Nicolas Navarro, '16
Alumni Spotlight for Psychology
What made you decide to be a Psychology major?
“I thought Psychology would be a good compliment to my Philosophy major. I’ve always enjoyed learning about how people think and behave, the major added both the theoretical framework I was missing and allowed me to do some pretty cool experiments (I taught my Rat in Learning and Behavior to turn on an iPhone, climb up a staircase, and dance on two legs to Hotline Bling by Drake [back when it was a hit]).”
What was your favorite memory from attending Puget Sound?
“My favorite memories all center around spring time when the sun would come out and everyone would suddenly be wearing shorts and flip flops. But, one step on the field too early into spring and your still ankle deep in mud! The spring in Washington is a great time, I have fond memories of reading on the cliffs at Point Defiance, sprinting out of class on a Friday for weekend climbing in vantage, and sitting on the roof of my off campus house catching up with friends.”
What advice would you offer current students regarding their future career/academic goals?
Set a goal, make a time bound plan, and get ready to fight for what you want. Your future career and academic goals don’t always appear in the fashion you had planned; but, be vigilant and willing to adapt when opportunities present themselves. Figure out what discipline means to you and dig deep to exemplify this value in everything you do. Also, the more you pay attention and participate in class the less you work you have outside of it.
Do you have any specific Puget Sound advice for current students?
Make relationships that last, regardless if you plan on sticking around Tacoma. Make an effort to talk with your professors about stuff other than school, join organizations because you want to be around the people they involve, and of course, take time to get to know yourself better.
What led you to the path that you're on now? Was there any defining moment? Or was it more of a gradual process?
"There is an intention and process behind everything you do, whether you realize it or not. For me to realize mine, I had to thrust myself into situations where I knew nothing and oftentimes no one. There, I found space to reflect and observe on the beauty of life around me. Understanding this beauty made me want to contribute to it, to dedicate my life to working with young people so they too may see the beauty in this world."
What was your first job after college?
I went to grad school and continued to work part time jobs and pursue internships directly after college. My first real job after undergrad and graduate school is with the Peace Corps as a Youth in Development Project Coordinator.
How did you get from being an undergrad to where you are now?
I asked for help when I needed it, grew confident in myself as a professional, humbled myself when I knew external forces were benefiting me, and capitalized on good fortune when it was presented.
What are your future career goals?
Short term: further develop the Peace Corps Youth in Development program framework, submit two research articles in community psychology journals for review, and explore the epistemology of Quality in my next book. Long term: continue to write my ideas in whatever medium accepts them, find a job that allows me to continue to learn and improve the lives of youth, and apply to Ph.D programs eventually. And, maybe find a job that pays well?
What has been the hardest part about finding a career related to your major?
Nothing, a degree in psychology can relate to almost anything. Figuring out what your actually passionate about is difficult and communicating that passion with evidence to back it up is even harder. You are not your major, you are your passions and you should find a career that matches those.
What do you wish you had done or known during college that might have been beneficial to your career development?
Find one thing to commit to outside of school i.e. a service project, internship, mentorship and stick with it for as long as you can. All of my work experience and volunteer projects were short term or single events when I had graduated.
Any last comments that you think students should hear?
Surround yourself with friends that make you happy, professors that are wise, and live your life, not anyone else’s. Also, make sure to take advantage of Point Defiance Park, I really miss that place…