day, sooner than you think, you will be writing your own goodbye letter and realizing just how much this experience shaped you.

I wish you the best throughout your journey at the University of Scranton. I hope you leave here not only with knowledge, but also with confidence, resilience, and memories that stay with you long after graduation.

Sincerely,

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Dear Incoming Psych Major,

My experience at the University of Scranton was amazing. Like many incoming students, I arrived with fears and doubts about moving to a new city and starting over. Once I settled in, however, I quickly embraced the excitement of meeting new people, attending my first classes, and gaining independence. Looking back, it is difficult to understand how quickly the time passed. One piece of advice I would share is to appreciate your time here, because it moves faster than you expect. There will be challenges along the way, including difficult classes and long days, but each experience becomes part of what makes this place so special. In the end, there is nothing I would change about my time at the University of Scranton; it became a home to me.

As a first-year student, college courses are very different compared to high school. The increased independence is exciting, but the academic expectations can be challenging. A valuable lesson I learned was the importance of using available resources. I initially hesitated to seek help in a math course, but working with a tutor made a significant difference and helped me succeed in the class. One of the strengths of the University of Scranton is its small student-to-faculty ratio. In my experience, professors genuinely know and care about their students, which creates a supportive and effective learning environment. The psychology department especially stood out to me because of its engaging courses and compassionate professors, who made learning both meaningful and enjoyable.

I recommend getting involved on campus, as it can shape your college experience in several ways. Being a member of the track and field team at the University of Scranton was one of the most impactful decisions I made. Through it, I built lasting friendships, developed strong time management and work ethic skills, and discovered something that genuinely brought me fulfillment. The university offers countless opportunities through clubs, research, athletics, and campus activities, making it easy to find a community and pursue your interests. One of my few regrets is not becoming involved in even more opportunities that could have benefited my future self. While maintaining balance is important, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of what the university has to offer. A great place to start is by joining the psychology club.

Another piece of advice I would offer is not to feel pressured to have your entire future figured out right away. It is completely normal to be uncertain about your career path during college. I remember spending a great deal of time worrying about my future, but college is meant to be a time of exploration and growth. I did not decide to pursue a career as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in Applied Behavior Analysis until my junior year. That decision developed gradually through coursework, guidance from professors and advisors, and hands-on experience.

One of the most valuable steps you can take is pursuing internships, whether they are directly related to your intended field or not. Real-world experience helps you better understand your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. After completing an internship working with autistic children, I realized how meaningful and familiar the work felt to me, especially because autism had already been a significant part of my life through my personal experiences. That confirmed my desire to continue in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. I will be continuing my education this fall through the online ABA master’s program at the University of Scranton.

Life after college will be exciting, but it will never quite feel the same, and accepting that is difficult. As I finish my time at the University of Scranton, I find myself appreciating the small moments that made this experience so significant. I will miss the first warm and sunny days of spring, when campus suddenly feels full of energy, and everyone wants to spend time outside with friends. I will miss the excitement of waking up to a university snow day announcement and the late-night conversations on the third floor with my lifelong friends. More than anything, I will miss the dorms and houses that became home over the years.

Of course, there are also things I will not miss, including the challenges of Research Methods I and II, the steep hill near Reddington, and the cold winters. Even so, the positive experiences far outweigh the difficult ones. If I could offer one final piece of advice, it would be to fully embrace your time here. Get involved, appreciate the people around you, and learn to love this place even during the stressful moments. The years pass quickly, and before you realize it, this chapter of your life will be over.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

            Congratulations on making a great choice on The University of Scranton. It feels like just yesterday I was sitting in your seat as a nervous freshman. These past 4 years have flown by but has given me the best memories and relationships that I will take with me throughout life. As a freshman, I did not like college, I felt inferior and displaced; I often told myself that I only had 3 more years before I could move home again. I went home often and felt unattached from the student life here at Scranton. When sophomore year came around, I decided to get involved in as many opportunities as I could, I joined the Swim and Dive team, became active in the CSSJ office and participated in service trips, started volunteering throughout the community, and finally formed meaningful connections that made Scranton feel like home. All this to say, get involved early. Join clubs, organizations, sports, and volunteer! Beyond being involved on campus, you should go to parties and hang out with friends! These opportunities fostered deeper connections with my classmates, and teammates who became my family.

            As a student in this program, you have countless resources available to you. The professors genuinely care about your success and want the best for you. They are always willing to offer guidance, support, or simply be someone to talk to whenever you need it. In the program, take advantage of Field Experience courses, and teaching and research assistant positions. These positions helped me develop leadership skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Field Experience guided me to explore new careers within the field and discover a new direction in my career path. They also allowed me to build meaningful relationships and connect with mentors in the field, including my fieldwork coordinator and the professors I worked closely with throughout my time here. Do not be afraid to reach out to professors for these opportunities.

            As for classes, be open to new information and courses. The University of Scranton offers unique classes assist in in formation of well- rounded students. As much as I used to dread taking Philosophy, and Theology, these classes are some that I’ll remember forever because of new perspectives and professors who pushed me to be my best. One important piece of advice I wish I had taken earlier is to complete your mandatory and early-morning classes as soon as possible in your college career, because having a 9 a.m. class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during senior spring is not enjoyable. I kept telling myself, “I’ll take it next semester,” but each semester passed by until I eventually had no choice but to take it now.

Outside of academics, you should explore the area and get familiar to Scranton. Scranton is a beautiful area with many hidden gems, such as hiking spots, coffee shops, unlimited restaurants, and parks all within walking distance. Also, get ready for the most beautiful sunsets right behind the mountains. Throughout my four years, I have consistently watched seasons change and studied for passing exams each semester at these places, which makes saying bye to this city that much more difficult. Connecting with local citizens helped me step out of my campus bubble, and learn about other people’s experiences, which strengthen my compassion and personal growth as a psychology major.

The University of Scranton offers awesome opportunities as well. Go to Springfest, Pancakes on the Patio with Father Marina, the annual Advent Mass and tree lighting and Pet Therapy days. Also, take advantage of your tuition, you have daily yoga, spin and Pilates classes, as well as a gym and open pool. The dining hall is one of the best, and a place where you will share some of the greatest laughs your friends. There is always something happening on campus, and if you don’t look around, you may miss it.

An important reminder is that you are all on this journey together, no one is ahead of anyone else, and even when you feel behind, many people feel the same way. Cherish every moment, as you have heard, it truly goes by fast. Embrace the new beginnings and be open to change. College is about finding who you are and becoming the best version of yourself! College is also one of the only places where all your best friends live right down the hall, or a few blocks away, so take advantage of it, spend time together, make memories, and enjoy the little moments because those were some of the most special parts of the experience. Scranton is truly an amazing place, and I hope you get to love it as much as I do. Appreciate everyday experiences, like the pink sunsets, getting Starbucks with friends, saying hi professors in walking on campus, dining hall meals, and the steep hills to get back to your dorm. You are so lucky to call Scranton your new home.

Good luck and Go Royals!

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

First of all, congratulations on choosing psychology at the University of Scranton! It honestly feels weird writing this because it feels like just yesterday I was walking into my first psychology class here, not really knowing what to expect. Now I am about to graduate, and looking back at everything, I can say being a psychology major was definitely the right choice and changed me a lot as a person.

One thing I would tell you is to try to get something out of every class, even the ones you don’t love. There were definitely classes where I thought, "Why am I taking this?" but later on, I realized almost every course taught me something useful in some way. Sometimes it’s actual material you use later, and other times it’s learning how to think differently or understand people better. Some of the classes I was most nervous for ended up meaning the most to me by the end.

One piece of advice I really want to stress is do not be afraid to talk to people in your major. It can feel intimidating at first, especially in the beginning of college when everyone seems nervous and unsure of themselves. But your classes are full of people who are probably feeling the exact same way you are. Some of the friendships you make in this major can become really meaningful. You may even become friends with people you never expected to connect with. Talking to classmates before class, working together on projects, or even bonding over stressful assignments can really make your experience so much better. Looking back, I wish I had begun reaching out to other psych majors way sooner!

Another thing I wish I understood earlier is that asking for help is completely normal. Whether it’s a professor, advisor, or even another student, don’t sit there struggling alone because you feel awkward asking questions. I used to do that sometimes, and it only made things more stressful. The professors really are there to help guide you, and most of them genuinely want to see you succeed.

One thing I do regret a little is not getting more involved earlier on. College goes by so fast. Genuinely terrifyingly fast. I spent too much time overthinking things or staying comfortable when I probably should’ve put myself out there more. So if you’re thinking about joining something, going to an event, or trying something new, honestly just do it. You’ll thank yourself later.

I also want to mention seminar classes because I know people get nervous about them. I definitely did. Sharing your thoughts and speaking during discussions can feel intimidating, especially at first, but honestly, those classes ended up teaching me so much. You learn a lot about yourself and other people in those discussions. Don’t be afraid to speak up or share your perspective because chances are someone else is thinking the same thing too.

As for field experience in senior year, don't let it scare you. Before starting mine, I remember feeling like I wasn’t prepared enough or confident enough. But once you actually start, you realize you are capable of way more than you think. And that goes for anything else in this major as well. It ended up being one of the most meaningful experiences I had during college. It pushes you outside your comfort zone, but in the best way possible. You grow so much from it.

At the same time, try your best to stay on track and manage your time well. Psychology classes can pile up fast with readings, papers, projects, and everything else going on in life.

Falling behind only makes things more stressful. I know it sounds obvious, but staying organized really does help so much.

Most importantly, though, enjoy your time here. I know everyone says that, but it is true. There will be stressful nights, long papers, presentations you are nervous for, and moments where you question yourself, but there will also be moments that make all of it worth it. You will meet people who impact your life, learn things that change your perspective, and slowly realize how much you have grown since freshman year.

Looking back now, I realize how much this major and my time at the University of Scranton changed me. I came into college way less confident and unsure of myself, and I am leaving feeling much more comfortable with who I am and what I am capable of. Psychology is not always easy, but it is worth it. Trust yourself, put yourself out there, and don’t let fear stop you from making the most out of your college experience.

Good luck,

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 Dear First-Year Psychology Major,

            Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Scranton, as well as your choice to pursue a psychology degree! It feels surreal to write this letter as a senior, even though it seems like yesterday that I was in your position, as cliché as that sounds. The transition from high school to college is drastic, as you are expected to not only maintain good grades but to care for yourself without your parents’ immediate assistance. Even as a senior about to graduate, I can still remember how afraid I was entering college for the first time. It can be confusing and scary, but chances are, everyone in your cohort will feel the same. I know that college is a drastic change from your experience in school up to that point, and it can feel overwhelming. But the uncertainty will pass, even if that doesn’t seem possible at the time.

            My freshman year, as well as the first half of Sophomore year, was filled with uncertainty. I registered as undecided and decided to pursue Biology since I enjoyed it in high school. Though the subject was interesting, the workload made it hard for me to enjoy. In Sophomore year, I took an Introduction to Psychology class and enjoyed it more than my Biology and Chemistry classes at the time. I then changed my major to Neuroscience briefly, before settling as a Psychology major. After that point, college didn’t feel as much of a burden. I still had to learn how to manage assignments, but they seemed more ‘doable.’ The first half of my Undergraduate years were defined by uncertainty, but I eventually found a degree I enjoyed. Though not in the way I originally intended, I am still obtaining a science degree.

            There are other aspects of college aside from your degree, and I suppose that the other psychology first year will be receiving similar advice. So, I will share some things that are important to consider, based on my experiences.

            First, time management. The simultaneously best and worst thing about college is that you’re on your own. No one is going to remind you about when assignments are due, how to study for tests, or how to plan in a way that works for you. As harsh as it may seem, you will inevitably fail. The study techniques that benefited you in high school will be a detriment in college. Assignments are, well, assigned in ‘waves,’ and deadlines tend to cluster together around breaks and toward the end of the semester. Get a planner, mark events on your calendar, whatever helps you in remembering what you must do. It may be tempting to say “Oh, it’s due in a week, I can put it off,” but those deadlines will come quicker than you realize. Spacing out your study sessions will help you remember the material better than an overnight cramming binge.

            Second, just ask. Ask your professors and classmates what assignments due, random people on campus where to find the building for your next class, or the librarians on how to navigate their archives, physically and digitally. You need to advocate for yourself if you have an issue, no matter how small. If it works in your favor, then great! But if it does not, that’s good, too. Reflect on what you did wrong and learn from your mistakes. It is tempting to get hung up on failures, but if you do, then you can’t move forward or notice other opportunities around you.

