Erin Badger, a recent St. Edward’s University graduate, is taking the skills learned in the classroom and use them in the streets of Paris. As a psychology major, Badger was able to learn everything about the study from theory to applications, but surprisingly, it also helped her learn a lot about herself. A self-described introvert, Badger believes that her knowledge of psychology has helped her become more introspective, and now that she finds herself studying abroad, she is trying to balance her introversion with more social engagement. We spoke about her goals for the trip and some of her stray thoughts on Parisians. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: First and foremost, why did you decide to study abroad?
A: I just graduated, so it was kind of my last chance. Also, just for “shits and giggles,” as Calista [Robledo] says.
Q: Tell me about your time at St. Edwards and a little bit about your major.
A: I started out as an education major, but I took one psychology class and that was enough to make me change my major. I was on the swim team for all four years but I lived at home junior year because of COVID. But the swim team was like a really big part of my life for the first two years of college. Like freshman year, my only friends were from the swim team, but they were all seniors and graduated. So that sophomore year, I had to make new friends. I’ve made a bunch of really close friendships – I’ve made the best friends I’ve ever had through college. And I’m living with two of my friends that I met sophomore year.
As for psychology, I just think it’s interesting, and I know I want to work with kids. I took a social work class – which is what made me change my major from education to psychology – and I knew immediately that it was what I wanted to dedicate my life to.
Q: Do you think you use what you learned about psychology in your personal life?
A: Yes, definitely. Psychology has made me learn a lot more about myself, which has helped me improve my relationships with people. I’ve always been really introverted, and I used to have really bad social anxiety. But I really forced myself to go through with studying abroad. I was really scared to go on this trip because I didn’t know anyone and didn’t want to be away for five weeks, but I’m really glad I did. I think it’s gonna help me navigate my social anxiety too, I guess.
Q: So, would you say your major has made you more hyper aware of your introversion?
A: Yeah. Yeah, definitely. I am definitely more reflective about my own thoughts and experiences in a way I wasn’t before.
Q: Is that something you plan on working on here in Paris, and if so, are you trying to push yourself out of your comfort zone?
A: I think that’s something I can’t really change about myself, so I have to just accept it. I really just want to learn to balance it this trip. Sometimes I’ll spend way too much time by myself, but other times, I’ll spend too much time with other people. So, yeah. I want to learn to be more balanced about that, but I really don’t mind doing stuff by myself. Everyone here seems very independent – I could see myself living in Paris.
Q: Is there anything else you hope to accomplish while in France?
A: I really hope I can make really close friends; I hope we stay friends! I would also like to learn more French. I know some conversational French from high school, but I’d really love to pick up some more by the end of the trip.
Q: A fun question: Have you noticed any major differences between Americans and the French?
A: When we went on the tour of the Seine, everyone on the boat was very American, and they were super confident but also really obnoxious and loud. And sometimes I think that’s a really good thing – to be really confident and own yourself – but they definitely stuck out very much compared to the French. Everyone here is much more reserved and to themselves.
Q: Finally, since you just graduated, what’s next for you after this?
A: I got a job as a behavioral therapist. So I’ll be working with kids with autism for at least a year, and then I want to go to grad school.
Andrea Cardenas is a rising senior majoring in Communication and minoring in Spanish.