When Agustina Bertone applied to be a McNair scholar, she was nervous.
“I was going up against incredible students,” Bertone said.
But she was hopeful. Her past research experience and her passion for the program made her a competitive candidate. And when she was told she’d been accepted, she was honored and grateful.
“It is an opportunity to better prepare myself for graduate school, meet people with similar goals, and gain experiences I wouldn’t otherwise find or have while being an undergraduate student,” Bertone said.
As a 20-year-old psychology sophomore, the program gives her an unprecedented advantage to students studying in her field. For 10 weeks this summer, she’ll be working on an independent research project with UF professor Joe McNamara. She will also attend conferences and take GRE classes. At the end of the program, she will take her GRE.
Aside from being a recently announced McNair scholar, Bertone is extremely involved on campus. She is an honors student and a substitute teacher at Baby Gator. She also works as a research assistant under the division of medical psychology and the department of psychiatry. In addition, she is a research assistant in the Warrington College of Business Administration Human Resource Research Center.
On top of that, she is the secretary of the Argentine Student Association, a peer mentor in the Dial Center for Written and Oral Communication speech lab, a conversation partner for the English Language Institute at UF, and an initiate rushing Phi Sigma Pi, a co-ed honors fraternity.
When it comes to managing all her tasks, Bertone said balance is key.
“It’s important to know when I’m wearing myself too thin,” Bertone said. “I’m constantly reevaluating my priorities to make sure they are on track to help me achieve my goals, whether they are post-graduate goals or personal goals.”
After she graduates, Bertone wants to get a PhD in either developmental, industrial/organizational, or clinical psychology.
“Eventually, I would like to be a professor and continue doing research in one of those fields,” Bertone said.
Until then, Bertone still has many years of school ahead of her. She offered advice for young women just starting college.
“Really take advantage of every opportunity you’re given, and also seek out opportunities,” Bertone said. “Lastly, I’d say it’s important to have fun and enjoy your college experience. It’s important to get your priorities straight but also enjoy this time of growth and self exploration, make long lasting friendships, and make the most out of everything the college experience has to offer.”