Introduction to Sara the Psychology Major
My name is Sara Nguyen and I’m from Moore, Oklahoma. I am currently a senior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in psychology. I switched my major not that long ago because I felt like there was a something more for me in psychology. I think that the coolest thing about my major is that I get to understand how and why an organism or living thing does something. My next goal regarding my education is to get into grad school next year! So the road doesn’t stop here just yet for me!
A few hobbies of mine include working out, and cooking. I used to weight train when I was in high school, but recently I’ve taken up on yoga and I absolutely love it. I like doing yoga first thing in the morning to get me refreshed and ready to start the day! Then, in the evening, I’d do cardio or whatever it is that’s scheduled for that day, such as legs and abs or triceps and back, etc.
I also love cooking! I think that it’s important to know what you’re putting in your mouth and eating because it has a lot of effects in your body. When I learned that my mom was diabetic, I did a lot of research on what she should and shouldn’t eat, and what was actually tasty enough for her to like it. With that being said, I think cooking for my family is what really makes me happy. My most favorite dish to cook is probably spring roll and anything Vietnamese because it’s something that my mom had taught me when I was younger.
At home, I have two Pomeranians, Pia and Penny. Pia is probably the sweetest dog alive, whereas Penny is a little troublemaker. They both can drive me insane most of the time, but I love them to death.
A few hobbies of mine include working out, and cooking. I used to weight train when I was in high school, but recently I’ve taken up on yoga and I absolutely love it. I like doing yoga first thing in the morning to get me refreshed and ready to start the day! Then, in the evening, I’d do cardio or whatever it is that’s scheduled for that day, such as legs and abs or triceps and back, etc.
(Image Detail: Yoga Pose, Image Credit: Business Insider)
I also love cooking! I think that it’s important to know what you’re putting in your mouth and eating because it has a lot of effects in your body. When I learned that my mom was diabetic, I did a lot of research on what she should and shouldn’t eat, and what was actually tasty enough for her to like it. With that being said, I think cooking for my family is what really makes me happy. My most favorite dish to cook is probably spring roll and anything Vietnamese because it’s something that my mom had taught me when I was younger.
(Image Detail: Vietnamese Spring Roll, Image Credit: Vietnam Guide)
At home, I have two Pomeranians, Pia and Penny. Pia is probably the sweetest dog alive, whereas Penny is a little troublemaker. They both can drive me insane most of the time, but I love them to death.
(Image Detail: Personal photo of my dog Pia; photo from August 2018)
Hey Sara, I think its super cool that you switched your major to something that you felt more passionate about. I recently changed my major too and I love it. I am much more excited about my classes now and I am a lot more interested in them. I respect the fact that you started cooking as a way to help your mom ease into the changes diabetes brings. Did you always like cooking or did you grow to like it? Pia is adorable, how old is she? I also have a dog and she's not the most obedient but I don't know what I'd do without her.
ReplyDeleteHi Sara!
ReplyDeleteI love that health and cooking are both things that you love and enjoy doing, because I really enjoy both of those as well! I try to change up my exercises so I can make sure that I am working out all different parts of my body and have a good balance of different types of strength and cardio. Yoga is something that I really enjoy as well, however I'm not the best at sticking to it sometimes. I also agree that what you put in your body is super important. I try to keep a well balanced diet and I love that you appreciate the same.
Hey Sara! I am fascinated by psychology. I have to admit I know virtually nothing about it but the idea of understanding human behavior better sounds intriguing. I feel like I don't understand my own behavior sometimes and would be interested to understand myself better and understand the people around me better. I suspect it might help me empathize with people more effectively.
ReplyDeleteGrad school can be an amazing learning adventure, Sara: I hope you will get into the school of your choice. The best advice I ever got about grad school was this: READ EVERYTHING. I took that advice to heart... and I'm still trying to read everything, decades later ha ha. As futile quests go, the quest to just read everything is a good one though. And in psychology, oh my gosh, there is so much good stuff to read. As you've probably guessed, I'm really interested in things like personality psychology and motivation, cognition, creativity... and every year there are more and more good books to read on those subjects. I will never catch up... and that's okay! I'll just keep on reading ha ha.
