Amber Gryga

Why you chose your major

I chose psychology as I have always been the listening and advice friend. My senior year of high school I took classes at a local community college and decided to take an introduction to psychology class out of curiosity and absolutely loved it. I created a positive relationship with my professor and used her office hours which has benefitted me in college as I have been more comfortable getting to know my professors. I eventually added my educational psychology and child, youth, and family studies minors as they were areas that connected perfectly with psychology and have helped me create my career path. Because of my minors I know I have a potential future as a school psychologist or a therapist.

Favorite and/or most impactful course

PSYC 370 - Evolution, Behavior, and Society with Jeff Stevens. I took this class since it covered one of my CDR requirements, not really knowing what I may be learning. This class taught me how to speak up in the classroom and how valuable small interactions with your instructor is. My freshman year was completely online so when classes began occurring in person, I didn't know how to talk to the other students or how to speak up. The most important piece of advice so many people had told me was to speak up in the college classroom and I was epically failing at it. I had never taken a class on evolution that went so perfectly hand in hand with psychology that I found myself wanting to interact and raise my hand and ask questions. Now thanks to this class, I am more knowledgeable on why humans are the way they are and how to confidently interact in the classroom.

Research or internship experience

Learning and Developmental Research Lab (LADR). I have been an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Finch's lab for three semesters now. I caught wind of the LADR my freshman year on campus and instantly wanted to be a part of it. I always had a feeling that I would end up working with children in the future and knew that this lab that focuses on child development from second to third grade was the one for me. After applying three times (I'm stubborn and knew I had to be a part of it), I can say this is the most valuable experience from my six semesters here at Lincoln. This lab challenges me to think in new ways and lets me explore something so fascinating to me. I am beginning my senior thesis based on my work done in the lab and I am excited to see my final project!

Other involvement

Order of Omega Honors Society - I am a member of the Greek community on campus so I had the opportunity to apply and be accepted into the Order of Omega Greek Honors Society. This honors society "recognizes the top 3% of the Greek community for their scholarship, leadership, and service."

Why you chose Nebraska

Since I am a first-generation student I was ready to get out of my home state, but did not want to be an airplane ride away. When I toured campus over winter break, during a snowstorm with no students on campus, I knew it was meant for me. Campus instantly felt like a home away from home. I have stayed because campus continues to feel like home and the people I have met have been incredibly influential on shaping me into the person I am today.

Student Ambassadors are undergraduate students who talk to prospective students, parents, alumni, and the general public about the college.