Macy Cates

Human Development and Family Science

In switch to HDFS major, Cates discovered her passion

Hometown

Edmond, Oklahoma 

Major

Human Development and Family Science 

Activities/Honors

Activities

World Leader (International Student Orientation Leader) (Fall 2022); Substitute (Spring 2022-Fall 2022)/ Intern (Spring 2023) at the McPhaul Center Child Development Lab (CDL); President of the International Student Ministry (ISM) run through Classic City Church (Fall 2022-Spring 2023); Bible Study leader (Fall 2020- Spring 2022)  

Honors

Presidential Scholar, First Honor Graduate 

Why I chose my major

I switched majors a few times before I settled on HDFS. I was a business major in spring of 2021, and I was talking to a friend about the classes she was taking with her HDFS degree. They sounded so interesting to me and I wished that I could take them myself. I realized that it wasn’t out of the question and as I thought more about HDFS, I concluded that not only would I enjoy it more, but it would actually be more helpful to careers I wanted to pursue. I’m interested in counseling, social work, and working within Christian ministry. HDFS would be a good starting point for any of these options and I decided to switch majors so that I could pursue something that I was actually passionate about, the wellbeing of individuals and families.  

What I like most about FACS

 I like how applicable HDFS is to life. I know that I will use what I have learned through my degree in a career, but I also know that I’ll be able to use it in daily life. Even now, my relationships are stronger because of what I’ve learned, and I plan to take the information I’ve gained into a marriage and parenting, along with any other relationships, in the future.  

Post-graduation plans

I’m moving to a primarily refugee community in Georgia called Clarkston. I plan to get a job there and serve within the community through helping those new to the U.S. adjust to a new life. I am still considering getting a MSW (Masters in Social Work) online, and if I decide to do so, will begin the degree in the spring of 2024.