ReplyDeleteYour Pia is beautiful! I have never seen a white Pomeranian like that. We had a Pomeranian when I was very little, and she was blonde all over. I thought she was big, but of course that is just because I was very small myself. Maybe you will want to add Pia and Penny to the Pet Padlet (hey, alliteration!)... anyway, here's the "Pet Padlet" -- Padlet Tech Tips, which is a fun way to do an extra credit Tech Tip thing. :-)
Hey Sara,
ReplyDeleteYour life is so interesting and healthy. Your lifestyle seems very ideal with the food you eat and working out. I wonder, what was your major before psychology? Also, I think it is great that you did a lot of research in cooking good foods for your mom when she became diabetic. Your pomeranians are so cute! They look like little puff balls.
Your classmate,
Joanna
Hello there, Sara!
ReplyDeleteI think it is so cool that you are a psychology major... it seems very challenging and interesting! I also love to cook, even though I rarely have the time (or energy lol). I have really been wanting to get into yoga because it seems like a relaxing way to get exercise, and because it could be very beneficial to my anxiety. If I was to take up yoga, I would probably mix in some weight training as well, but it seems like a great way to work your core and get some cardio training!
Hi Sara,
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful how you are going to grad school for psychology! What sparked your interest and made you want to go into that? I am curious to know what you want to do with your degrees in the future. It is so wonderful that you love to cook as well. I try my hardest but can never get to the point where I actually enjoy it. Spring rolls are my favorite though! It is such a super healthy dish and I tried making it but failed miserably hahaha. Your dogs are also so cute! I have always wanted a Pomeranian. My best friend has one and it is just the sweetest. I look forward to reading your stories!
Hi Sara! I originally started my major at OU as Psychology. While learning about why people do and act certain ways was fun and engaging, I was just wasn't happy with it. I soon realized that I enjoyed science and chemistry waaaaay more than psych, so I switched to Microbiology! So I'm glad you were able to find a passion for Psychology, that I wasn't able to find. I find it inspiring that you researched what foods your mom can and cannot eat after learning your mom is diabetic. Is there a branch of Psychology that relates personal health? I think that would suit you well for a graduate program!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you!
Hi Sarah! Nice to meet you. I really think it's cool you want to be a psych major. I think it is also fascinating learning how people work. I also enjoy weight training. I like to see my numbers go up and see the progress I have made. I have been eating a lot more than I should be so I am in a cut which blows :/. I hope you enjoy the rest of the semester
ReplyDeleteHi Sara,
ReplyDeleteI found your intro to be super inspirational. I am also a psychology major hoping to get into grad school, but I do not have nearly as much time to be so on top of my fitness as you do! I am super impressed! I'm amazed at how you mange to schedule two exercise activities throughout your day as well as cooking a meal. You definitely possess better time management skills then I do. I wish you the best the rest of the semester, and I hope you get into grad school!
Hi Sara,
ReplyDeleteI understand you when you wanted switch into a major that you felt was more for you. I did that too! It has made me happier since. I just wanna say I love spring rolls and Vietnamese food in general. I use to want a pomeranian of my own when I was little so your dog Pia stole my heart with that picture!
Hey Sara,
ReplyDeleteFirst thing's first, I would die for Pia. I absolutely love dogs, but lived in a "no pet" household so I live vicariously through pictures of dogs on twitter and instagram. With that out of the way, good luck in grad school! I think psychology is such an interesting field of study, so I really think you're going to have a blast in grad school. I also am pretty into working out, but I absolutely despise leg day, you got any tips/poses that might help with lower body stuff? I have never tried yoga, but it looks really intense!
Hi Sara, I enjoyed reading your introduction post! I like the way your blog looks, grey is a nice background color! Your dogs are pretty freaking cute, maybe you could bring them to class one day haha. Since you like cooking so much I would love to know where you get your groceries from. I am from Texas and after moving up here to Oklahoma for school the grocery stores, or should I say WalMarts do not have the best selection of groceries. I wish I could go buy good groceries without driving through 45min of Norman traffic and passing 4 different WalMarts along the way.
ReplyDeleteHi Sara!
ReplyDeleteI loved getting to know a little more about you in your introduction post!
I am also a psychology major! I was originally minoring in Psychology, but decided to major in it and I am planning on doing an accelerated nursing program once I graduate with my degree in psychology. I am also Vietnamese and love Vietnamese food! I used to have a Pomeranian when I was younger and I LOVE dogs! Your dog is SO cute!!! I love to workout as well! I like to weight-lift and focus on certain muscle groups and then end my workout with some HIIT Cardio! I have never done yoga, but I have always wanted to try it! Have you ever done Hot Yoga?