            Third, find activities outside of class. While it is important to manage assignments, it is unrealistic to expect yourself to focus on your classwork all the time. A lot of people tend to have this mindset that they go to college for good grades and nothing else. Then when they start applying for jobs, they get turned down due to a lack of experience outside the classroom. A lot of activities and services outside the classroom have helped me immensely. The Career Center, for example, is one of the most valuable departments of my undergraduate experience. They can help you create documents and provide tips on how to apply for jobs and internships. Another activity I enjoy is exploring the shops in the downtown area. There are a few interesting locations within walking distance for a nice outing, like bookstores, boutiques and even an aquarium. It gets you out of your dorm on the weekends, and is a nice way to pass the time.

            At the end of the day, this is your college experience. Being away from home for the first time can be both scary and exciting. You get to discover yourself. Participate in activities around campus and downtown area, muster up the courage to ask about your needs, and appreciate the time you have here! Time passes by quicker than you realize, so it’s important to slow down and smell the roses.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Congratulations on this momentous time in your life! You are starting the chapter that may become some of the best four years of your life, so soak up every second of it! I remember when I was sitting where you are now. I was nervous about being away from home for the first time and was unsure about what to expect. I wondered if I had made the right decision in coming to Scranton, and I was not sure if psychology would be the right fit. Four years later, I can confidently say that these were some of the best decisions I have made.

The Psychology Department is beloved on campus, and for good reason. The professors genuinely care about the student population, as well as for each other. It is rare to find a department where professors leave their office doors open and meet with each other regularly–but ours does. Do not be afraid to approach them if you ever need something or have a problem; I promise you that they are more than happy to assist you. While you can go for

class-related questions, they are also there to support you in other ways. When I was thinking about next steps after graduation, my professors were a valuable resource. They want to see their students succeed!

My favorite classes I have taken in the Psychology Department have been Clinical Psychology, Positive Psychology, and Psychopathology. The content is not only interesting but also meaningful. Many Psychology students dread the thought of Research Methods and Statistics. However, it is not as bad as people make it seem! Although the classes are long, the professors are great at making sure their students understand the material before moving on.

Statistics is the backbone of psychology, and you will be amazed at what you will learn to do! In no time, you will be a R code master!

My biggest piece of advice is to get involved. It is okay to not have your life plans figured out, but make sure to put yourself out there during these four years. I recommend joining the Psychology Club, as it is a great way to get to know the people in the major. It is also important to try to get involved in research labs as early as you can. You can surely find a lab that piques your interest, and it is a great way to build skills that are valuable to graduate schools or future careers. During my time, I did research with a clinical psychologist looking at harm reduction strategies for college students. In addition, I was in another lab that looked at sex differences in the dating app, Tinder. In both of these labs, I had the opportunity to present our research at two psychology-based conferences. This was an awesome feeling, and I highly recommend taking advantage of opportunities like this!

The second biggest piece of advice is to try to get clinical hours. This can be either through an internship or volunteering, and it is a great way to build interpersonal skills. A professor once told me, “Do breadth, not depth,” meaning that you should expand your horizons by working with different populations. I found my love in working with the elderly, but I have also made great memories in working with first-graders and other college students. College is all about finding the things that you are passionate about, and volunteering is a great way to do that.

I truly have loved being a Psychology major, and the four years at Scranton has shaped me into the person that I am today. Our major is rooted in helping people. You will learn the importance of empathy and how to become a better listener. Whether you choose to continue to pursue psychology after graduation or you choose another path, you will take what you learned with you.

Once again, I wish you the best as you embark on this new journey. I hope that in four years from now, you reflect back on your Scranton experience as positively as I have. Remember to work hard–you are in higher education, after all! However, don’t forget to have fun and explore! I have built the most wonderful relationships here, and I know you will too. Keep an open mind because you never know what opportunities may present themselves to you. If I had to go back in time, I would choose Scranton again and again. Best of luck to you, and go Royals!

Sincerely,

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Welcome. You have chosen a field that will, if you let it, permanently change the way you see everything: other people, institutions, history, and most uncomfortably, yourself. That is not a warning. It is the whole point.

I will not pretend this major is easy, but I also will not pretend the difficulty is what most people think it is. The hard part is not memorizing the stages of development or keeping your research methods straight, though those have their moments. The hard part is sitting inside a discipline that asks you to be simultaneously rigorous and human, scientific and empathetic, certain enough to act and humble enough to know you might be wrong. Holding all of that at once is a skill that takes four years to begin developing and a lifetime to refine.

Here is the most important thing I wish someone had told me when I was sitting where you are now: your personal experiences are not a liability in this field. They are an asset. Psychology has a tendency, particularly in its more clinical and research-heavy corners, to reward detachment. Objectivity gets treated as the gold standard, and emotional investment gets treated as contamination. Push back on that, carefully and thoughtfully. The experiences that brought you to this major, whatever they are, give you a texture of understanding that no textbook can replicate. The key is learning to use them analytically rather than reactively. There is a significant difference between a personal experience that illuminates a concept and one that hijacks your thinking. Learning to tell those apart is one of the most valuable things this degree will teach you.

You will also learn, if you pay attention, that psychology is far less settled than it presents itself to be. The replication crisis alone should give every psychology student genuine pause. Studies that shaped entire subfields have failed to hold up under scrutiny. Foundational concepts get revised, contested, or quietly abandoned. This is not a reason to distrust the field; it is a reason to engage with it critically rather than reverently. The best psychologists are not the ones who memorized the most; they are the ones who learned to ask the sharpest questions. Develop that habit early.

Your Jesuit education is doing something for you that you may not fully appreciate yet. The emphasis on the whole person, on ethics, on engaging ideas across disciplines, is genuinely rare in undergraduate education. By the time you reach your senior seminars, you will find that your philosophy courses, your theology courses, your literature and history requirements all show up in the room. Psychology does not exist in a vacuum. Human suffering, resilience, identity, and behavior are not purely biological phenomena, and they are not purely social ones either. They live at the intersection of everything, and your education has been quietly preparing you to stand at that intersection with more fluency than you realize.

Finally, let the readings challenge you personally, not just intellectually. The material in this major has a way of holding up a mirror. You will read about cognitive biases and recognize yourself. You will study trauma, attachment, and social influence and find threads that connect to your own story. That recognition is not a distraction from learning. It is learning. The goal is not to become a detached observer of human behavior. The goal is to become a more honest, more curious, more compassionate one.

And when the readings are done and the papers are submitted, please put the books down and go live. These four years are genuinely unrepeatable. The late nights, the friendships, the spontaneous decisions that make no academic sense but make perfect human sense, those are not interruptions to your education. They are part of it. Psychology will teach you that human connection, joy, and play are not luxuries. They are necessities. Practice what you are learning. You will never get this window of time back, so make sure you actually show up for it.

This major will ask a lot of you. Give it more than it asks for, inside the classroom and out.

With respect and sincerity,

A Graduating Psychology Senior

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 Dear Psychology Freshmen,

 First off, congratulations and welcome to the University of Scranton. Choosing psychology as your major is honestly one of the best decisions you can make. As a senior psychology major, I can confidently say that psychology completely changed the way I look at the world, the people around me, and most importantly myself. That is one of the biggest reasons I ended up loving this major so much. Psychology is one of those subjects that follows you everywhere. Once you start learning about human behavior, emotions, relationships, memory, personality, and perception, you start seeing psychology in everyday life. You notice it in your friendships, family dynamics, social media, relationships and even your own habits and thought patterns. It teaches you why people act the way they do and helps you understand yourself on a deeper level too. A lot of the classes honestly make you reflect on your own experiences and who you are becoming as a person. Another great thing about psychology is that there are so many different directions you can go with it. A lot of people automatically think of therapy or counseling, which is definitely an option, but there is so much more than that. You can go into clinical psychology, counseling, forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, marketing, law, medicine, and more. Psychology gives you flexibility while also teaching skills that apply to real life no matter what career you choose. You are also going to take some really interesting classes while you are here. Classes like Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Sensation and Perception, Statistics, and Research Methods all teach you something different about people and behavior. Some classes will challenge you more than others, but a lot of them stick with you long after the semester ends because they connect so much to real life. One thing I really recommend is getting involved as early as possible. Join extracurriculars like Psychology Club because it is a great way to meet people in your major and connect with professors and other students. Also look into research opportunities early on. Research might sound intimidating at first, but it is honestly one of the best ways to gain experience and build relationships with professors. If you get the chance later, try becoming a teacher’s assistant too. Experiences like research, clubs, or being a TA help you grow professionally and personally, and they make a huge difference later when applying for internships, graduate programs, or jobs.

Do not be afraid to throw yourself out there. College moves fast, and the people who get the most out of it are usually the people willing to try new things even when they are nervous. Outside of academics, I also want to talk about the actual freshman experience because college is about way more than just classes. Freshman year can feel exciting, overwhelming, stressful, and fun all at the same time. Everyone is trying to figure themselves out, so do not feel pressured to have everything together right away. Go out and enjoy yourself. Go to the parties, campus events, late-night food runs, and random hangouts because some of your best memories will come from moments you did not even plan for. Meet new people and allow yourself to experience college instead of staying in your comfort zone all the time. At the same time, do not be afraid of trial and error with friendships and friend groups. Not every friendship is meant to last forever, and that is okay. You are going to meet all kinds of people during your time here.

Some people will genuinely support you and bring out the best in you, while others may not align with who you are becoming. Never settle for people who make you uncomfortable, drain your energy, or make you feel like you have to shrink yourself. The same goes for roommates. Your environment matters a lot more than people realize. One of the biggest lessons college teaches you is learning how to choose yourself and protect your peace. Surround yourself with people who respect you, motivate you, and make you feel comfortable being yourself. While you are here, really focus on becoming the best version of yourself. The University of Scranton gives you so many opportunities if you are willing to take advantage of them. Push yourself academically, socially, and personally. Learn from mistakes instead of being embarrassed by them. Growth does not happen by staying comfortable all the time. Also, genuinely try your best in your classes even when it gets hard. It is easy to think one assignment or one semester does not matter, but the habits you build now follow you later. Learning discipline, time management, communication, and consistency will help you long after college ends. Most importantly, follow your heart. There will be times where you compare yourself to others or question whether you are doing enough, but everyone’s journey looks different. Trust yourself and do what truly feels right for you. Some of the best experiences and opportunities happen when you stop overthinking and just go for it. These next four years are going to teach you a lot about life and about yourself. Enjoy the process, be open to change, and take advantage of every opportunity you can. College really does go by faster than you think. Welcome to psychology and welcome to Scranton.

Sincerely,

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Congratulations on choosing psychology. Even if you are still unsure about exactly what area you want to go into, I think psychology is one of the most interesting majors because it connects to so many different parts of life. I actually did not choose psychology right away. I switched into the major during my second year at the University of Scranton, and looking back now as I prepare to graduate, I am really glad that I did.

Overall, my experience as a psychology major has been positive. One thing I appreciated is how different each course can feel depending on the topic. Some classes focus more on research and theory, while others connect more directly to everyday experiences and human behavior. I enjoyed courses like Psychopathology because it was interesting to learn about different psychological disorders and how they affect people’s lives beyond stereotypes. Positive Psychology stood out to me because it focused more on happiness, resilience, and what helps people thrive. Cognitive Psychology and Sensation and Perception were also memorable because they made me realize how much of our everyday experience depends on processes happening in the brain that we normally never think about.

One thing I learned very quickly as a psychology major is that time management matters a lot. My biggest advice is to check Brightspace regularly, even when you think nothing important is due. Assignments, announcements, discussion posts, quizzes, and schedule changes can appear quickly, and it is very easy to fall behind if you stop checking for even a few days. Psychology courses also tend to include a lot of writing assignments, readings, and longer projects that can sneak up on you. Because of that, procrastination becomes one of the biggest challenges. Try not to wait until the last minute on larger assignments, especially papers or projects that are more detailed and likely to raise questions while you work on them.

Another piece of advice I would give is to use the resources the university provides. The Writing Center can be really helpful, especially for psychology courses that involve research papers and APA formatting. Even if you think your paper is fine, having someone else review it can help catch mde your comfort zone. Some of the earlier math requirements were definitely challenging for me, and getting help early is much better than waiting until you are already overwhelmed. istakes or improve organization. Tutoring services can also make a huge difference, especially in required courses outsi

I also recommend keeping some kind of weekly planner or schedule, whether it is digital or written down physically. Once you start balancing multiple classes, assignments, work, and personal responsibilities, everything can blend together very quickly. Writing down due dates and planning your week ahead of time helps more than people realize.

Another important thing I learned is that communication with professors really matters. If you are confused about an assignment or struggling in a course, email communication can help a lot, especially if you are uncomfortable speaking in class. Most professors appreciate students who communicate respectfully and ask questions rather than waiting until the semester is almost over.

