Embracing the Unexpected: Experiential Learning Shapes English and Psychology Double Major’s College Journey

By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences 

Piper Greeby’s experience studying abroad in Lyon, France this past spring not only expanded her French-speaking ability but also opened new and unexpected avenues of personal growth. 

“This experience made me adaptable to new plans and scenarios, and it helped me to live life in a way I hadn't before. I wasn't too worried about the job I would have, what internship, what club?” Greeby said. “For example, I was able to naturally make friends and then they invited me to go on a trip to Greece. If I had my entire semester planned out, I wouldn't have gotten those incredible experiences because I would have been too ‘by the book,’ which is more my nature.” 

An English and Psychology double major from Chicago, Greeby interweaves the humanities and science seamlessly in her thought process and education. Greeby is projected to graduate in May 2027. 

“I originally majored in English because that was the subject I was best in at high school, and I really enjoyed reading,” Greeby said. “I've always loved reading since I was a kid.” 

Greeby was specifically drawn to the literature track because she has always been interested in interpretive analysis, critical theory and thought, and the process that comes with editing.  

“One of the things about the English major that I loved was that it was so focused on the arts and thought and theory, where psychology was more about the science and theory behind that, but the science of people and thinking,” Greeby said. “I obviously had done literary analysis and research, which I loved, but I still wanted to maintain some connection to the STEM pathway.” 

She specifically enjoys that psychology lends itself directly into thinking critically about an author’s approach to character development, story, and more. 

“When you're reading, you're looking at the characters, the setting, how the mood evokes something, and what it makes you feel,” Greeby said. “I became really interested in that aspect of English, examining what the author is thinking. What are they trying to communicate? And then to be able to expand past that with my other major was awesome.” 

Growing and developing her writing skills also contributes to success in her psychology major as well. 

“Because of my major in English, I was already proficient in writing. I could focus more on the things that I maybe was not as confident in, like the research process and determining my research goals,” Greeby said. 

Experiential learning both in Louisville and abroad has contributed to her educational and personal growth. Through her English courses, she has had the chance to complete internships at Portland Museum and University of Louisville’s Archives and Special Collections. 

“The College of Arts & Sciences has opened opportunities for me that I never would have thought I could do,” she states. 

Her experience as an intern at CeLOUbrate Print Festival helped Greeby to discover two of her great passions – editing and community organizing. 

“It informed me and helped me to decide what I like, and what I don't,” Greeby said. “It helped me to gain confidence to know that I can be both a student and a leader and have creative ideas. I can build on those with others and work in a team of professionals. So that was awesome.” 

Greeby also completed an internship through the Psychology Department with Seven Counties Services, which is a local nonprofit focused on mental health. While there, she worked with the homeless outreach team. 

“I'm an out-of-state student, so both of these internships helped me gain greater connections within Louisville and within the College of Arts & Sciences,” she said. 

Greeby’s advice to other students: embrace the uncertainty. 

“To me, it's more important to find interest and intrigue in what you want to do in school, especially if you're going to study it for the rest of your life,” she said. “I think you shouldn't fear the fact that you might not know what you want to do because I don't think anybody does ever fully. And that's constantly changing, along with everything else in the world. If you are unsure, I don't think that's a terrifying feeling you have to run away from.” 

Are you an alumnus who is interested in supporting other students to study abroad? Click here to support the experiential learning fund.