Gabriela Zamora '17
Major: Psychology and Spanish
Hometown: Chicago
How did you decide on your major? Have your plans changed since you started Cornell?
When I first came to Cornell, I knew I really enjoyed biology and psychology because of my prior exposure. My first year, I took a few courses from both the biology and psychology departments and I was still unsure what to major in. After my second year, I got involved in research in a psychology lab. That’s when I discovered that I absolutely loved psychology and that it was the right major for me.
My second major is Spanish because although I am a fluent Spanish speaker, I wanted to learn more about the history of Latin America and Spain. Additionally, I really enjoy reading Spanish literature!
Can you tell us a little about your career plans or goals?
I plan to go to medical school or graduate school for psychology. I aspire to become a psychiatrist and work with children!
Are you involved in any research on campus? Or special academic projects with a professor or other students?
I am a research assistant in the PAC (Personality Attachment Control) Lab in the Psychology Department. I started my research summer 2015 and I absolutely love it!
What activities/organizations are you involved in at Cornell?
Currently, I am the president of an organization called Student Technology and Education Programs (STEP Up). This organization focuses on mentoring Ithaca elementary school students in STEM fields. We co-sponsor a big competition between all the elementary schools in the spring and a lot of Cornell students come out and volunteer!
Additionally, I currently hold two student jobs. I am a student office assistant in the CALS Human Resources office and I basically help students get their paperwork in order when they get hired for a student job. My second job is a Research Assistant at the Public Service Center. I am researching the history of the PSC and how it got established at Cornell.
What has been the most life-changing lesson or experience you've had at Cornell so far?
I think the hardest thing about coming to Cornell was leaving home and my family. It was a big adjustment moving to New York and making new friends and getting involved, but I am so happy I am here.
Where is your favorite place to study on campus?
My favorite place to study on campus is the Physical Sciences Building!
What was the last book you read?
Harry Potter!