Beyond academics, psychology also changed the way I think about people in general. Many classes encourage you to think more deeply about behavior, relationships, identity, mental health, and social issues. Some topics can be emotionally heavy at times, but they can also make you more understanding and reflective.

Overall, being a psychology major at the University of Scranton has been a meaningful experience for me. It challenged me academically, helped me grow personally, and introduced me to topics that genuinely changed how I view people and the world around me. There will definitely be stressful moments, but there will also be moments where something you learn suddenly connects to real life in a way that makes the work feel worthwhile.

One thing I would also tell incoming students is not to compare themselves too much to other people in the major. Some students seem like they have everything figured out right away, while others are still trying to decide what area of psychology interests them most. That is completely normal. Psychology is such a broad field that it often takes time and experience in different courses to figure out what topics or career paths connect with you personally.

I wish you the best of luck throughout your time here. Be patient with yourself, ask for help when you need it, and try not to underestimate how quickly the years go by.

Sincerely,

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to your first year as a Psychology student at the University Of Scranton. This is one of the most exciting milestones in your life for sure. I am sure you are feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as you start this next chapter of your life and that’s all normal. Don't worry though you are in the right place and exactly where you are meant to be! On top of learning all about the this fun and interest major, you will meet amazing people, create unforgettable memories, and find yourself with growing both academically and personally.  

I actually started my college journey at another university and transferred to the University of Scranton for the start of my Junior year, but I think I was more anxious the second time around. No matter what, starting at a new school comes with so many different emotions. Over the past few years, I have learned so much here! Yes about psychology, but also about myself. Being a Psychology major will challenge you for sure but it will also open your eyes to truly how complex and fascinating people really are! You may even start noticing how you begin observing people for fun. In full honesty, some classes may come pretty easy to you and you’ll really enjoy them and then there are super challenging courses you’re going to stress about all semester! For me, I had to work extra hard in my Research Methods and Statistics class and writing the final paper is exhausting. Yet, as I sit and reflect over them all (even the most challenging) I find myself remembering the things I truly enjoyed learning about in each course, and how much growth over the past few years I’ve made. My advice is no matter what others say about the course or the professor, start each one with an open mind! 

Here are a few things I wish someone had told me at the start: 

First, Get Involved! Coming in as a junior this was a little trickier than starting off as a true freshman, but is it a wonderful way to put yourself out there, and meet lots of great people! Join things like the Psychology Club,become a research or teacher’s assistant when the time comes. You’ll gain so many important life long skills.  

Second, do not be afraid to speak up or ask questions during class! Trust me if you're confused the chance that someone else in the class is also confused is very high! No one has it all figured out yet we are all learning together! Also, if you are still confused or struggling, use the resources the school provides for extra services, and seek out your professors during their office hours because they are there to help you. 

Third, take care of yourself! College will be overwhelming at times as you learn to juggle school, work, sports, family, and friends. It’s easier than you think to start lacking nutrition and sleep, which believe it or not will eventually affect your grades! 

Lastly, get the books and DO THE READINGS!! You’ll be happy you did when the first POP Quiz is handed out. I know, it’s so tempting to skip the readings or even forgo the expense of buying books, but then you find yourself in a jam trying to write a paper or study on a book you didn't read or maybe don't even have. Trust me, doing these things will truly help your grade!  

One of my favorite aspects about being a Psychology major is the knowledge I’ve learned about people and how our brains work, along with the skills, ability and opportunities to understand people better; including myself. Whether it's learning about motivation, mental health, or how the brain works I often found myself thinking about how much it all makes sense now. It’s truly eye opening. 

Reflecting back, I have to admit I do have few small regrets. I wish I had taken advantage of more of the opportunities the University of Scranton offers. I would have enjoyed partaking in traveling abroad, partaking in more internships, or even being a teacher's assistant. I wish I had used the on-campus resources more. So don't wait on opportunities the University of Scranton offers, or the chance to build relationships with professors and peers.  

Overall, I am leaving Scranton with so much gratitude and so much to be thankful for. This school and major has challenged me, helped me grow, and is shaping my future. I have gained more confidence and discovered what  truly matters to me in just the two short years I have been here. Enjoy your time here, make memories, and study hard because the truth is your time here will go so fast! 

Best of wishes, 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Congratulations on your acceptance into the psychology program here at the University of Scranton. I know deciding on a school was not an easy decision. I can assure you that you made an excellent choice by choosing Scranton. It is my firm belief that we have a unique and rigorous psychology program. We may not be the largest institution, but quantity does not always mean quality, and we excel at providing a quality education. This letter will serve as a reflection of my experiences at the U and a sincere offering of advice for a freshman psychology major such as yourself. I hope you will read this letter carefully and take note of the suggestions, warnings, and regrets that I discuss.  

To be fully transparent, I did not enter the U as a psychology major. I began as a mechanical engineering major and maintained that role for my first two years. After three full-time semesters filled with academic stress and less than ideal grades, I realized I needed a change. I went to the chair of the psychology department, who warmly welcomed me into the program, and discussed the program outlook for my final two years. Indeed, it was possible for me to graduate on time with a complete major change two years into my collegiate career. I share this story to tell you that it is okay if your current major doesn’t feel like the right fit. It is not unusual to switch paths, and it is better to make a change early than to struggle through a major that isn’t for you. I regret not changing my major sooner, as my GPA suffered considerably in my first year. Word of advice, if you are failing a course in your first year, I would recommend dropping it or withdrawing from it to spare your GPA.  

This leads to my first major piece of advice: take your grades and GPA seriously from the outset. You may not think they are important now (I know I didn’t), but your first year GPA is what will set the tone for the following three years. If you start strong, it is easier to maintain a high GPA. But if you start off weak, it can be extremely difficult to bring it back up, even with near-perfect semesters. I know adjusting to college life can be challenging and the coursework may seem overwhelming, but I cannot stress this enough. Please give it your all and get satisfactory grades for your first two semesters. This is not meant to scare you, it is just genuine advice from a regretful senior who wishes he could redo freshman year. If you build momentum early, you will be more motivated to continue strong in the years that follow, and you will thank yourself for leading a successful and accomplished undergraduate career. 

You may be thinking, “Yeah, no duh GPA is important, why is this guy harping on it so much?” To that I would say, having a strong GPA sets you up nicely for future opportunities. Honor societies such as Psi Chi (international psychology honor society), Nu Rho Psi (national neuroscience honor society), and Pi Gamma Mu (international social sciences honor society) are all great opportunities for you to boost your resume and CV. These honor societies also provide opportunities for scholarships, lifelong memberships, and graduation regalia like cords and medallions. You and your fellow scholars will have a sense of pride for achieving these prestigious honors. A solid GPA may also get you accepted into the university’s Honors Program where you will be among the top performing students. You will take specialty classes, work closely with professors, and complete your own research thesis. The experience you will gain is no doubt irreplaceable and will give you a competitive edge when applying to graduate school or employment. This is coming from someone who did not get into the Honors Program or Psi Chi. These experiences, I am sure, will make your time at the U fulfilling and enriching and I encourage you to aim for these goals early. 

The next piece of advice I have is to get to know your professors. The psychology department has 11 full-time faculty and they are among the smartest and kindest people you will meet. They want to see you succeed and genuinely care about your academic, personal, and professional goals. You can build these relationships by taking multiple classes with the same professor, attending office hours, and seeking out opportunities to be a research or teaching assistant. The latter point is especially important if you are considering graduate school. I recommend getting involved with research as soon as you can, which would be the Spring semester of your second year. This is because most professors require you to have taken Research Methods and Statistical Analysis I before joining their lab, which usually takes place in the Fall of your second year. The earlier you get involved with research and build relationships, the better.  

Getting involved around campus is another piece of advice I offer. The university has tons of clubs and organizations that you can join. I recommend going to the activities fair which showcases most of the university’s clubs and sports teams. As a psychology major, I highly recommend joining the Psychology Club and APSSC (Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus). These two clubs will help you develop as a student and a professional and will give you sound advice and resources for future planning. They are also fun clubs and a great way to make friends, and of course, enjoy free food! Joining clubs could also expose you to officer positions, which is a great way to gain leadership experience for your CV and resume. At this point, you may be wondering “Why does he keep talking about resumes and CVs? I don’t even know what a CV is.” In short, a CV is a multipage document that encompasses all of your academic, professional, and research related achievements. 50% of psychology students pursue graduate school from our program and the other 50% go straight into the workforce. A resume and CV are important for both, which is why it is crucial for you to build them up with experiences.  

I advise you to begin looking into career paths as a freshman. I know it may seem like a ways off, but graduation will be here before you know it and it is not a bad idea to start planning early. I suggest looking up the different fields of psychology including: clinical, school, social, industrial/organizational, and cognitive psychology. Having a general understanding of these fields will guide you in shaping a career path. You will learn more about the fields of psychology and how to plan for post-baccalaureate careers during your junior year in the Career Development Seminar class. I also recommend checking out the Career Roadmap which can be found by searching “scranton psychology career roadmap” on Google. This will give a general breakdown of your four year sequence as a psychology major. Reviewing different career options will also help you decide which classes you want to take based on your interests. For example, if you are interested in clinical psychology, you should take PSYC 225: Psychopathology and PSYC 360: Clinical Psychology, which are both rigorous and enriching courses. More interested in neuroscience? Take PSYC 231: Behavioral Neuroscience and PSYC 230: Sensation and Perception. There is a psychology course for everyone and there is flexibility when choosing psychology electives, which is a unique feature of our program. Additionally, we offer PSYC 480: Field Experience in a Clinical Setting, where you will complete a 100-hour internship at a clinical placement and receive three credits. It is my understanding that we will be offering a class on applied behavior analysis (ABA) where you will acquire the certification to become a registered behavior technician (RBT). I also recommend taking this course if ABA interests you. It is a shame that they offer this class as soon as I graduate, but that’s neither here nor there.  

This may seem like a lot, but I am trying to set you up for success. If I had done even half of the things I mentioned in this letter, I would have left feeling much more accomplished. That is not to say my experience was bad, on the contrary, I have had a wonderful time at Scranton. I just wish I started as a psychology major and taken full advantage of the plethora of opportunities from the beginning. You get out what you put in. If you dedicate time and effort to achieving your goals, you will have an experience unlike any other. The U of S psychology department is a home away from home and I hope you have a fulfilling and memorable college experience. Again I say, welcome to the U, and Go Royals!  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Scranton! You have picked an amazing place to begin your journey in psychology. My first and most important advice is to be patient with yourself as you adjust to this new change. Starting college is a big transition, and it can feel overwhelming at first. I had never been away from home before attending Scranton. During my first semester, I was nervous and homesick and was unsure if I had made the right decision. Thankfully, my family encouraged me to give myself time and I am so grateful I did. Now, as a senior looking back, I can honestly say that staying at the University was one of the best decisions I have made. At the University, I have made lifelong friends, made some of my best memories, and have been mentored by professors who truly care about my success. I would have never had these experiences if I decided to leave. 

         My second piece of advice is to get to know the professors you will be working with for the next four years. Not only are the professors in the psychology department knowledgeable and great resources, but they are also kind, supportive, and approachable. The professors want to get to know you and they want you to succeed during your time here and all of your future endeavors. Don’t be afraid to go to their office hours, to ask questions, or to introduce yourself. Building relationships with your professors can lead to research opportunities, internship opportunities, and strong letters of recommendation. Building these connections early can make a big difference.  

         There are also many ways to get involved in the psychology department that will help you grow personally and professionally. I highly recommend joining the Psychology Club and the Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus (APSSC). I have been part of the Psychology Club since my first year and became an officer for APSSC during my junior year. These organizations have introduced me to students who had the same passion for psychology as me and they have been essential in helping me get to know other students in my major. In the Psychology Club, you will take part in department events, community service projects, and social events. In APSSC, you will grow professionally by learning more about the field, preparing for careers or graduate school, and connecting with students who have been in the same position as you.  

         The psychology department is also involved in research which can be beneficial for you to participate in. Many psychology professors in the department lead their research labs and welcome students to collaborate with them on projects. Since my junior year, I have worked in two different research labs and have contributed to five research projects. These experiences allowed me to present research at the Eastern Psychological Association conferences in Philadelphia and New York City, which is something I never imagined I would get to do as an undergraduate. Research is becoming more and more important in psychology, so I encourage you to consider joining a research lab. Every professor has their focus or specialty and if your interests relate to theirs, do not be afraid to reach out and express your interest in their work. The professors are here to help you grow and want you to become a part of their work.   