Hi Sara! I really love the photos you chose to share! Your dogs are so sweet! I have two Corgis here with me in Norman. How old are your pups? Why did you choose to come to the University of Oklahoma? What was your major before psych? I'm sorry if you said and I missed it. Nice to meet you Sara!
ReplyDeleteHey Sara, That is awesome that you switched your major to something that you enjoy. I know I did that, I started off as an engineer and quickly shifted to Biochemistry haha. Is there any area of study specific that you want to go into or do more research in? Also,Spring Rolls are soooo good. I wish I knew how to make them. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteHi Sara. I have a Pomeranian and mine, Roxy, is a mixture of yours. She is sassy but sweet. It just depends on the day. They are a dogs with plenty of personality. I see Pia is a lighter color, my dog is darker. Are both of your dogs light? Also, I love yoga too! It is incredibly relaxing with the same rewards of excising that makes you feel like you're going to die.
ReplyDeleteHi Sara!
ReplyDeleteThat's so exciting that you were able to find a major that means so much to you. I switched career paths a while ago and I remember being so scared but it's definitely paying off in the long run. I am also hoping to go to a post grad program one day, but I'm really not in a rush to get out of school. I think it's a really nice balance between responsibilities and still some freedom. Your doggos are SO CUTE. I have a little chihuahua, so lots of love for the tiny dogs! I hope you have a great rest of your semester!
Sara, it was great getting to know you through your introduction post. I think psychology is an interesting field and I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors. I’ve attempted Yoga several times and I enjoy it, but I do not do it enough to attempt any of the difficult positions. I agree that it is important to be conscious of what you are putting into your mouth and commend you for sticking to a healthy lifestyle!
ReplyDeleteHi Sara!
ReplyDeleteThink that it is really neat that you are a psychology major! I was one once, but switched to letters and religious studies. I think it is sweet that you observed closely what your mother could/would eat and what she couldn't/wouldn't. Of course, she is family but some individuals don't pay close attention like that. I cook a lot as well and so I am always paying attention to what others can and cannot have. Also, your dog is super cute! Keep on keeping on!
Hey Sara!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love yoga also! I've been going to a bikram yoga studio for several years now; I also really enjoy Vinyasa classes. I definitely agree that it is important to understand what we are fueling our bodies with, and nutrition is something I am very passionate about. I have never made Vietnamese food before, although I do love making recipes from different cultures and exploring the universality of food. Best of luck for the journey ahead in grad school!
Hi Sara~
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of interesting that there is only a month left of school but we are still meeting each other. I'm so used to meeting in the first couple weeks and if we didn't know each other by this point, we probably never would. It's impressive that you can work out twice a day. My four times a week with my trainer is about all I can handle. One day when I have some more money, I'd love to start taking yoga classes again. I think yoga is the good type of challenging.
I hope you have fun in grad school!
Hey Sara,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your introduction! I love the picture of your dog Pia they are so cute, I also have a small dog! I am jealous that you enjoy doing yoga and cooking, those are things I have tried and really wished I like but I do not. Also good luck in grad school, I just accepted an offer into grad school for the fall so best of wishes.
Hi Sara,
ReplyDeleteMoore – only thing I really know about it is that it gets all the tornadoes OKC and Norman ought to have. So I have to ask: have you ever been in one?
What was your earlier major? I like your characterization of psychology as the question of stimulus and reaction.
(Spring rolls are very, very good… making me hungry!)
Best,
A.M.
Hi Sara!
ReplyDeleteI think it is very amazing that you are majoring in psychology. I am also majoring in psychology and I like your reason for liking the major because it is why I also like psychology. I am also from Moore, OK like you so we definitely have some things in common. I also think it is your hobby of cooking is also very good.
Hi Sara! You seem to live an active life! I'm majoring in math and not psychology, but I have taken a few psychology classes for electives and really enjoyed them. I think if I had more time I would have gotten a minor in psychology, but I'm a senior this year too so this is my last semester as an undergraduate (assuming a pass all of my finals, please god). Hope you're having a wonderful semester! It's the very end; congratulations on making it!
ReplyDeleteHello Sara,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, congratulations on graduating and good luck with grad school! You know, I also find psychology fascinating. I also like cooking, but I don't do the healthy part, which I should probably do. When I worked for Red Lobster, I worked my way up the kitchen until I became a certified grill master. But like I said, the food that I cooked was not very healthy.