Katianne Brent鈥檚 experience in the Psychology program
By Zoe Lance
Katianne Brent lovingly calls herself a science nerd.
She鈥檚 always been fascinated with behavioral neuroscience, a field that focuses on the biology of behavior. She also enjoys the research side of psychology, going so far as to get a tattoo with an oft-used number in statistical hypothesis testing. And she thrives on the rigor of being an aspiring medical professional, applying what she鈥檚 learned in the classroom wherever she goes.
鈥淚鈥檝e always been innately curious about everything,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he more and more I鈥檝e learned about science and the psychological disorders that afflict people, the more I鈥檝e realized I can help with an understanding of both biology and psychology.鈥�
This curiosity has led Brent to 华体会鈥檚 Psychology program at the Goleta campus, where she鈥檒l graduate with a psychology degree this summer. Brent plans to pursue graduate work in medicine or neuroscience.
鈥淏eing at 华体会 has really been such a positive experience,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he professors know your name and are definitely invested in your success. I really appreciate the community that I鈥檝e found and the support I鈥檝e gotten the whole time.鈥�
Brent came to 华体会 by way of Northern Idaho. Before moving to Southern California, she had spent summers in Los Angeles with an aunt. As Brent was getting ready to study biology at the University of Hawaii, her aunt encouraged her to consider Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and transfer to a local university. It seemed cosmic 鈥� a book series she had read as a kid growing up near the Canadian border was based on the beach town.
Through SBCC, Brent found 华体会鈥檚 Goleta program. She鈥檚 taken classes in theory and data analysis, getting a holistic view of the psychology field. Being able to interact one-on-one with her professors and learn from their careers has given her an appreciation for the discipline.
鈥淚 knew that what I needed was a hands-on experience where I could have my questions answered 鈥� and I have a lot of questions,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou find a respect for the profession, major and science, as a whole. The cohort system has also been really beneficial for me. Having that sense of community has been really positive.鈥�
Brent鈥檚 daily schedule is packed, between working and being a student. By day, she鈥檚 a psychology tutor at SBCC and a behavior therapist for children with autism. By night, she works as a server at a local restaurant. Having opportunities to work with different kinds of people helps keep her critical thinking and observational skills sharp.
鈥淚t鈥檚 like watching a psychology textbook being played out loud,鈥� she said. 鈥淧eople always say, 鈥楧o what you love and it won鈥檛 feel like work.鈥� It鈥檚 so silly, but it鈥檚 really true. It鈥檚 incredible to be excited about doing this as a future profession.鈥�
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漏 Spring 2018 / Volume 22 /Number 01 / Bi-annual