         Beyond research, make sure to investigate the Field Experience courses and Teaching Assistant positions offered by the psychology department. During my junior year, I joined the Field Experience in a Clinical Setting course and got to work in a clinical setting for a semester. My field experience gave me real-world exposure and hands-on learning opportunities that helped to confirm my passion for clinical psychology. Use this course as an opportunity to learn more about your interests in psychology and ensure that you are on the right path for you. Teaching Assistant (TA) positions are also a unique opportunity offered by the psychology department. Many larger universities only offer TA positions to graduate students, but at Scranton, these opportunities are offered to undergraduate students. Serving as a TA has strengthened my skills in communication, leadership, and collaboration, and set me apart from other students when I began interviewing with graduate programs in psychology.  

         Also, take the time to explore honors societies and Honors programs. Organizations such as Psi Chi, Pi Gamma Mu, and Nu Rho Psi are excellent for building your resume or CV, networking, and growing professionally. If you are interested in research, the Honors Program offers special and unique opportunities. Being a member of the program, I have designed and carried out my own original research project, taken Keystone courses only offered to Honors Program students, and created my own Honors Tutorials where I have gotten to work one-on-one with my professors. Through this program, I have not only grown as a researcher but have also had the chance to form more meaningful relationships with my professors and peers. I highly recommend investigating these opportunities.  

         Finally, my last piece of advice is to enjoy your time at the University of Scranton. I remember students telling me that college would go by fast, and I never believed them. Now, as I prepare to graduate, I see just how true that was. These four years fly by so make the most of them. Try new things, meet new people, and embrace all the opportunities the University of Scranton has to offer. I will always be grateful for the support and guidance I have received from the psychology department and for the friendships I have made here. Watching my peers grow alongside me has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us. Good luck as you begin your exciting new chapter! 

Sincerely,  

A Graduating Psychology Major 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

During my time at the University of Scranton as a psychology major, I have learned many valuable lessons, some academic, some personal, and many that I wish someone had told me sooner. Perhaps the most important lesson is this: have a plan.  

It is easy to come into to college thinking psychology is a flexible, umbrella major, and in many ways it is. You will hear over and over again that it opens the door to countless career paths, and that is not wrong. However, what people often fail to mention is that many of those doors remain closed unless you pursue graduate school. That is the cath. A bachelor’s degree in psychology alone does not always translate into specialized, high paying jobs. You have to take charge of your own path early on if you want to make the most out of your time here. Remember you are here to create a future for yourself, not just for fun.  

Graduate school is competitive, expensive, and not something to take lightly. If you already have an idea of what you want to do, whether it is counseling, research, healthcare, or something else entirely, take the time to research what graduate programs require. Look into prerequisites, recommended experiences, and what makes an applicant stand out. Then, tailor your undergraduate curriculum and extracurricular involvement accordingly.  

I will be honest, I did not take this advice myself. I was not involved in any clubs or organizations on campus. At the time, I thought I was making the right decision, leaving space for fun, socializing, and less stress. But as I approach graduation and begin applying for jobs, I am feeling the pressure. Many of the entry level jobs available to psychology majors are also open to people with only a high school diploma. That is a tough reality to face after four years of hard work and tuition payments.  

That said, you can prepare in ways that will set you apart. If you are thinking about graduate school but concerned about the coat, get involved. Join clubs, participate in research, take on leadership roles, and build strong relationships with your professors. These things do not just help your resume, they help you discover you interests, find your community, and make the most of college life. Connections are everything, if you have connections, use them.  

 Speaking of professors, I can genuinely say I have never had a truly negative experience with anyone in the psychology department. Of course, I have not had every professor, but I have had most, and I am the type of person who will absolutely speak up if something is not working. Across the board, our faculty is passionate, supportive, and eager to see students succeed. Some are more engaging than others, sure, but none are unbearable. They care about both the material and the people learning it.  

Now lets talk about Research Methods. You will hear stories about this class, it has a reputation. Yes, it is hard. It can be frustrating, stressful, and at times, deeply confusing. But you will survive it, I promise. The good news is that everyone else in your class is going through the same thing. Band together, form study groups, vent over Starbucks, you will come together stronger, more capable, and probably with a few lifelong friends.  

That brings me to another high point of my experience, the people. I met my three closest friends through the psychology program. It was the very first class of my first semester. I walked in, saw two girls who looked friendly, and felt an instant connection. WE alter added another friend during our shared struggles in Research Methods. That bond, born out of long nights and shared stress, turned into something incredibly special. Eventually, you will start to recognize most of the students in your year within the department. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself and make connections, you never know who will end up being your best friend.  

If I could do one thing differently it would be to front-load my credits. Take heavier course loads your first couple of semesters if you can. It may seem overwhelming at first, but it frees up your junior and senior year for things that matter, research opportunities, internships, or simply enjoying your final years with friends. As I write this during my own spring semester of senior year, I can barely bring myself to open my laptop. When the weather turns warm, your motivation will disappear. Give yourself space to enjoy that time without stressing over a full course load.  

Finally, yes, its cliché, but it is for a reason, it is the truth. College goes by way too fast. One minute you are moving into your freshman dorm and getting your stress ball brain, and the nest you are picking up your cap and gown. You will have good days and bad, easy classes and hard ones, moments when you want to skip class and moment when you feel completely inspired. Skip a class once in a while if you want, it will not ruin your life but do try to stay present. These four years are over before you know it, and you will miss it more than you expect.  

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Dear incoming Psychology student,

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Scranton. Although I am probably biased in saying you have made the right decision coming to this school, you have also selected the most fascinating, innovative, and rewarding fields to study. I am unsure when you will be reading this, and perhaps you have already settled in, but do not worry—you will feel at home soon. This is a big change and it is normal to feel overwhelmed and want to go back to the safety that is home (if you are living on campus). I was overwhelmed when I started college. I missed my family, friends, my room, and the routine I had become dependent on. However, in a matter of days, I started to remember why I chose the U, it became my home away from home. As someone who switched to Psychology as a sophomore, I can tell you from experience that the professors and the students in the Psych department are unlike other majors. The professors work hard to get to know the psych students (especially psych majors) and form relationships that foster growth. As I prepare to graduate with my degree in psychology, I wanted to share a few things I wish I had known when I first started—insights that I hope will guide you as you begin your journey.

My first piece of advice is to join a club or two. You will hear this advice countless times over your first few weeks, but they will tell you to join as many as you want. Sure, maybe good advice, but do not overwhelm yourself by thinking you have to go to every meeting. Clubs are a great way to make friends but they are not the only way. I found my close friends through my classes and on my floor. It can be hard to put yourself out there and if you are like me and are shy it can feel impossible. You can (and will) do great things. Start small, maybe compliment something the person next to you is wearing, or ask where they are from. One thing I wish I had known at the beginning of my time as a psych major is that it is okay to not know where you want to go with a psych degree. This field, and this program, is competitive and you will meet people who are always busy with 2 jobs, field experience, eight clubs, 20 credits, and still have a near-perfect GPA. If you take anything from this letter please take this: you do not have to be anyone but yourself. Your only competition is with yourself. Don’t burn yourself out trying to impress people. If you do not know what you want to do with your psych degree, which you do not have to stress about now, I suggest taking a variety of different types of psychology. I enjoyed Forensic Psychology and Psychopathology along with plenty of other courses. A lot of people focus on the professors teaching classes to pick what courses they want to take, but I suggest focusing more on the content.

As you begin to settle into college and make this place your home away from home, start to get more involved. I have always been painfully shy and although I have grown a lot throughout college I still had a hard time putting myself out there. It is important to remember that professors are here to help you grow inside and outside of the classroom. If you want to, I suggest looking into being a research and/or teaching assistant! Depending on the professor, some may reach out to the top students in the class, while others expect students to reach out to them. Don’t let the fear of being told no stop you! A great professor at the U once told me when I was candid about my anxiety to challenge anxious thoughts with positive thoughts. Instead of allowing yourself to think, what if they say no? Ask yourself what if they say yes? It sounds silly, but it does save some time from overthinking.

In your junior year, you will have the opportunity to do field experience through the psychology department. It is not mandatory but I think that it is worth it. Although I did not get my first choice placement and ended up somewhere that did not align with my future career goals I would choose that place again. You learn more than you can learn in a textbook through hands-on work. You learn to listen more, judge less, and it exemplifies your desire to help people.

It is okay if your interests change. I started thinking I wanted to go on to get my PhD and all of that extra schooling, but my advisor helped me find my real passion which is working with kids in a hospital setting. This goes back to my previous point: you do not have to burn yourself out to keep up with everyone else. Be open to change. If you feel lost, reach out to professors in the psych department. There were times in my college experience when it seemed like nothing was going right and my performance was slipping or I had to take time off. In my opinion, the psychology professors were the most understanding compared to other professors. This leads to my final and most important piece of advice: please take care of yourself. You can’t help other people if you don’t help yourself. You will hear the basics all through college: drink water, sleep well, and go to the counseling center. Of course, this is all sound advice but it almost feels automatic when you hear it. Find something other than school that you love. Get into a routine that works for you and find the times when you are most productive. You do not and should not try to be productive all the time. Put aside time every day to wind down and do whatever makes you happy. It is okay to not want to be with people all the time.

All the best,

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Congratulations on your acceptance into the University’s psychology program! As you embark on this journey, you are likely feeling a combination of excitement and uncertainty. With this letter, I hope to reinforce your excitement and alleviate your uncertainty by sharing my experiences. While attending Scranton, I have taken fascinating courses, conducted research with faculty members, served as a teaching assistant, and completed an internship. However, instead of detailing each of these endeavours, I think it would be more illuminating to summarize my experiences in a series of superlatives: most informative, unexpected, rewarding, and challenging. 

While all of my psychology courses were informative, social psychology was particularly illuminating. Prior to taking this course, I viewed education as a purely intellectual pursuit that existed within the confines of the classroom. In social psychology, I learned material that had clear implications for the social problems I regularly observed outside of the classroom. I emerged from the class more knowledgeable about the social systems that make up our world and more prepared to enact the change I wanted to see. While social psychology may not be your area of interest, you will almost certainly take a class that ends up being transformative in some way. My classmates have been similarly enraptured by courses in cognitive, clinical, and numerous other psychology courses. As you look onward to your time at the university, I hope this affirms your excitement in pursuing this major. 

The most unexpected experience I had as a psychology student was discovering my passion for research. As an incoming freshman, I saw research as a hurdle I would have to complete to earn my degree. I planned to avoid it at all costs. My perspective changed in my sophomore year, when two professors asked me to join their research labs. Since I had enjoyed their classes, I decided to give it a try. I quickly realized that my stereotypical perception of research as a mind-numbing, sterile process of number-crunching was inaccurate. Instead, I found that psychology research involves scientifically addressing the most pressing aspects of the human experience. I worked on projects regarding microaggressions, mental health stigma, environmental actions, and psychotherapy. Through these experiences, I gained an appreciation for research as a core part of psychology. I strongly encourage all incoming psychology students to get involved in at least one research lab during their time at the University. Since the department has professors who specialize in diverse areas of psychology, you will have little trouble finding research that aligns with your particular interests.  

A cornerstone of the University’s psychology program is the field experience course. Taking this course was the most rewarding experience of my education at Scranton. Completing an internship gave me the opportunity to explore my interests so I could make an informed decision about my future career path. Based on my interest in working with adolescents, I was placed at a high school mental health center. During this internship, I attended supervision meetings, observed family sessions, and participated in individual sessions. It was deeply fulfilling to form connections with clients and watch them grow over time. Overall, my experience deepened my desire to pursue a career in clinical psychology and affirmed my interest in working with the adolescent population. I strongly encourage all psychology majors to complete an internship before graduating, as it provides a great opportunity to explore your interests.  

The most challenging experience of being a psychology major was taking the research methods and statistics course sequence. This experience was so challenging because it required me to think and learn in ways that I had not before. However, despite the stress and exhaustion these classes invoked, they provided me with incredibly useful knowledge and skills. Learning the fundamentals of research methods made it possible for me to get involved in research labs. Additionally, gaining proficiency in statistical analysis made me a competitive applicant for graduate school. While you may feel stressed about taking these courses, you can be confident that you will emerge with a set of widely applicable skills and a sense of accomplishment. 

Given these experiences, I have three pieces of advice for how to get the most out of your time at Scranton, both academically and personally. First, be flexible! You may be coming into the program with a set plan for the courses you will take, the grades you will earn, and the career path you will pursue. While at Scranton, I have learned that some of these plans will definitely change. Some of the most fulfilling experiences I had at the University came unexpectedly: View this uncertainty as a source of excitement rather than one of stress. Second, participate! Whether it be in class discussions, research, or extracurriculars, try your best to get involved. This program will provide you with abundant opportunities to make friends, excel in your academics, and achieve your long-term goals. While you cannot take every opportunity that is provided to you, try to regularly push yourself to accept challenges and pursue your interests. Third, make time for fun! During my first two years at Scranton, I frequently missed out on social events and fun activities because I was consumed with studying. Although it is certainly important to prioritize your education, a big part of college is self-exploration. Remember that you are more than your grades and make time to do things for you.  

