Skylar Razavi graduated last week, earning a major in psychology with an emphasis on behavior sciences and a minor in human development and family sciences. Razavi grew up in San Jose, California, and transferred to the University of Nevada, Reno after attending community college for two years.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno?

Following an interest in applied behavior analysis working with kids with autism, the University stood out to me as one of just seven colleges with an undergraduate behavior sciences program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. I also had heard through many members of my community of what a great university it was. Beyond what it had to offer academically, I found the city of Reno itself to be a great place to live while not being too far from my hometown. It felt like everything really fell into place when I started at the University of Nevada, Reno.

What is your favorite place on campus?

One of my favorite places on campus are the study rooms on the first floor of the Knowledge Center. I struggle to study at home, and these study rooms provide a quiet, minimally distracting space where I can focus on getting things done. I find it especially helpful to use those rooms to practice presentations since I can project a slideshow and they are somewhat noise proof.

What is your favorite memory from your time here at the University?

I really enjoyed my experience in the TransferFIT program where I got to meet so many other individuals in very similar shoes as myself. Being grouped with people interested in similar majors and coming from similar backgrounds, I felt a sense of relief that I wasn't the only incoming student transferring from a community college out of state.

What are your plans post-graduation?

I plan on attending the online master’s program for behavior analysis offered here at the University. Further, I would like to stay living in Reno after graduate school to pursue a career as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at my current place of employment where I provide behavior therapy for kids with autism.

What advice would you give to prospective students?

Use the available resources even when you think you don't need them. I feel really lucky to attend a university that provides so many free and high-quality outlets for mental, physical and academic support. For instance, I found the tutors at the writing and math center to be genuinely supportive of my learning however they could. Even when I had an assignment I knew I could probably do on my own, the people who helped me gave me new perspectives, validated my understanding and improved my confidence overall.

One other thing I would add is to study something you actually are interested in learning about. When I first started community college, I had no idea what I wanted to do. And while that is completely common and acceptable, it did leave me with minimal academic motivation. Once I found my passion for behavior analysis, my level of motivation, interest and commitment to getting a higher education increased dramatically. These past years at the University of Nevada, Reno, I have enjoyed going to class and listening to lectures because I was learning about topics that actually interested me. In short, I would say don't waste your (or your family's) time and money studying something you are confident you won't pursue in the future. College gets a lot more interesting when you study the things that you are truly passionate about. And as someone who is able to attend college because my parents fund it, it is so important to remember and be grateful for how hard they have worked to put you in this position. 

What would you tell your freshman self if you knew then what you know now?

One thing I would tell my freshman self is that I don't need to spend three hours taking detailed notes on every single assigned reading. I have always had the habit of taking in depth notes even on review material, adding unnecessary stress to my day. I have finally started learning to take notes in a more concise and efficient manner that saves some time in the day for self-care.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I would like to thank Dr. Bethany Contreras and Dr. Jay Shultz for providing such unique and compelling learning experiences! These professors go beyond the teaching norms of lectures and exams and challenge you to actually apply your knowledge of the subject matter. I am very grateful to have taken their courses and experienced their teaching experiences.