Francesca Almeida

Student Success and Advising Center, Human Development and Family Science

HDFS major says college's wide variety promotes engaging atmosphere for learning

Hometown

Alexandria, Va.

Major/Minor

Human Development and Family Science, Certified Family Life Educator

Activities/Honors

• FACS Legislative Aide
• Substitute teacher for Clarke County School District
• Young Democrats
• Pi Beta Phi sorority
• Swim Instructor at YWCO

Why I chose my major

I chose HDFS because of the wide variety of people, interests, and career goals. The coursework helps students develop a well-rounded understanding of the complexities surrounding children and their families. The faculty encourages students to explore family science through a theoretical lens, while tailoring learning to career goals. As someone who wants to have a career full of pivots and new experiences, HDFS prepares me to thrive in a variety of work environments.

What I like most about FACS

I like how within FACS classes everyone in the room has a different career goal and perspective on the class. I can be in my Intro to Child Development class and the person to my right wants to be a pediatric OT, and the person to my left wants to be a dietitian, and behind me, a fashion designer. The variety of perspectives aides in an engaging and curious classroom environment. The best part of it all is the professors thrive on this energy, and encourage every student in the room to be an engaged and active learner.