I hope you found this letter helpful in learning what to expect as a psychology student at the University. The psychology department was my home for four years, and I hope you experience that same sense of community. Good luck and best wishes! 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to the University of Scranton's Psychology Department! If you are not set on your path or still figuring out exactly what you want to do, know this: You are in the right place. I am writing two weeks before my graduation date, and I will say that my time at the University of Scranton has been a journey. It was not completely smooth; there have been road bumps, but I would not change the result. 

 I came to the University of Scranton as a neuroscience major on the pre-med track. I chose the neuroscience major based on what I thought would be impressive and what people were pushing me to do. I soon found that I was in the wrong major due to feelings of distress, self-doubt, lack of motivation, limited interests, and poor academic performance. Switching to the psychology major was one of the best decisions I ever made, and most importantly, it was my decision. One of my only regrets about the Psychology major is that I did not get to it sooner, as I entered as a sophomore. Although I was behind in my major, the professors and students in the program were welcoming and helpful. I felt that I belonged for the first time during my college career. 

However, because of my anxious personality, I kept to myself at first. Intimated about the relationships already formed before entering the program, I avoided clubs, did not seek research opportunities, and hesitated to speak up in class. Looking back, I see how my choices were driven by my insecurities and not by any real barriers. Everything started to change when I started to allow myself to open up to others. Once I did, I made friends with intelligent, empathetic, and similar-minded people.  

If you take one thing from my letter, it is not to hold yourself back. My advice is to try your best not to self-doubt and put yourself out there. Do not miss out on opportunities that you will regret missing in the future. Attend Psychology Club and Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus (APSSC) meetings. Do not let unfamiliarity with students hold you back; these clubs are designed for you to build connections. 

Even if you are worried that you are not good enough, go to professors' office hours and ask them what you can improve on, if there are any research opportunities, or if they are looking for a teacher's assistant. I did not do these tasks as a student, and I regret it immensely. I am thankful that there were some required meetings with professors, for if there had not been, I would have missed out on valuable guidance and advice.   

Additionally, take classes with as many professors in the department as possible. Of course, there will be professors you learn best from or relate to more, but each professor has touched my education in one way or another. Every professor brings something unique to the table. Know your professors and make sure they know you. When the time comes, you will need a letter of recommendation or reference for graduate school or the workforce. Professors will have difficulty writing a shining recommendation that captures all the parts that make you a great candidate if they do not know you well enough. 

As the last graduating psychology class from Alumni Memorial Hall (AMH), enjoy the new Weiss Hall building! During your journey as a student, find a common room in Weiss Hall where all psychology students work on assignments, study, or hang out during their breaks. I started making friends in the psychology department by meeting with them in the computer lab at AMH. Sometimes, the professors like to stop in and say hi, too.  

As someone interested in becoming a clinical psychologist, I recommend taking the Clinical Psychology course. Once you complete it, you will be eligible to sign up for field experience. I learned a lot from my practicum placement, and I am confident you will, too. 

I am grateful for this department, which gave me a fresh start and a sense of belonging. Psychology has helped me become a better talker, listener, peer, friend, and student. I now have a clearer understanding of myself, which will aid my journey to becoming a clinical psychologist. Thank you to my professors and friends I made along the way. 

I am excited for you and your University of Scranton Psychology student journey. I wish you the best. Be brave and curious, and put yourself out there. As one of my professors would quote, "Think with a scientist's brain and feel with a humanist's heart." 

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(#36)

Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to the beginning of what I hope will be an incredibly meaningful, transformative, and fulfilling journey. As I sit down to write this letter, I’m filled with gratitude and awe at how quickly these years have flown by. Being a psychology major at this university has not only shaped my academic path, but it has also deeply shaped who I am as a person. The University of Scranton has profoundly impacted the person I am today.  

I was one of those students who dove in headfirst. I served as President of both the Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus and our chapter of Psi Chi, and as Vice-President of the Psychology Club. These roles gave me more than leadership experience, they gave me a sense of purpose, a voice, and a chance to foster community among students who shared my passion for psychology. I also found myself involved in many other campus organizations, and I encourage you to do the same. College is about more than your major, it’s about growing into a fuller version of yourself. 

In the classroom, I pushed myself to be present and engaged. I was honored to be selected as a Teaching Assistant for Clinical Psychology course, which gave me an entirely new appreciation for the discipline and for the hard work professors do behind the scenes. I was also a research assistant and a proud member of the University Honors Program. Presenting posters at conferences became a highlight of my academic career, it was where I saw my classroom learning come to life and where I found my voice as a budding researcher. I recently defended my thesis and it was a special moment presenting a topic I was so familiar with to my research committee and peers.  

Some of the most valuable experiences I had were outside of the classroom. I completed several internships, both for credit and for pay, and each one gave me a clearer sense of what I want to do and why this field matters. Seeing real-world applications of psychological theory, whether through clinical work, research, or outreach, reminded me again and again that psychology is not just about studying the mind, but about serving others with compassion and insight. I worked with different populations in Scranton and out of state which were incredible experiences that I think of regularly. It was incredible to be immersed in mental health organizations and make wonderful connections.  

Academically, I worked hard and achieved results I’m proud of. But more than grades or accolades, it’s the relationships and the growth I experienced here that I’ll carry with me. The faculty members became mentors. The students became collaborators and friends. The experiences, big and small, shaped my values and strengthened my belief in the power of psychology to make a difference. 

If I could offer you one piece of advice, it would be to stay curious and open. Psychology is a field that constantly invites you to question what you think you know, about others and about yourself. Some of the most powerful learning moments I had came from being surprised, challenged, or even uncomfortable. Don’t shy away from those experiences. Take classes that push you outside your comfort zone. Have conversations with people who think differently than you. Let yourself evolve. This major isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about learning to ask better, deeper questions. Trust that you’re growing, even when it’s not obvious. Growth in this field, and in life, is often quiet and gradual, but incredibly real. 

If I have any regrets, it's only that I didn’t give myself more time to rest and reflect. In chasing achievement, I sometimes forgot to pause and savor the moment. So, while I urge you to work hard and be involved, I also hope you’ll take time for yourself. College is not just preparation for life, it is life. 

This department, this campus, and this community have given me so much. As I say goodbye, I do so with a full heart. My hope is that you will find inspiration, challenge, and joy here, and that you’ll leave with a sense of purpose that will carry you forward, just as I am now. As the psychology department transitions to a new building, I hope it serves you well and you fall in love with the new building as I did with Alumni Memorial Hall. As I transition to a doctoral program in the fall, I express my gratitude to the department of psychology for propelling me through my undergraduate studies.  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major. 

Congratulations on the beginning of your adventure at the University of Scranton! I can definitely reassure you that this was the right choice and one that I am so pleased that I made when I was a freshman. By choosing psychology, you’re stepping into a field that’s endlessly fascinating, deeply relevant, and filled with mystery, emotion, science, and yes — a few rats in mazes and people named Freud. However, while you may have heard a bit about psychology, remember psychology isn’t just about old experiments or couch sessions. It’s about real life — your life. You’ve signed up to explore how people think, feel, behave, connect, break down, bounce back, and grow. Whether you plan to become a therapist, a researcher, a teacher, or just someone who wants to understand people (and themselves) better — you’re in the right place. 

I’m sure you’re experiencing a lot of emotions, both positive and negative, because I sure did when I was a freshman leaving home for the first time. It is completely normal to feel unsure, out of place, and even a little scared - everyone feels this way, you are NOT alone! I started my freshman year as an Undecided major and committing to psychology my Sophomore year was one of the choices I wish I made sooner. You will learn quickly that psychology majors are truly unique and different from a lot of other majors at the U. My first piece of advice is finding a friend in your psychology classes who is also a psychology major. Typically all psychology majors in the same year will end up in at least 3 of the same classes together, so you can’t really escape each other. Having a friend you can form a study group with, sit next to in classes, go to events, or even go to dinner with was something that made my experience here so much better. Finding a good friend when you first get to Scranton is something that is definitely hard to do when navigating your new life, but I believe in you!  

Another piece of advice I’d love to give that helped me was finding a club to join. You will receive information soon about the club fair, which you should definitely go to. While it is definitely intimidating with 50+ clubs on campus, there is truly something for everyone. Personally, I found my community in Liva Arts Company, while theater isn’t for everyone, I can attest that everyone in that club will support you through the beginning to the end of your time here. Even if it’s just to gain your footing, finding a place where you feel a sense of belonging will truly help so much. I also recommend this because my freshman year I found myself not wanting to leave my dorm because I was nervous about looking like a loner, not having someone to hang out with, or even just having a hard time adjusting. Finding a reason to get out and about in the community, while it might be uncomfortable at first, you won’t regret it.  

For me, I still am struggling understanding where exactly I want to take my degree in psychology. I can promise you, most of the people surrounding you in the major also aren’t completely sure. There are truly so many choices of fields to enter once you graduate, as many people say, you can really do anything with a degree in psych. I strongly recommend taking the most experiences you possibly can. Try an internship in a field you have even the smallest bit of interest in, you won’t lose anything for trying. I tried a variety of different fields in psychology, particularly within the law focus. Through a semester-long internship, I realized that wasn’t what I wanted to do and now I'm one step closer to finding out what I’m truly passionate about. There isn’t anything wrong with trying new things, not every course or field is going to interest you and that’s ok! Try that interestingly titled class that piques your interest, it might be something you are truly passionate about.  

Remembering that you are human is also key when entering college, and quite easy to forget. If you feel like nothing is going right or your way, you aren’t alone, professors are here to understand and help you through the college experience. Especially psych professors are best to ask for assistance because truly they do understand what you are going through. If you need an extension, just ask (I know it’s scary). Don’t push yourself past your limits, it won’t help you, your grades, likelihood of getting into grad school or anything else. Keeping the understanding of yourself and your abilities realistic is key, you are only human. You are adjusting to a lot right now and people all around the U are here to support you in your journey.  

Most of all, the most important piece of advice I want you to know is this: you belong here. You made the right choice. You’ve joined a vibrant, supportive, and sometimes quirky community that’s here to grow with you. We’re excited for everything you’ll learn, the questions you’ll ask, and the unique perspective you’ll bring. Welcome to the psych family. You’ve got this.  

Wishing you the best of luck,  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

These next four years are about to be an amazing but challenging experience for you, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. When I started here at the University, I was a biology major but as a first year I took Intro to Psychology which sparked my interest. I decided before the start of my junior year here that I wanted to change my major to Psychology which was the best decision that I ever made. Although I only got two years in the major, I am still so grateful for them. The faculty in this department are the best and they all truly want to see you succeed. They will provide you with so many awesome opportunities some of which I got to take part in myself. 

The experience that is the most important to me is the clinical field experience course. I was able to go to a real placement in the community to experience and learn about real life people that have the conditions that you will learning about throughout your time here. My placement was in a court that specializes in people that found themselves in the criminal justice system while also experiencing severe psychological disorders. I spent 100 hours over a full semester at this facility and I really did learn so much. You will sit in so many classrooms and take in so much information which is also very important but there is something different about getting to see it all happening in real life. It will make everything that you’ve learned make much more sense. You will also get the opportunity to work alongside a supervisor in the placement and other staff there as well. This is a great opportunity to connect with people actively working in the field and they can answer a lot of your questions as well. With that being said, if I could only recommend one experience that I think you should do, it would without a doubt be this one. Heavily consider this when you become a junior or a senior. 

When it comes to different courses offered here at the University, there are so many interesting ones that I really enjoyed. Just so you know though, you may not love every course and that is okay and completely normal. It is still important though to experience a wide variety of fields in psychology and having well rounded knowledge in them will definitely be helpful. One course that you will hear about from students that have already taken it is Statistics and Research Methods. Many students did not have a good experience with this course since it is a lot, and it is hard work. Statistics is not easy, but it is very important in the psychology field and once you understand it, I think it can almost be kind of fun. In my personal experience, I liked that class in a way. Although it was challenging, the knowledge you get from it is quite useful. A piece of advice I have for you when it comes to this class and also any class at the whole University is ask questions and go to professors’ office hours! The professors are once again there to help you, and they can help you better your understanding if you are stuck on something. 

