Meet Joe
A Culmination of Endless Options
I wanted to trade small town limitations for the endless options of a big campus in a culturally relevant city. The university offered the culmination of everything I was looking for in a college experience: top-ranked academic departments, unparalleled breadth of resources, affordability, amenities that come with being located in a vibrant metropolitan area, and genuine diversity among its students. The prospect of being in the stands for Longhorn football games didn’t hurt either.
Opening My Mind to New Approaches
When I first arrived at UT, I endured a trial by fire that caught me by surprise. I was no longer a big fish in a small pond and had to adjust to the harsh reality that I was now surrounded by people who were better than me at the skills that I was best at in high school: writing, public speaking, etc. At first, I easily felt threatened, and even intimidated, but halfway through my first semester I learned to adopt a new perspective. I began to learn from my peers who excelled at these skills and instead of looking at them with suspicion I opened my mind to their approaches. Once I became inspired by the other students in the class, I was freed from the vanity that comes from four years of praise by high school teachers.
Discovering the Value of Diversity
I came from a small town and a tiny high school, so I didn’t know anyone when I arrived at UT. I suddenly had to be proactive about meeting people after I realized that waiting for friends to find me wasn’t working. What initially seemed like a challenge became much easier after I joined organizations, which is the best way to meet people with similar interests but also branch out and discover the value of diversity. Through the groups that I’ve been a part of, I’ve met some of my best friends, bonded with fellow students over important causes, and had experiences that reconstructed my outlook on life.
From Advertising to Psychology
I was first drawn to the balance of creativity and strategy that advertising offered and my professors’ mentorship helped me to find my niche in consumer behavior. But after I interned at several major advertising agencies, I realized that while marketing and consumer psychology are fun and fascinating fields, my true passion was studying human behavior and applying it in ways that benefit society without the context of branding. Ironically, advertising helped me decide that psychology is my destined path.
Better Now Than Later
I had my epiphany a little late in the game, but when I realized this past year that I wanted to study psychology, I decided to add an extra year to take the proper courses, become involved in research, mental health advocacy, and ultimately prepare myself for a Ph.D. program in psychology. I used my real-life experiences and the advice I sought from my career advisor, professors, and professionals to decide on this new direction. I am so grateful for the experiences and guidance that helped me discover my true academic purpose and passion for psychology. Better to discover it now than 20 years from now.
Faculty Play an Integral Part in Academic Success
Relationships with faculty have been such an integral part of any success I’ve had at UT. I took the time to get to know the professors who had an infectious excitement for the material they taught. When they saw that I shared their enthusiasm, they were always willing to mentor me. These interactions provided me with encouragement and direction when I needed it most. Because of the generosity of these faculty members with their time and knowledge, I was able to redirect my academic goals toward psychology.
Joe’s Advice
On how to be a successful student
When I joined the Communication Council, I was motivated by all of the fellow overachievers, which made me want to be an even better student. Joining a college council or academic organization can be an inspiring way to develop good study habits and further your ambition.
On living on campus
Everything is a few steps away, so take advantage of it. Visit the Blanton, bowl at the Underground, work out at Gregory Gym, go to as many sporting events as you can, and use the libraries for studying and research. I lived on campus in Jester West for two years, which helped me integrate myself into campus life and explore the university and Austin from a comfort zone. The convenience factor of living on campus is so useful when trying to meet people, become involved in organizations, and adjust to all of the new experiences that college throws your way. Beware, though—you won’t have much of an excuse for being late to anything on campus if people know you’re only a short walk away.
On what to wear
You’ll quickly notice the trend of flip flops being the footwear of choice nearly year around, so bring a pair, but also don’t forget your running/tennis shoes. Those flip flops wear out quickly and tire out your feet if you have classes that force you to walk from one end of campus to the other multiple times each day!
The Desire to Make It Better
My most rewarding experience at UT was running to be the Student Government representative for my college. I ran for the position by myself against some stiff opposition from a large group that had a lot of money to spend on campaigning and extensive past experience with student government. I was an outsider to student government but was heavily involved with the College of Communication and had a lot of pride in the school and a sincere desire to help make it better. Apparently that love for the college came through because I won the election!
Active Minds
When I decided to pursue psychology, I immersed myself in books and journals on the subject. Researchers often cite the crippling stigmas that are associated with seeking help for all-too-common mental health issues that many students struggle with, such as depression and anxiety. I talked with staff at the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center about opportunities for an undergrad to help the mental health advocacy cause on campus and I was pointed to the student organization, Active Minds. This national group promotes awareness of mental health issues and works to reduce stigma, but UT doesn’t have a chapter—yet. I’m currently working to start an Active Minds chapter on campus and help build it into a viable organization that enhances and increases student dialogue about mental health. This is a goal that I will give my full effort to, with complete sincerity and conviction.
Joe’s Background & Favorites
Background
I am the first grandchild on the maternal side of my family to attend a university, so I always want to make my family proud. Also, I come from a long line of aunts and uncles who are Aggies, so I am always out to prove that I did indeed make the right choice by coming to UT!
Study location
The CMA lobby is a stylish, newly renovated space that was redesigned for both group and individual study. It’s an inviting spot and has come to feel like home for me.
Place to eat on or near campus
Central Market is my favorite for healthy and affordable food while on the go.
Classes
A tie between Interpersonal Communication Theory with Dr. John Daly, which teaches practical lessons in a fun way, and Introduction to Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy, a course taught by Dr. Leslie Moore that has deepened my interest in counseling psychology because it’s interactive and focuses on the application of theory to better people’s lives.
Thing about Austin
The people—a mix of eccentrics, intellectuals, bohemians, athletes, political activists, nature lovers, and folks bursting with Texas pride.
Pastime/recreational activity
Driving. The stunning natural beauty of Austin and its winding, hill country roads make for scenic drives that always lead to a cool new discovery.
Send Joe an e-mail at J-Grasso@mail.utexas.edu