College of Social & Behavioral Science Orientation Spotlight 

What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U? 

One goal I have for my first year at the U is to get involved and connected in as many ways as possible. I plan to join clubs, seek out research opportunities, get involved in service projects and participate in as many campus activities as possible. I hope that by doing this, I will not only enhance my own experience at the U but also form meaningful, long-lasting friendships along the way. 

If you could collaborate with any professor, club or group at the U, who would it be? 

I would love to collaborate with and get to know the student ambassadors in the College of Social and Behavioral Science! I admire the hard work and passion these students put into their school and would potentially like to fill that role someday. 

What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest? 

I have always been a bit of a psychology nerd, but what really pushed me to make my decision was watching the way psychology affects people day to day. A personal experience that helped me make this decision was seeing how occupational therapy helped my younger cousin. 

My cousin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was fairly young. He had a severe speech delay, almost never made eye contact and spent most of his time playing silently by himself. His parents chose occupational therapy in hopes of helping him become more independent. This decision completely changed his life. Within two years, he was on track to start kindergarten with his peers, and he ended up thriving. 

Watching this take place made me realize that I want to be that source of hope for someone else. It led me to choose psychology as my major, with the goal of eventually becoming an occupational therapist. 

Where is your hometown? What’s one thing you wish people knew about where you’re from? 

When I tell people I’m from St. George, Utah, they always assume it’s just one giant retirement community. What I love most about my town, however, is the range of amazing outdoor activities we have. We are close to both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, but we also have many beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails and climbing areas throughout our small city! 

What are you most excited about as you start at the University of Utah? 

I am super excited about all the research opportunities on campus! When I first heard about the research program at the U, I was very intimidated. I assumed I would be in a lab training rats or something. Thankfully, at orientation, I learned that research comes in many forms and that there are numerous resources to help students get involved. 

I think research will be an amazing learning tool that will help me not only deepen my understanding of what I’m being taught but also gain meaningful experience as I start thinking about graduate school and future jobs. 

What’s something on campus you’re curious to try, even if it’s outside your comfort zone? 

Growing up, my family wasn’t really a football family, so I unfortunately know almost nothing about it. However, I am extremely excited to attend football games and be part of the MUSS. I have heard absolutely amazing things about both our football team and our student section here at the U. I’ll have to make sure to do some studying before the season starts! 

---

What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U? 

My goal is to decide whether I want to double major or add a minor. 

If you could collaborate with any professor, club or group at the U, who would it be? 

I would like to collaborate with one of the athletic clubs. 

What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest? 

I want to help people with any problems they may face. 

Where is your hometown? What's one thing you wish people knew about where you're from? 

My hometown is San Diego, and I wish people knew that I come from a small charter school. 

What is one thing you're most excited for as you start at the University of Utah? 

To explore and experience everything! 

What’s one thing on your University of Utah bucket list? 

I really want to go skiing.  

How do you hope to get involved on campus? 

I hope to get involved by volunteering and finding a job. 

What’s something on campus you’re curious to try even if it’s outside your comfort zone? 

Research. 

What’s a talent or skill you have that people don’t usually expect? 

Volleyball. 

How do you communicate your perspective on the world around you? Through writing, discussion, art, or action? 

Through writing and action. 

Who is someone you admire, and what do you admire about them? 

My parents. They are my biggest supporters. 

---

What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U? 

I want to be a student ambassador and join a sorority! 

If you could collaborate with any professor, club or group at the U, who would it be? 

The college ambassadors. I want to be part of something that will help people. 

What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest? 

I have always loved solving problems and helping people. By studying criminology, I will be able to pursue a career in criminal investigations, where I can help solve crimes and bring closure to others. 

What is one thing you're most excited for as you start at the University of Utah? 

I’m excited to learn more about myself and grow. I have struggled with maintaining structure, and I’m hoping I can work on that. 

---

What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U? 

I am going to really try to pass all my classes. 

What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest? 

My future career. 

Where is your hometown? 

Bluffdale, Utah.  

What is one thing you're most excited for as you start at the University of Utah? 

I am excited to start taking classes. 

What’s a talent or skill you have that people don’t usually expect? 

Everything. 

How do you communicate your perspective on the world around you? Through writing, discussion, art or action? 

Discussion. 

Who is someone you admire, and what do you admire about them? 

Henry Cavill, who played Superman. 

Any views, experiences, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this student highlight do not necessarily represent those of the College of Humanities.

---

Published September 10, 2026
Media Contact: Natalie Pyne, LAS Marketing Director