In his first year at EXPLO, rising sophomore Erik is focused on rounding out his skill set and ability to see all sides of a person.
I wanted to figure out what I’m interested in and put my feelers out there. I like science a lot, but after visiting classes at some colleges, I realized I liked the science behind psychology and understanding why people do things. So for my first year at EXPLO, I’m taking behavioral neuroscience.
I feel like sometimes psychology or sociology can be really theoretical and be more about ideas. I like that, but analyzing behavioral patterns with scientific data is what really interests me. It’s helpful for everyday life as well. Sometimes when you examine people, it can be too experimental. But with personality plus science, there’s some type of chemistry there that’s not fully physical or fully emotional — there’s some connection between them. I already know a lot about the emotional part because that’s just a natural skill I have. But, knowing the scientific things makes for that great combination.
I’m also taking moot court, which — in combination with the neuroscience — will contribute to developing a wholesome social perspective. For me, it’s about being able to understand others.
Sabrina Polin