Graduating Senior Spotlight: Q&A with Lauren Guidish

Headshot of Lauren Guidish

Hometown: Naperville, IL

Major: Developmental Psychology

Minors: Family Social Science & Applied Psychology in Educational and Community Settings

Activities you are involved in: Greek Life, Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab

Did you participate in any student organizations, Learning Abroad programs, research or internship opportunities, or other related experiences? How have you learned from them?

I started as a research assistant in the Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab during the spring of my junior year. Before joining this lab, the term "research" scared me. I saw it as intense and something I could never do. Now being in the lab for a year and a half, I have a completely different perspective on what it means to do research. 

In my lab, I get to communicate with real families and administer research studies with their two- and three-year-old children. Compared to what I initially thought being an RA would look like, my experience has been much more unique and rewarding.

What is your favorite class that you took in CLA? Is there a professor that you particularly enjoyed working with? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?

My favorite class I took in CLA was Children, Youth, and the Media, a developmental psychology special topics course. This class taught me so much about the impact that technology and social media have on the younger generation, which was especially fascinating because I am in one of the first generations who grew up with social media. 

Dr. Henriette Warren taught this class, and I wish I could have taken all her classes! She was always so warm, welcoming, and willing to assist me with my future educational and career goals. She is also so funny, which was a breath of fresh air from some of my other classes. It is obvious that Dr. Warren loves what she does!

What have you learned about yourself during your time in CLA?

During my time in CLA, I learned that I do not have to conform to the post-grad plans my peers might have. When I began college, I had a one-track mind of what I thought I wanted my career to be. I had a hard time letting myself be curious and explore other career options. More recently, I have learned that I am capable of pursuing any career, even if it is different from what everyone else in my major is doing.

If you could go back and give your first-year self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell her to go out of her comfort zone to make friends and connections in her classes. Although it took me a while to work up the courage to do this, classes are so much more fun and rewarding now that I have. Everyone is familiar with "school friends" (the friends you see in class but never see otherwise), but it is the best feeling when your "school friends" become your real friends!

What is your favorite study spot on campus?

My favorite study spot on campus is the new developmental psychology building, Campbell Hall! As a developmental psychology student, I was so excited when this building opened my senior year. I have made sure to take advantage of the brand new architecture and have inspired all of my roommates to make it their favorite study spot too.

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