Department Spotlight: Will Walker
Will Walker is a senior in the Psychology Department’s undergraduate program. He started his higher education career undecided about a major and a career path. A few weeks into his first psychology class, Walker was hooked. After making the transition into the psychology major, Walker got involved in research labs and the USU Neuroscience Club, and he is currently serving as president of the USU Psi Chi chapter. Walker says his undergraduate career is coming to an excellent close with graduation and his pending nuptials in May. As for the future, Walker has applied to graduate school and is excited to continue his education.
Psi Chi has given me the opportunity to grow as a student, as a leader, and as a genuine person.
Why did you choose USU?
When I was in middle school, I came to USU to visit my older sister. I realized during that trip that USU was the place for me. The campus had this cool vibe. There are so many outdoor activities, and every single one of my sister’s roommates was beautiful! Naturally, as a middle school boy, I knew I could excel here.
Share your best college memory.
My favorite memory was the day I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I was in PSY 1010, taught by Dr. Sperry. We were learning about neurons and neural pathways in the brain. It was one of the first times in my life where I just understood everything clearly and with ease. Later that day I called my parents and told them I was going to switch my major and become a psychologist.
What advice do you have for other students in the psychology department?
I would recommend getting involved in every way you can outside of your classes. There are great clubs and organizations like Psi Chi and the Neuroscience Club that help you meet friends and get involved. I wish I had been more proactive in my participation in psychology labs on campus as well. These opportunities open so many doors for you down the road. In addition, I attribute much of my success as an undergraduate to getting to know my professors. The department staff really have a desire to help students. It is just up to you as the student to open the door.
How has Psi Chi influenced your education?
Psi Chi has given me the opportunity to grow as a student, as a leader, and as a genuine person. I first started as the information specialist and I am now president of our USU chapter. I am so grateful for how this position has affected me. The relationships that I have made while being a part of this organization have opened so many doors. I would recommend Psi Chi to all students that are eligible and want to improve their experience in the psychology major.
What is the most important thing you learned at USU?
I think the most important thing I have learned at USU is that it is okay to fail. I have developed the mentality that you can learn something from each experience and especially from the times you mess up. It is important to never get discouraged and always remain positive, because chances are most things will not go the way you planned them. I appreciate everything that has gone wrong in my life and the trials I have had because they have made me the man I am today.
What are your future goals?
Right now, I am waiting to hear back from graduate schools for enrollment in fall 2020 and planning a wedding with the love of my life, Camille. My goal for the future is to earn a PhD in Social Psychology and become a lecturing and researching professor at the university level. I hope to be a contributor of new research and creative ideas to help progress our knowledge of psychology for years to come, and to be a mentor to students like so many of my professors and teachers have been for me.