Some of my favorite classes that I have taken here are psychopathology, lifespan development, and psychology of language. Psychopathology is an important class in my opinion. It teaches you about all the disorders in the DSM and their symptoms. This class is very good for people that are interested in taking clinical psychology at some point. Lifespan development is also a very interesting class since it teaches how people develop throughout their while life from before they are even born. Psychology of language is also one of my favorite classes because it is a fun and interesting elective where you would learn how language develops in people starting as infants and how language is learned in different cultures. I highly recommend taking all these courses at some point. 

Clubs within the program, like the psychology club for example are a great way to get involved in fun activities and make friends with the same interests as you. They even put on an event this year where we all got together and played cornhole and ate ice cream. One of my regrets is not getting more involved in club activities. I suggest that you try out as many clubs as you can because there is so many fun things you can get involved in through them. Also, making connections with fellow students is important.  

Good luck and enjoy every moment, it goes fast! 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Welcome to the Psychology Department at The University of Scranton! As someone who’s at the finishing line of this journey, I want to offer a heartfelt congratulations for choosing this path. Studying psychology at Scranton has been one of the most rewarding, challenging, and eye-opening experiences of my life. Now, as I say goodbye, I’d like to share some reflections, some advice, and maybe even a few things I wish I had done differently.

When I first arrived, I wasn’t totally sure what I was getting myself into. Psychology intrigued me and I knew I liked understanding people, figuring out how the mind works, and helping others. But, I didn’t realize just how broad and deep this field really is. Over the past few years, I’ve studied everything from memory and brain structures to social behaviors and research statistics. Some courses fascinated me while others were difficult and sometimes frustrating. But every single one shaped how I think, how I study, and how I see the world. Let me say this clearly that psychology is not just about helping people. Yes, that’s often part of it, and if that’s what drew you in, you’re in the right place. But psychology is also a science. That means you’ll need to befriend data, embrace research methods, and get comfortable with things like APA formatting. I remember dreading research-heavy classes at first, but by the time I finished my last project, I realized just how empowering it is to ask a question and use real data to explore it. Don’t underestimate how valuable these skills are not just in psychology, but in life.

One of the best things about this department is the variety of courses you can take. Try everything. Cognitive, developmental, abnormal, social, cultural, biological, you may find your passion in a place you didn’t expect. Be open-minded. I walked into a sensation & perception class expecting to be totally lost, and instead I walked away with a new appreciation for the brain’s complexity and how biology intersects with behavior. Outside of classes, get involved. Whether it’s the psychology club, research assistant positions, or volunteer work through the department, these experiences matter. They help you build friendships, deepen your understanding of psychology, and prepare for life after graduation. Plus, they make your time here more meaningful. I remember working on a research project during one semester, and it pushed me to apply what I’d learned in class in a hands-on, real-world way. It was one of the most valuable parts of my college experience.

I won’t pretend every moment was easy. There were times I felt overwhelmed, burned out, or unsure if I was even in the right major. If that happens to you, know that you’re not alone. Talk to your peers. Ask questions. Seek out help when you need it, whether that’s from the counseling center, your advisor, or the tutoring center. Scranton is full of people who really care about your success and don’t be afraid to lean on that support. And while you’re working hard, don’t forget to live. This is also about you experiencing college life! Go to that event. Join that club. Say yes to that weekend excursion with your friends. Psychology teaches us about the importance of balance, but sometimes we forget to apply that to our own lives. Some of my best memories from Scranton came from stepping outside my comfort zone, both academically and socially. If I could go back and change anything, I would have asked more questions and I would have gotten to know my classmates and professors sooner. I would have been braver about pursuing internships and talking to alumni. I let fear of not being “good enough” hold me back in some moments and I hope you won’t make the same mistake. You belong here and you have something to contribute. Don’t be afraid to speak up, reach out, and push yourself a little harder.

Most of all, I want to encourage you to trust the process. Psychology isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about learning how to ask better questions, how to think critically, and how to make sense of the complexities of human behavior. Whether you go on to be a therapist, researcher, teacher, businessperson, or something else entirely, your time in this program will prepare you well. As I leave The University of Scranton, I carry with me not just knowledge, but a deeper sense of empathy, curiosity, and resilience. This place, this major, this journey completely changed me and I hope it changes you too for the better. Good luck. Study hard. Be kind to yourself. And enjoy every moment, you’ll be walking across that graduation stage before you know it.

Warmly,

A Psychology Student

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Congratulations on your past achievements that have led you to start your Undergraduate experience as a Psychology Major, and welcome to the University of Scranton! I hope that you are having a warm and positive start to your college experience. The University of Scranton has many exciting opportunities waiting for you!

I know that starting a new school is an experience that is filled with mixed emotions. The University of Scranton has various resources around campus in place to support students throughout their academic journey. The University of Scranton has a great selection of career counseling, mental health support, and activities around campus that have helped me with my adjustment to the University. I am grateful for the social, academic, and personal growth that I’ve made throughout my time in Scranton.

I began my first year knowing that I was interested in learning about mental health and career opportunities available in the field of Psychology after graduation. Throughout my undergraduate experience, I had the opportunity to participate in several activities that enhanced my interests. I enjoyed taking the courses Psychopathology, Social Psychology, and the two Lifespan Development courses offered. After finishing my first year, I decided that I wanted to add the Lifespan and Development Concentration to my academic plan. I took the courses Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Case Management/Interviewing, and Field Experience in a Clinical Setting to complete my minor. After finishing the minor, I would conclude that it was a positive experience, and I am happy that I made the decision to take these courses.

The Field Experience in a Clinical Setting Course was one of my favorite experiences as a Psychology Major. I completed an internship in Scranton where I had the opportunity to co-facilitate group therapy sessions, observe intakes, draft group notes, and build relationships with professionals. I enjoyed meeting clients and gaining professional experience. This experience helped me develop skills that will be helpful throughout my future career. The course offers a wide range of internship locations around the greater Scranton area. There will be a location that will align with your interests in the field, there are many internship locations to choose from. I also enjoyed the once-a-week discussion based seminar that is required during this course. I enjoyed connecting with my peers and having a chance to meet new people with similar interests as me. All in all, this opportunity helped me determine my future career goals and I would recommend considering registering for this opportunity throughout your undergraduate experience at The University of Scranton.

In addition to the Lifespan and Development Concentration, I also added a Counseling and Human Services Minor. I enjoyed learning about counseling skills and practicing them so they can be used properly outside of the classroom. Many of the Counseling and Human Services courses have a Community-Based Learning component, which I especially enjoyed because it allowed students to participate in supporting individuals around the community. College is a very busy time, and I appreciated the opportunity to spend portions of my day outside of the classroom and helping in the community. I particularly enjoyed the courses Case Management/Interviewing, Counseling LGBTQ+ Individuals, and Introduction to Human Adjustment. Also, the faculty in this program are exceptional, they are all very knowledgeable and kind. Overall, I am delighted with my decision to add the minor, and I would recommend this decision to students who are also interested in learning more about Counseling.

Some of my favorite memories that I made in the Psychology Department are those that I made through joining a Student-Faculty Research Project. I started by taking the course, Psychology of Racism, and found interest in the discussed topics, and decided to ask the professor if I could participate in related research. I administered questionnaires, analyzed data, co-authored a poster, and then had the opportunity to present the project in Philadelphia. The following year, more students joined the research project and we developed a research team. As a result, I had the opportunity to be the first author, and co-author, and present two research posters at a conference in New York City. If you are interested in research, I would recommend joining a Student-Faculty Research Project, I loved my experience!

I appreciate the support that the University of Scranton staff has had throughout my academic experience. The faculty at the University of Scranton is happy to answer career-based questions, course questions, or questions about the field that they work in. I enjoyed learning about the experiences that my professors went through to be where they are now. Please do not hesitate to reach out to faculty if you ever find yourself confused in a class or while navigating your career. I regret not utilizing the support of my faculty, even if I had not taken their class yet until I was an upperclassman. It is always okay to ask for help, the University of Scranton is an incredibly supportive community! All faculty will be more than happy to help you navigate through your experiences, and I remember feeling incredibly nervous to reach out initially.

Please do not be afraid to try new things. Taking a chance and trying something new can be a great way to learn new skills! I decided to study abroad in Rome, Italy during my Junior Year, and I am so happy that I decided to do so. I absolutely loved this experience, and it helped enhance my perception of the world. I remember feeling nervous to study abroad, become a research assistant, add a minor and concentration, but it is important to remember that taking a chance and getting outside of a comfort zone can result in positive experiences.

These four years went by so fast, and I am sad to say goodbye. The University of Scranton has been such a wonderful place to live and study these past four years. The friends, community, and opportunities that I have met here have been overwhelmingly positive. I found it particularly important to navigate my choices with an open mind, and positive attitude, and following my interests helped me find my place at the University. I wish you the best of luck on your journey, always be yourself and follow your dreams!

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major:

Congratulations on entering this incredibly exciting period of your life! I think that graduating high school is one of the most rewarding and terrifying experiences that students experience. It marks the end of your life as you know it, and often means that great changes are about to occur in your life. These changes feel scary in the beginning; leaving the people that you love to embark on a new journey is painful. However, I promise that this pain will morph into joy as you settle into your new home at Scranton. It may take a little while, but if you embrace the new people, places, and opportunities that are in front of you, you will find what is meant for you.

Choosing to be in the Psychology program at Scranton is one of the best choices I had made in my college career. When I first arrived at Scranton, I was a Nursing major. This major felt like the right choice at the time, but ultimately proved to not be the path for me. After a year and a half in the program, I switched to Psychology, and have not looked back since. As soon as I began taking psychology classes full-time, I fell in love with the field. One thing I love about the Psychology classes at Scranton is their small size. I have gotten to know every one of my psychology professors here at Scranton, and I am so thankful to have gotten so much individualized attention as I grew in my interests.

My favorite course that I have taken as a Psychology major at Scranton was my Field Experience in Clinical Settings course. Through this course, I had the opportunity to complete 150 hours as an intern in a Clinical Psychology setting. I interned in both the Social Work and the Behavioral Health units at Saint Joseph Center in Dunmore. Prior to this internship, I knew that I wanted to go into Clinical Psychology, but I was not sure which patient population I would like to work with. My field experience introduced me to working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and has inspired me to pursue a doctoral degree that will allow me to work closely with this population. I encourage you strongly to take advantage of the opportunities that Scranton will offer you to hone your career interests, especially those that will expose you to professionals in your field of choice.

I am also incredibly thankful for the opportunities I have had to perform research with professors at Scranton. As someone who joined the Psychology program as a sophomore, I remember being scared that I was “too late to the game”, and that I would not be able to find professors with openings in their research labs. I am so glad that I was brave enough to ask to participate in research. I found that the professors in the psychology department are thrilled to involve students in research, and will help you to find the best labs and research topics for you. I did research in both forensic and social psychology, and had the privilege of presenting my research at psychological conferences. Completing research projects increased my confidence in collaborating with others, and ultimately inspired me to pursue higher education in psychology. I encourage you to engage and develop relationships with your professors as early as possible, whether that is through research or other means or collaboration.

One of the best parts of being a Psychology major at Scranton was incorporating my other academic interests beyond psychology into my coursework. I am also a Philosophy major, and I have loved studying how my two majors relate. I highly recommend taking as many courses in other areas as you can, and adding an additional major, minor, or concentration to your degree. You come to love psychology even more when you see how it is involved in your other passions!

Incoming Psychology Major, I am so excited for everything you have ahead of you. Beyond being a psychology major, I encourage you to not be afraid of making mistakes in your time at college. Trust me, they will happen. Forgive yourself as much as possible, and learn from your mistakes. In your freshman year, you will find people that end up being friends for life…and some that will not. Embrace the uncertainty as you navigate your new social life, and trust that the people that are meant for you will come. Say hello to as many people as possible, especially your classmates! The people you next to every day may become your best friends…that is what happened to me! I am so thankful that I stepped outside of my comfort zone and befriended my classmates, and for the growth we experienced together over the last four years. Finally, treat every day at Scranton like a blessing- trust me, time will fly, and before you know it, you will be graduating! This is one of the most precious parts of your life, and I promise that you will look back with just as much love for Scranton as I have by the end of your time here.

With love, 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,  

Welcome to Scranton! Everyone is going to ask you if you’ve watched The Office, if the answer is “no”, do not feel bad. I have been here for four years and still have not seen a single minute. My first day in Scranton, my floormates and I did ice breakers as part of our meeting with our RA. When I shared that my major was psychology, someone asked me (and this is a direct quote) “Oh! Well, what mental illness do you have?” Obviously, I was stunned. I did not see that question coming, and had no idea how to handle it, I just laughed it off and we moved forward to the next person. The point of this is: do not let anyone tell you that psychology is stupid. Do not let anyone tell you that its useless, or not a real science. Stand your ground, chances are if they are laughing at you, then they just can’t take the heat.  

