Personal Growth in Human Relationships class helps graduate find her field of study

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for spring 2019 commencement.

Cami Mcintire, a family and human development major in the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University, talks about the importance of taking classes you love, getting to know your faculty and following your passion. 

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: I actually started my freshman year here at ASU as an undeclared major because I was hesitant on getting into a field I wasn’t going to love. I met with an academic adviser, and she told me a lot of students here at ASU enjoyed taking a Personal Growth in Human Relationships class in the family studies department. I took the class based off her suggestion and fell in love. By the end of my first semester I was actually upset the course was coming to an end. So, the beginning of my second semester I picked up my family and human development major.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?

A: After picking up my women and gender studies minor, I began enrolling in courses that discussed topics like women’s bodies and women’s international health. These courses were eye-opening for a young woman like myself. I enjoyed the topics, discussions and overall environment that went on in those types of classes. Other students became vulnerable as we discussed sensitive topics, and I had never experienced anything like it; I loved it. 

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I always knew I was going to stay in state because my family would not have been able to afford to visit me had I moved out of state. Being close to home (she is from Gilbert, Arizona) humbles me and allows me to take mental breaks when need be. I also knew research was something I wanted to be a part of when I started college, and because ASU is an R1An R1 university is one that is doctoral-granting and has what is classified as "very high research activity" in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. institution, I felt like it was kind of a perfect fit.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: No doubt about it, Sarah Lindstrom Johnson. Not only has she taught me so much academically and within the classroom, she has also taught me how to better myself and has provided me opportunities I would have never even knew existed. One of the most important lessons I think I’ve learned from her is how to trust the process. I always feel like I’m falling behind or not doing enough, but she has always been there to ground me.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Get to know your faculty! I know it is so cliche, but it is so very valuable. They are there with and for you so take advantage of that! You will need those connections if you choose to pursue a graduate-level degree, and many of them are plugged into the job market and various opportunities that they may share with you. It is all about who you know!

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: When it’s not too hot, Hayden Lawn is a great place to meet up with friends, study, read or eat. I love bringing a small blanket and just lounging out there!

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I am currently in the process of finding an internship for my gap year. I also work at a speech therapy clinic so I will continue there until I figure out what I want to go to graduate school for.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: Working to end starvation. It makes my stomach turn thinking about the fact that there are people all over the world who are not capable of buying, growing and/or preparing any type of food, yet I am able to Postmates just about anything …