Academics: AA Green River College (2017-19); B.S. Psychology - UC San Diego (2019-21); MA in Psychology (2021-2023) & Ph.D in Psychology, University of Southern California (2021 - present). Work Experience: Graduate Researcher/ Teaching Assistant/ Assistant Lecturer (2021- present)
Share a bit about yourself and what you have been up to since you left Green River.
I'm originally from Saint Petersburg, a charming city in northern Russia. I began my academic journey at Green River College, where I started studying Communication, being fascinated with each class I took, from intercultural to interpersonal communication. It was the psychology coursework, however, that led me to reframe my approach to communication to include a psychological perspective. Since attending Green River College, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of California, San Diego.
Currently, I am a graduate researcher at the University of Southern California, specializing in cognitive psychology with a focus on language development. My work focuses on word learning, exploring how we acquire language so quickly, and involves working with toddlers and infants (a very tiny and smart audience). In addition to research, I also served as a teaching assistant for several courses, including experimental methods, cognitive, social, and developmental psychology. Having fallen in love with leading small discussion groups, sharing knowledge, and learning just as much in return from the diverse ideas and experiences that students bring to the classroom, I also became an assistant lecturer, allowing me to teach an undergraduate class of my own design called Children's Learning and Cognitive Development.
How did your education at Green River College prepare you for where you are today?
Green River College provided me with an amazing community of fellow students from all over the world and fantastic professors who inspire, care, and truly love their work. As if that weren't enough, the incredibly supportive advising team is always ready to help - I still think there is no question they cannot answer. GRC always felt like one team, driven by ambition and academic rigor, while also sharing a great deal of warmth and support. Furthermore, as an international student, I was a frequent visitor to the International Programs Office, which also offered numerous ways to connect with other students and access to relevant resources. So, I felt that GRC was my home away from home.
What kind of advice would you give a GRC student who dreams of getting into a top university?
My advice to students is to stay curious. Don't be afraid to explore classes outside of your major if they interest you, volunteer, and explore campus jobs. You may find passion where you least expect it. The advisors are there to help you plan, so take some time organizing your schedule with their help. Try your best to stay disciplined but also gentle with yourself. All in all, enjoy your time at GRC while acquiring new experiences and knowing you are exactly where you need to be!