Do not be turned away from psychology because of research methods, long papers, many nights up reading, or disagreements with professors. These things happen in every major, and every student in those majors are also complaining about them. If psychology is something you really feel passionate about, do not give up on this department. You will know when you’ve made it past the rough parts. Sophomore and junior year are the most difficult course-work wise, but by the time senior year comes around it will be smooth sailing, so push through. You got into this school; you will make it out in good shape.  

I should also issue a warning: you will have classmates that belong in a psychopathology textbook. I realized this during my sophomore year. People are attracted to things like them, they are intrigued by things about themselves that they want to fix. However, they most likely will not realize this. You might know, but they probably won’t. Whatever you do, do not tell them that they belong in a textbook, I met someone who did this once and it was not good for anybody. I am not kidding, and I mean this sincerely when I say you will see people every day that you will have a compulsive urge to assess and/or evaluate. Under no circumstances should you go around thinking about other people’s psychopathology all the time. You’re going to want too, but you should not. You are not better than your peers, you all got here in the same way.  

Everyone thinks that psychologists are mind readers or whatever painfully un-funny joke is trending right now. As all of us know, this is not the truth. Psychologists shape the world we are in today. There is more than one vocational path. I came in as a freshman thinking I was going to be a clinical psychologist. Now, I am graduating with a seat in a master’s program in school psychology. You can pursue a career in a “clinical” path and not end up as a clinical psychologist. Do not let what your friends or peers are doing influence what career you know will make you happy and satisfied.  

I suggest that when you get the opportunity, you take clinical psychology. It is offered every fall, but you are supposed to take it at the start of junior year. I know that seems far away, but it really is not. Even if you do not want to pursue any clinical path as of right now, or even in the future – you should still take it. Clinical psychology is and will always be one of the best courses I have ever taken at this university. I learned more about psychology and the profession as a whole than I ever knew possible.  

Some of my closest friends I have today are people I met in AMH. Hopefully this remains true for you in Weiss Hall. AMH was my home away from home, it was there when I was happy, sad, angry, stressed and every other emotion in the book. I believe that Weiss Hall will hold the same promises and comfort for you as AMH did for me – after all, it is the people that make the place. When you surround yourself with good people, in a good place, you feel good. The people in Scranton have changed my life for the better. Reflecting on the last four years, I have nothing but pride in my heart for my time here. You will grow more than you ever thought possible. You will be friends with people you would not have thought twice about in high school. You will have a newfound respect for education. Most of all, you will love where you live. Scranton was the best decision I made in my young adult life. As I sit here writing this, 13 days before graduation, I want nothing else than to jump in a time machine and go back to August 26th, 2021. Enjoy it while you can, and do not be afraid to say “yes” to any opportunity that comes across your path.  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

First of all, congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Scranton! The ability to continue your education is a privilege not many are able to have, and you should be extremely proud of yourself and the hard work you put in to get here. I remember my move in day to the freshman dorms very clearly; it was time of mixed emotions. I was nervous about leaving my home and my parents, yet I was so excited to start a new chapter of my life and find some independence within myself. Whether you are a commuter or decide to live in a dorm as a freshman, I absolutely suggest making sure you attend freshman activities and as scary as this sounds, put yourself out there. The connections you will make here at the University of Scranton will last a lifetime. Being able to look back on the past four years and cherish all the memories and connections I have made is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart.  

Another piece of advice I have for being a freshman in college in general is to become active in clubs. The university offers so many types of academic clubs, club sports, and hobby clubs where you can forge connections and set yourself up for success. Joining the club your major hosts is a great way to connect to faculty and other students who you will be more than likely have classes with. The psychology club offers a range of activities from social events to research opportunities. Finding a sense of community within your major will make your time as a psychology student here at the University of Scranton even more fulfilling. Having a balance between your academic life and social life in college is very important, so I would also suggest joining a club that you are interested in outside of your field of study. I have ridden horses for fifteen years, and I joined the club equestrian team here and I can say that it was the best decision I have ever made! I am still friends with teammates that graduated four years ago. I also was able to become a leader within the team, and I have been co-captain and captain of the team for the past two years. Clubs have the ability to offer fun activities, but they are also great opportunities to learn from older Scranton students and for you to find your place as a leader.  

You will soon find out that the faculty of the psychology department is filled with some of the most supportive, intelligent, and genuine people you will ever meet! You will see these people almost every day and one of them will become your academic advisor, so please make sure you put in your best effort to show them respect and kindness that they will evidently show you! 

Along with great professors, you will have the great privilege of partaking in what I believe to be some of the most interesting course work here at the University of Scranton. The social psychology course is a course that was probably one of my favorites. It is very fun to see concepts you learn in class play out in real time in your own personal life experiences. The social psychology class is also a great class to learn how psychological concepts can be used to enact social change. Another course that I remember as being an integral part of my learning experience here at the University of Scranton was the research methods and statistical analysis course. I will not sugarcoat the courses and say they were easy, but I learned so much from these courses that I use in many other aspects of my academic life here in Scranton. These courses taught me how to be an educated consumer of research and how to write an academic paper.  

Outside of your major courses, you will be required to take a multitude of general education required courses specifically philosophy and theology courses. Please do not write off these courses as busy work or “something I just have to take in order to graduate”. Humanities courses offer such great insight into the multitude of perspectives people all around the world have on ethics, religion, and philosophical ideas, and you will be surprised how helpful and insightful these classes can be while you pursue your degree in psychology. I picked up a minor in theology and religious studies, and I constantly pull information I have learned in these classes and use it in my senior seminar psychology course discussions.  

As I said when I started my letter: Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Scranton! You are about to experience a huge milestone in your life. Take this time to think about a person in your life who helped you get to where you are right now – honor them and honor yourself by putting your best foot forward and working hard for the next four years!  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to the psych department at the University of Scranton! This letter is to give you some advice as a graduating senior psych major and to tell you about some of my experiences from the last four years. First of all, I know you might feel quite overwhelmed right now thinking about whether you chose the right major, how you will meet all the graduation requirements, how you will make new friends, and how you will adjust to college life in general. But try to remember to take things one step at a time and you will get through it. Starting college can be scary, but it can also be a lot of fun!  

I remember being nervous and excited about starting college, meeting new people, and getting to know new professors. From the very first day of my first psychology classes here (Current Topics and Social Psych), I knew I made the right choice of major and already felt a strong sense of community within the department. One of the first friends that I made here was in both of those classes with me and even though she decided to switch majors, we are still close friends today. So, my first piece of advice would be to talk to the people around you in your classes! You never know who your new best friend could be, and they could become a helpful study buddy as well. The number of students in your classes will shrink each year as people switch majors or transfer schools so you will likely know everyone else in your year by the time you are a senior. Making friends in the department is important because these are the people you will be learning and growing with. They are your support system and everyone here wants to help each other out. I can honestly say that I have never felt a sense of competition within my cohort (other than the typical friendly competitions like who will get the highest grade on a test). Making friends in the department is particularly important for if/when you decide to apply to graduate school. That process is not fun, it takes a lot of time, effort, and motivation so it is crucial to surround yourself with other people going through the same thing and support each other through it. I have made some amazing friends here and I know my experience would have been very different without them. 

Another tip is to make some upperclassmen friends. I know sometimes it might be intimidating to try to talk to the juniors or seniors as a freshman, but we are not scary, I promise! We want to help out the underclassman, too. I became close with two junior psychology majors when I was a sophomore because we were in an honors class together. They helped me out a lot and gave me some really good advice. The upperclassman have all been where you are, we got through the tough classes, like Research Methods & Statistics and everyone has opinions about which professors to take for different classes. The upperclassmen can also act as mentors and answer questions or give study tips. Again, everyone wants to help each other out! 

Just as forming friendships with other psychology students is important, building relationships with your professors will also be helpful. All the professors in the department want to help and support their students in whatever way they can. Again, there is a very strong sense of community here and Everyone wants to see you succeed. The classes are small enough that the professor will know who you are and it is likely that you will have the same professor multiple times. A great way to build a stronger relationship with a professor is to join their lab if they focus on a topic that you think you might be interested in. The psychology club hosts meetings every semester about each lab and what they do, but just going to office hours to talk to a professor is also a great way to show interest. For example, during the spring of my sophomore year, I took Psychology of Language (an amazing class, I highly recommend) and I was really interested in the subject and wanted to learn more. So, I asked the professor if there were any open spots in her lab and she let me join! I have been a member of two different labs, which has been a great experience because each professor runs their lab differently, so it was interesting to experience different mentoring styles. I would also highly recommend getting into a research lab as soon as possible, I did not start doing research until my junior year and I wish I had started sooner. Research experience is a crucial part of grad school applications, so the more experience you get, the better. 

I would also suggest taking advantage of the different types of psychology classes offered every semester, and keep your options open. There are many interesting subfields of psychology and you never know what hidden interests you might discover. I personally discovered my love for cognitive psychology, specifically language and memory, after taking the Psychology of Language course. I ended up changing my whole career plan after taking that class. Like most incoming psychology majors, I wanted to go into the clinical field and I specifically wanted to work with children. I was so sure that I would end up as a clinical psychologist, but then I joined the Language and Memory Lab and developed a passion for research. I have also worked as a tutor for the last three years and found out that I really enjoy teaching as well. Now, my plan is to earn a PhD in cognitive psychology and become a professor. Plans can change, so it is helpful to keep your options open and explore your interests.  

Finally, enjoy your time here with these friends and professors. Everyone says this, but the next four years really will fly by. Not so long from now, you will be writing one of these letters wondering how it is possible that you are graduating in two short weeks. I truly had the best time as a psychology major and would not have picked any other major. I will miss this department and everyone in it and I will always remember all the good memories from Scranton. Good luck and enjoy the new building! 

Best, 

Graduating Psychology Senior 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,

Welcome to the University of Scranton and the beginning of the next chapter of your life. Now that I am at the end of my college experience, I think back to how unsure and curious I was when I first arrived. If you are feeling that way now, just know that it is completely normal and most of your classmates feel that way too. It is easy to look around and think everyone else has it all figured out, but most people are adjusting just like you Change is scary, but now you have the chance to meet so many new and interesting people that may become your best friends for life. Some of the people you meet in your first few weeks may end up being a part of your support system for the rest of your college experience. When you first come in, everyone is so open to meeting knew friends so do not be nervous to approach anyone because chances are, they are also looking for a friend. It is also important to make connections for classes, it is helpful for studying and staying on top of what is going on. However, you do not have to have it all figured out in one day or even one month, it is different for everyone, but slowly you will start to feel more at home, you just have to trust the process. Give yourself time to grow in the environment and do not be discouraged if things feel overwhelming at first.

My experience in college, specifically as a psychology major, has been growing both academically and personally. Some classes will be challenging, and there may be a time where you do not connect with the material or the professor, but that is okay, and it happens to everyone so do not let it scare you. In fact, struggling a little can be a powerful part of learning. Something that was a hard lesson to learn for me when coming to college was learning that it is okay to fail because you can always bounce back. You just have to get through the tough ones and mixed in are classes that are extremely influential and intriguing with professors who genuinely care not only about psychology, but what is best for you. these classes will stick with you and you will think about them years later, some may even help you decide what direction to take after graduation.

There are many classes that are offered here that allow you to explore what area of psych you like, if you do not already know, and if you do think you know, explore more anyway. You might find that you like an area you never thought you would. There are so many aspects of psychology, you will find your comfort zone. Do not be afraid to take electives outside of your expected path because you might be surprised to find a passion you did not expect. I know so many people, not even just psych, who came into college set on one career path and completely changing it. It happens more often than you think, so let yourself be curious and take advantage of the opportunity while you have it because this field has a wide variety of paths, and this is the perfect time to take advantage of exploring it.

Outside of the classroom, I encourage you to get involved in activities related to psychology or even ones that are simply for fun. Joining clubs, volunteering, or participating in research studies can deepen your learning and help you connect with others who share your interests. It is something that I wish I had taken more advantage of during my time here. While I did get involved in a few extracurricular activities, I sometimes found myself too focused on academics and missed out on opportunities to engage more deeply with the community. Looking back, I realize how valuable it could have been to participate in more student organizations because they offer a sense of connection that is hard to find in the classroom alone.

