Cara Wells

Describe yourself…

I love the simple things in life. Even though I have big dreams and plan on traveling the world, most of the time I look forward to the days where I can just stop, relax and enjoy the moment. If I can learn something new by the end of each day I feel accomplished. My faith, family and close friends are the things that are most important to me. Their involvement in my life has been a key to my success. 

I choose Southern Miss because…

I really loved the environment when I came for a visit and I immediately became comfortable. The Psychology department and the overall class sizes were two things that solidified my attraction to USM.  I was also given the opportunity to participate in Women’s Track and Field and that was just an added bonus.

Why did you choose to major in Psychology?

My junior year in high school I took a Psychology course and it quickly became the class I looked forward to the most. We would discuss the different phobias, mood disorders, the famous pioneers of Psychology, and my favorite, however odd this may sound, was the section on serial killers. I remember running home to read more about the things we talked about in class and I was surprised to discover just how dimensional Psychology really was. I was so excited to learn more and I knew that one short experience was not enough for me.

What are some ways that you have been involved in the Psychology Department at Southern Miss?

I got the chance to become a Peer Advisor during advisement week and help students with their schedules. It was only for a short time, but I really enjoyed the experience. I am also a part of a Vocational Psychology Research Team lead by Dr. Emily Yowell. It is a great opportunity for all the members to provide support and advice while we work on group or individual projects.

My dream job would be…

To somehow work for myself or for a private company that way I can make my own hours. But I will just settle for a job that allows me to travel a lot.

After graduation I plan to…

I plan to attend graduate school for Psychology.  As of right now Industrial Organizational Psychology seems most intriguing, but I am not quite sure yet which area I would like to focus on. Thankfully I am receiving some great insight and advice from my psychology professors and advisors. Whether I will go for my Masters or Doctorate is still undecided. I figure I should take my education as far as it can go. I go back and forth daily, but I have no doubt that I will make the best decision.    

What are your greatest awards and achievements in college thus far?

My greatest achievements has been getting this far along in my education. Many people, some within my own family, never did or ever will get the chance to experience higher education. I consider it a blessing to be able to be a college student and it is the thing I will always be most proud of.

My favorite thing to do on campus is…

Go to the library. It is where I get the most work done. I am not ashamed to say that I have spent countless hours in Cook Library. It provides more than just a quiet place to study. In fact it is a place where I go to hide away, kills some time before class, take a power nap and do some naturalistic observation. The best part about it is that is located right by the Psychology building where most of my classes are. 

What are some cool/fun things you’ve had a chance to experience while at Southern Miss?

This past summer I was able to take part in the USM Study Abroad program in the United Kingdom and thus far it has been my greatest experience of all. Not only was I in one of the most diverse and unique cities in the world, I also got a chance to study Psychology. Now I can say I have been to places we talk about in Psychology courses like Freud’s house and Bethlehem Royal Hospital.  Although none of this took place at USM I was able to bring my experiences back with me to reminiscence and share with others.   

When I have free time, I like to…

When I have free time the first thing I do is grab a book. Reading is my absolute favorite thing to do. I am certain it is the cause for more sleep deprivation than all my class assignments combined. I read everything from the typical classics, to inspirational biographies, and even the latest articles in medical journals.  Listening to music, watching movies, cooking, and spending time with family and friends are other things in life that I really enjoy. If I have a lot of free time I really like traveling and taking on new adventures.

I have always wanted to…

Live in England. London, specifically is one, if not, my favorite place on earth. I also have wanted to take a few months to a year off and just go anywhere and everywhere. I have always dreamed of seeing the world. 

My favorite quote is…

There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. – Nelson Mandela

The one thing I’d like to say to students considering Southern Miss…

You will not regret your decision to attend USM. It’s not only the academics and athletics that make the university great, but the people here are some of the best individuals you will ever have the chance to meet. You might have to put yourself out there and get involved but that’s okay.  In the end it will all be worth it.