Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences celebrates the class of 2023! To commemorate their upcoming graduation, we’ve connected with a few seniors about their time at Weinberg College and future plans. Malena Otero will be graduating in June with majors in Psychology and Cognitive Science and a minor in Data Science.
What did you study at Weinberg College and why? If applicable, please explain if your interests transformed or evolved during your time here.
I have known since my first psychology class in high school that I wanted to pursue a degree in psychology. It just seemed like the most interesting and applicable topic in the world to me–to understand why people do what they do and what drives us. Throughout my freshman year, I thoroughly enjoyed the interdisciplinary nature of psychology, incorporating areas such as linguistics, neuroscience, and computer science. As a result, I added a Cognitive Science major in my sophomore year. Eventually, throughout my academic and research experience I discovered that a data science background is crucial to having a successful research career, and completed my journey by adding a Data Science minor.
Tell us a little bit about your interdisciplinary experience at Weinberg College. How did it prepare you for the future?
When I first began my time at Northwestern, I remember complaining endlessly about the distribution requirements. As someone who knew exactly what I wanted to study, I felt that spending my time on any classes other than psychology was a complete waste of time. Ironically, it was a psychology class that changed my view. The phenomenon of “transfer” in psychology refers to the idea of applying knowledge and skills learned across contexts, to new situations and problems. In other words, the idea that while I may not ever have to recall the myths I learned about in Greek Mythology, the critical thinking and analytical skills I developed might serve me in a completely different context down the line. The emphasis on an interdisciplinary experience at Weinberg College took on a different view for me after this realization. Fostering the skills that come along with the different areas of study offered at Northwestern aids in creating well-rounded students who are able to apply a variety of skills down the line. So, while I may still groan about having to attend a math class or two, I have a new-found appreciation for the transferable skills I know I am gaining.
What is one of the most memorable moments (s) you’ve experienced in the classroom, campus, or at Northwestern in general?
One of the most memorable moments I have experienced at Northwestern was the first time I went to the lakefill on my own as a student. I had been before during admitted students day and during some events for Wildcat Welcome, but those were brief, preprogrammed events. Once I had begun my classes I spent the first week locked in the library, acclimating to the workload of college. At the time I was a Kaplan Scholar, meaning I had no shortage of reading material to fill my time. Sometime during the second week or so, after my mom had bugged me about it a million times, I decided to get some of my reading done on the lakefill. I remember sitting in the grass on a sunny day and being completely in awe of the fact that this was actually my campus. And honestly, that awe hasn’t faded at all. One of the many wonderful aspects of Northwestern University is our gorgeous campus (when the weather decides to cooperate). Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we have such amazing outdoor study spots–especially when we are overwhelmed with work. But it’s important to remember that sometimes we can do that work by the water… at the very least to be stressed with a pretty view!
Do you have a favorite or transformative Weinberg College course you took? Or a professor that taught you?
One of my favorite courses in Weinberg College was “Positive Psychology” with Professor Wendi Gardner. As a psychology and cognitive science major, I spend a lot of time looking at dysfunction in the brain—at what goes wrong. This class focused on the other, far less popular, “side” of psychology: the idea of human flourishing. Exploring how to be the happiest, healthiest version of myself through researched intervention is what inspired me to pursue research in a lab at Northwestern. I joined the Life-Span Development Lab where I eventually developed my honors thesis on affection within young adult friendships.
What advice would you give to future students?
Slow down!! Everyone that goes to Northwestern is, at least to some extent, super-driven. I got to school my freshman year and immediately tried to do everything. This really ramped up my sophomore and junior year and I started this year with a million clubs, commitments, and assignments. Every spare second I had I found something new to dedicate it to. After a while, I realized that being at 99% capacity at all times was not sustainable. With that in mind, only take on commitments that truly interest you and spark passion. This will ensure you have the time to do quality work in the areas that most interest you.
What are your plans after you graduate?
Next year I will be pursuing a master’s in Work, Organizational, and Personnel Psychology at the Universitat de Barcelona, funded by an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. My goal is to employ the skills I learn from this master’s in industry, fostering a happier, more efficient workplace.