For Diana Chavez, the path to SUNY Oneonta wasn’t linear. After beginning her higher education journey at a community college and uncovering a curiosity about human behavior, she transferred to Oneonta ready to fully engage.
Through research, campus involvement and meaningful connections, Chavez turned her second chance into a transformative college experience, finding not only her academic passion, but a strong sense of belonging, purpose and direction. Now a senior psychology major with plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work, she hopes to support families and young children while making a lasting impact in her community.
Why did you choose SUNY Oneonta?
I first applied to Oneonta in high school because I had seen it at college fairs, and I knew it had a strong Psychology program, but I unfortunately didn’t get in. I ended up going to Westchester Community College, where I really started to figure out what I wanted to study and commit myself to my academics. When I applied again and got in, I had a feel that there was something special waiting for me here.
It was a huge advantage to transfer within the SUNY system. From my experience, SUNY Oneonta does a great job of facilitating orientations for new students and transfer students, which provides everyone with the opportunity to meet others who are experiencing similar changes in life and academic careers.
Why did you choose your major?
At first, I thought I wanted to go into education because I was inspired by my teachers. But over time, I realized I was really curious about the human mind: why we do what we do, how we interact, and how our environment impacts us. Once I came here and saw the depth of the Psychology program and all the different areas you can explore, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
Favorite class and why?
Some of my favorite classes have been Evolution, Positive Psychology, and Family Communication. Those classes really made me think more broadly about development and how we relate to each other. Other classes with a focus on natural sciences, like Cognitive Neuroscience and Anatomy and Physiology, have created within me a deep appreciation for the incredible mechanisms and functions of our bodies and the undeniable link between body and mind.
I think the classes I have taken here have prepared me for my career goals because of the applied learning approach. Primarily, through service learning, I've felt empowered by civic engagement and feel it's been a great step in preparation for a career in social work.
Best experiences at Oneonta?
I would say the endless opportunities to engage with other people, whether it be in your residence halls at events or at larger things like educational lectures and cultural celebrations. There are so many opportunities to connect with people here and feel like you belong.
I also got involved in research, which has been an incredible experience. I started through a statistics course and connected with a professor who encouraged me to join her lab. Since then, I’ve helped recruit participants, gather data and prepare research presentations. You’re not just sitting in a classroom, you’re in charge and you’re actively doing the work.
Clubs and activities
I’ve been involved in the First-Generation Honor Society and Psi Chi, the psychology honor society. Being part of those groups has helped me build connections and find community.
I also really love all the school celebrations, like when the weather gets nice and there are celebrations in the quad. Any events that are catered toward being in community, open houses, art department trips, getting to explore different hiking trails and mountains either for free or for very little, celebrations of the Hispanic community, there’s a lot! Finding people who have shared interests and making connections and building memories has been wonderful.
After transferring to SUNY Oneonta from a community college, Diana Chavez immersed herself in campus life and research, finding her passion, purpose and a strong sense of belonging as a psychology major.
Advice for new students?
Find your people. Whether that’s professors in your department, clubs you want to go to, or campus resources, take the time to look for them. Do the research, make the phone calls and go to the offices. That’s how you best lay the groundwork for your success. Know what you have around you and who.
Coming here as a transfer student was an adjustment. The workload was more rigorous, and I struggled at times, especially with math. But I found support through tutoring and academic coaching, and that made a huge difference for me. It helped me with structure, time management and learning how to ask for help. One of the most meaningful experiences I had was working closely with a faculty member who really supported me. In our last session together, we both cried. It was emotional because I truly felt like I had someone in my corner.
What’s next?
After graduation, I’m hoping to continue working in research, possibly through SUNY Oneonta’s Dragon Corps, and gain more experience working with faculty. My long-term goal is to pursue a master’s degree in social work at the University at Buffalo.
I want to work with families and young children, especially based on what I’ve seen growing up in my community. I think social work will allow me to support people in meaningful ways and make a real impact.