What is your major? #LetsChat

It's amazing how many different paths one can take when you're truly fascinated by human behavior, isn't it? My college journey has been a testament to that, starting with a core curiosity about why people do what they do, how societies function, and what truly makes us tick. It's not just about one major; it's about connecting the dots across various disciplines to build a comprehensive understanding. When I first considered Public Health, I was drawn to the idea of examining the health of large groups of people rather than just individuals. What truly hooked me was realizing how deeply our environment, social structures, and even cultural beliefs shape our collective well-being. It’s not just about stopping a disease; it's about understanding the behaviors that spread it, the policies that prevent it, and the community efforts that sustain health. For instance, studying public health isn't just memorizing facts; it's learning how to design campaigns that encourage healthy habits, or how to advocate for access to resources in underserved communities. It's incredibly practical and impactful, showing how individual choices are often influenced by much larger societal currents. My fascination then led me to Psychology, which offers a different, yet equally compelling, lens. It's the scientific study of the mind and behavior, delving into the intricate workings of our brains that dictate our actions, thoughts, and emotions. I remember being so excited in my first cognitive psychology class, learning about memory formation or decision-making biases. It made me look at everyday interactions completely differently! Understanding why we form habits, how trauma impacts development, or even the subtle cues in communication – all of it ties back to this core fascination with the 'how' and 'why' of human existence. It’s like getting a peek behind the curtain of consciousness. Then there's the incredibly vital field of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS). This isn't just about gender; it's a profound exploration of how perspectives of gender and sexualities, along with class, ethnicity, nationality, and race, shape human experience and behavior. It challenges us to deconstruct societal norms and understand power dynamics, showing how these influence everything from personal identity to global politics. For me, it sharpened my ability to identify personal biases and truly strive for a more inclusive and empathetic worldview. It's about empowering individuals and understanding the systemic barriers that affect groups of people, which ties back perfectly to the broader goals of public health and even the societal aspects of psychology. And finally, my journey brought me to Disability Studies, which has profoundly shifted my perspective. This field truly centers the experiences of disabled people, moving beyond a medical model to understand disability as a social construct. It highlights how societal barriers, rather than individual impairments, are often the biggest challenges. Learning about the history of disability rights, inclusive language, and the importance of self-advocacy made me realize how much we miss when we don't listen to marginalized voices. It's about dismantling outdated ideas and actively pushing for a world where everyone's unique contributions are valued and accommodated. What ties all these seemingly disparate fields together is a shared mission: to understand the human condition in all its complexity. Whether it's through large-scale public health interventions, individual psychological support, advocating for gender equity, or promoting disability inclusion, each discipline offers crucial insights into human behavior. If you're also someone who finds yourself constantly pondering 'why,' I highly encourage you to explore these interconnected areas. You might just find your passion, like I did, in weaving together these diverse threads to understand the incredible tapestry of human life.