In college, one of the most important aspects is time management, and it is something that I struggled heavily with freshman year because my high school did not do much to prepare me. It is different than what you hear from what the teachers say in high school, while some professors are strict, most are reasonable and understanding. If you need extensions explain your situation truthfully and respectfully, and you will most likely get more time. However, developing habit of planning ahead on assignments is crucial. I am currently still struggling with this problem, so I want to make it clear that this is a problem that many of us face, and it takes time to improve if you are not naturally like this already. College is fast paced, and it catches up with you quicker than you would think so slipping behind can be hard to come back from. In terms for advice I have to offer for this problem, what I have found best helps me is breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of looking at big assignments as one overwhelming task, I try breaking it down and this way the workload feels less daunting and more achievable. Do a little at a time and it builds up. However, it is also important to give yourself breaks to do the things you enjoy so while it is good to take advantage of free time to get assignments done, do not let it encompass you. When you get out of class, if it is convenient, do your work, then set a time to stop and relax. Most of the most memorable moments I had were not while I was in class or doing homework, so make sure to let yourself have fun.

As you continue on this journey, remember that everyone’s college experience is unique, and you will find your own path. Do not be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of the resources available to you. For me, the friends I made were the best part of this place. They got me through everything, and they helped to take me out of the draining cycle that school can induce. Cherish the moments and embrace the challenges, even though some are going to be seemingly pointless. Enjoy the process, and best of luck on your journey as a psychology major.

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major,  

The best piece of advice that I could give is to enjoy your time here at the University. I know this may sound cliché, but the years really do fly by. It may not seem like it when you’re cramming for finals and midterms or when you feel like you have a mountain of assignments that need to get done but trust me it does.  

Get involved in Psychology club and other clubs on campus. It helps you to build relationships with your peers in your major, professors, etc. putting yourself out there at times can seem intimidating but, once you do it, you realize that it isn’t as bad as you think. If I had to pick one of my biggest regrets that I had during my 4 years at the University, I would say it was not getting involved more with the psychology department. The psychology department compared to others, is relatively small, so you will have the same professors for different classes. Try to build a rapport with them. Go to office hours, introduce yourself. Again with the cliches, but it’s nice to see your professor around campus and have a small conversation with them or even just a smile and wave. It goes a long way. And you never know when you may need that professor for something, whether it be research assistant opportunities, TA opportunities, or even recommendation letters for graduate school.  

Another big piece of advice would be don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are all human; we make mistakes and sometimes in class things don’t click for us as easily as we hope they will. If you find yourself struggling with material at any point during the semester, don’t be afraid to talk to your professor after class, email them any questions/concerns you may have, go to their office hours, or seek out tutoring. There are so many resources that the University offers for students to succeed so take advantage of them, you won’t regret it.  

Try not to compare yourself to your peers. Trust me I know this is easier said than done, but it’s important that you know that everybody moves at their own pace. For me personally, I found myself always comparing myself to my classmates who were involved in more campus activities, getting internships and research opportunities, etc. This brings on an immense feeling of imposter syndrome and makes you feel as if something is wrong with you, or you need to pile on a million things into your schedule to feel adequate. But, if there’s one thing you take from this letter, its that you are right where you need to be. The accomplishments of others do not define you. You are enough and you will get to where you want to be, achieve things you want and get the grades that you want all without having to compare yourself to your classmates, or other people in your major, or even your friends. Everyone has their own unique sets of talents and skills, and the goal is to home in on those and work towards your goals, whether it be academically, professionally, or personally.  

The most important thing when you get to the University is to work and play hard. These are the best 4 years of your life. You get the opportunity and independence to be who you want to be and go in the direction that you want. The beauty of college is that your future is entirely in your hands and while that may seem terrifying, it can also be a freeing thing. You have the choice to decide what you want to do. You have the opportunity to meet so many different people from different walks of life and gain so much knowledge from them that honestly is a beautiful thing. So don’t forget to live your life to the fullest and enjoy everything that the university has to offer.  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

As I write this letter and think about the most important advice or takeaways that I could, I am overwhelmed with nostalgia and simply do not know where to begin. As the clock is ticking down on my time here at the University of Scranton, your time is just beginning, and I could not be more excited for you. It feels as though just yesterday I was attempting to navigate the campus, feeling anxious, nervous, and excited about my future here. So, from a senior who is reminiscing to an incoming freshman, who is probably just as excited as you are anxious, let me share a few thoughts on the journey you are about to embark on.  

I entered the University as a biology major and switched to psychology at the end of my sophomore year. I was very unhappy in biology, and after taking Fundamentals of Psychology, I realized that my passion truly lay with psychology, and I needed to switch majors. The two years I have spent in the psychology program have been nothing short of transformative. When I began to delve into the psychology content in my junior year, I was immediately more interested in the content of my courses than I ever was as a biology major.  

One key piece of advice I will offer is to be engaged in your classes, especially your psychology classes and related seminars. The more you put into your classes, the more you will get out of them and benefit from them. Professors will also notice when you are engaged in the content and attentive in class. Ask questions. I never regretted raising my hand and asking a question, and professors will recognize and appreciate the effort to learn and clarify new information. Your professors are very knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about their fields. Another key piece of advice is to go to office hours. The conversations you have with your professors outside of the classroom will not only enhance your relationship with them, but your education will benefit greatly.  

Explore opportunities on campus, such as clubs, volunteering, research, seminars, and more. The University and the Psychology Department offer so many extra learning experiences and opportunities outside of the classroom. One thing I regret about my time here at Scranton is that I did not attend as many of these extra opportunities as I could have. There were seminars, guest speakers, and networking/club events that I skipped because I thought I did not have the time, or because I was nervous that I would not know anyone and would feel lost. I regret not putting myself out there more and pursuing more opportunities. So, take advantage of extracurriculars, seminars, guest speakers, club meetings, and just put yourself out there and meet people who could potentially enhance your education or help you pursue your goals.  

Another piece of advice I will offer is to look take the opportunities to apply what you are learning. As a senior, I took the Field Experience course and was a practicum student for a school psychologist. This was one of the best experiences I had at the University. The field experience itself was incredibly rewarding and a wonderful opportunity that I am so grateful to have pursued and completed. I was able to remember and apply lots of information I have learned in my psychology classes. Learning something in the classroom is one thing, but seeing it in the real world and being able to apply your knowledge firsthand truly enhanced my learning experience.  

While the psychology major and the opportunities that come with it are awesome, keep in mind that psychology can also be emotionally demanding. You will learn about difficult topics that relate to human suffering and the complexities of the human condition. It is crucial to be aware of and prioritize your own mental health and well-being. As you will come to learn, self-care is important. Taking care of yourself is not a sign of weakness, but rather an important strength that will help you better understand how to care for and help others.  

As I prepare to have my last class, graduate, and leave the University of Scranton, I will not just have a degree, but an expansive knowledge, invaluable experiences, and strong, lasting connections with both faculty and fellow students. I hope you are excited for your journey through college with the psychology program here because it is an incredible one, and you are in excellent hands with all the faculty.  

I wish you the best in all your years here at Scranton, go Royals! 

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

Welcome to the University of Scranton! I just want to begin by saying that I hope you have a wonderful time here and enjoy the 4 years that you have, because it will be over before you know it. I had a great time with the psychology major over my tenure here, so I'm going to describe my experience while also giving some advice where possible.  

So, let's begin with freshman year, this year is defined by its discovery and weariness to try new experiences. The best advice that I can give is to just try and talk to people. It can be very easy to get caught up in your classes and daily schedule, but you forget to meet new people as they can be some of the greatest help possible. I would investigate your psychology classes first as anybody you meet will most likely also be a major. This can be the greatest help of all as finding friends in your psychology classes will help you throughout your whole time at Scranton, because even unintentionally you will likely have classes with them. As for the classes themselves, all of them are fairly simple as they are all courses that do not rely on a lot of prior knowledge but are still important as these are the classes that your future classes will build upon.  

Moving on to sophomore year, this year will have you feel a lot more comfortable, as you should be familiar with the campus at this point and hopefully you have gotten to know some people as well. The goal for this year (outside of doing well in classes) should be to get to know your professors better. Look into the ones you have taken a liking to in your freshman year classes and try to build a friendly relationship with them. Some people decide to become research assistants with them, this is obviously very helpful, but not at all necessary. Getting to know these professors will be your greatest resource as they are professionals, so any reasonable question you have, they will be able to help you, and they could also guide you in ways that you might not have even realized. The biggest class you will take for sophomore year is Research Methods and Statistics. This class is in two parts, and it is rough to say the least. Me and all the other classmates I had over the year had a rough time with it, so the best advice I have is to stick with the people in your class. You all are struggling together, so help each other out and you will make it through fine.  

Junior year is categorized by confidence and decisions. It is at this point where you are really going to have to decide what to do for your future. The advice that I would give for this year is to do a lot of research on what you want to do. You should be completely settled into college life at that point, so with that you should be putting your knowledge into figuring out what exactly you want to do with your life after college, wether it be graduate school or going straight into the workforce. This is also how you should be deciding classes, because hopefully you have completed your GE classes at this point and are able to more freely choose the psychology classes that you want. Some of the classes that I enjoyed the most were abnormal psychology, sensation and perception, and positive psychology.  

Finally, we have senior year, which is categorized through finalizing decisions and looking towards the future. Ideally, you have a path that you are trying to follow at this point and working towards that. Senior year might just seem like a victory lap, but “senioritis” can hit hard and affect your grades if you do not try. Finish strong, and the work that you put in will come to benefit you. The most notable classes of this year will be your senior seminars across both semesters. These are the true capstones of the major and you should treat them as a celebration and a review of your time spent at the university. 

Overall treat the major as an experience worth going through and dedicating your time toward. If you have ever coasted through classes before try and really grapple with the information you are learning in your Psychology classes. No other subject to me has resonated and made me rethink how I experience the world. Try your best, and most of all don’t forget to enjoy the ride, you'll be done before you know it.  

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Dear Incoming Psychology Major, 

First off, I would like to say congratulations. You’ve chosen a tough, yet important route. As a psychology major about to graduate, I’d like to use this chance to welcome you and share some of my views, lessons, and advice. If this letter may assist even a little, then it was worth writing.   

When I first chose psychology as a major, I did it for one reason: I like helping people. I did not have this whole route planned out, very few of us do, but there was something about understanding and helping individuals through their challenges that drew me in. That feeling stayed with me through the years, even when classes seemed unbearable.  

One of the most influential experiences while here at the university was my internship, which helped me confirm that I was on the right path. Being in a real-world setting and seeing the concepts used in class to help others gave the major a new meaning. It’s one thing to learn about development, behavior, and behavioral issues in a textbook; it’s completely different to witness it in the real world in action. This hands-on learning built my confidence in psychology as a career and showed me the value of combining theory with practice, reminding me why this work matters so much. It was through this internship that I realized how rewarding yet challenging this field can be, and I walked away from it feeling inspired and eager to keep growing as a future psychologist.  

If you’re not sure what area of psychology you’re most interested in, that’s okay. College should be an area to explore. I found my calling in school psychology, something that I didn’t know much about at first. But through some of the coursework and hands-on experience, it became clear that working with students in a school setting was where I could make a difference. Picking a major is just the start, you still have to find your own way forward from here. There are many specializations to choose from, and you have four years to decide which one is for you. Do not be shy: take the time to meet the professors, ask questions where you have them, and take full advantage of your four years here. All of this will help you find where your place is in the field.  

With that being said, I do have some regrets while attending the university. The biggest of these was not getting involved with research with professors. There are a lot of opportunities to assist in faculty-led studies that may help in deciding which area of psych is best for you. It’s also a path in obtaining a deeper understanding of psychology, improving your grad school application, and forming good relationships with faculty. I used to think that research was only for students going into academia, but that is not true. Even if you’re more practice-oriented like myself, the skills you learn from research will be well worth it. 

For advice, I would say this: be prepared to work hard, but don’t be so focused on the end that you forget to look around. The four years you spend here will go by faster than you think. Seriously. One moment you’re learning the difference between classical and operant conditioning, and the next you’re writing a goodbye letter like this one. So yes, study hard and do your best. But also make time to join clubs, hang out with your friends, go to events, take electives that may interest you, and breathe. College is not only about your degree, it’s about who you become in the process of getting it. The memories you make here and the people you meet will shape you just as much as your coursework. Do not let it pass by without living it.  

To be blunt, psychology is not an easy major to choose. It takes patience, a willingness to reflect on yourself and others, and determination. You may even question whether or not you belong in this field. Those doubts are normal, but remember why you chose psychology in the first place. Remember that helping people is powerful, and that with time and experience, that desire will turn into skill and competence. 

As I prepare for graduate school to become a school psychologist, I am nervous and excited. This university has been a home for the past few years. It’s where I learned how to think critically, listen deeply, and work toward something that is greater than myself. I hope it becomes that for you too.  

Wishing you the best on your journey, 

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