Understanding Himself, Understanding the World

A transfer journey rooted in curiosity

Long before he chose psychology as a major, Song Xie ’26 was searching for answers about himself and the people around him.

“I have always been a confusing kid growing up,” he said. “Not knowing why we do the things we do.”

That curiosity — first about himself, then about the people around him — sparked his interest in psychology. The real turning point came during his senior year of high school, when he watched his peers choose majors and careers while he still felt unsure.

“I didn’t know psychology was a field back then,” he said. “Then I realized, ‘Isn’t me, myself, the right subject I should be looking into?’”

That moment of clarity set him on a path that would eventually lead from Portland Community College to Linfield University.

A Bridge to What’s Possible

A Portland native, Song found support and possibility at Portland Community College (PCC), especially through Future Connect.

“Both the PCC and Future Connect Program shaped my early academic journey by building a bridge to success,” he said. “Without Future Connect and PCC, I don’t think I would have been able to attend Linfield and share my experiences today.”

Future Connect is a scholarship and support program for students who identify as lower income or the first generation in their family to go to college. The program offers career guidance, personalized advising and pathways to four-year colleges like Linfield.

His advisor, Flamur Vehapi, played a particularly important role.

Flamur encouraged Song to ask questions, stay organized and keep moving forward.

“He encouraged me to reach out to a four-year university after PCC,” Song said. Soon, Song signed up for a visit to Linfield, and that experience sealed his decision. He remembers walking toward Nicholson Library, bright clouds stretching above the trees and open pathways across campus.

“It was beautiful,” he said. “I thought to myself, ‘I think I want to study here for the next few years.’”

Finding His Place at Linfield

At Linfield, Song navigated a new environment, new systems and, for the first time, life on campus. After mostly taking remote classes at PCC during the pandemic, the shift to in-person learning — and sharing space with roommates — pushed him far outside his comfort zone.

“One of the biggest challenges was living on campus while attending classes in person,” he said. “I tried to navigate this challenge by actively seeking out connection and communication.”

Over time, reaching out helped him build confidence and stronger connections with the people around him.

Slowly, small moments across campus began making Linfield feel like home.

“There were so many moments I thought, ‘Okay, I belong here,’” he said.

Through conversations with professors, classmates and staff across campus, Song built connections and started to see himself as part of the community.

A Community of Support

Song speaks with deep gratitude about the people who shaped his Linfield experience. His supervisor in academic advising, Jane Samuels, stands out.

“She provided so much support when I was working in the office, as well as professional and personal support,” he said.

The First Scholars program also connected him with mentors and friendships that helped him settle into campus life.

As he grew more comfortable on campus, he started stepping into spaces he hadn’t expected — especially the art department.

“The art classes, professors and students are so nice, fun and inspiring,” he said.

Growing Through Psychology

In the classroom, Song found professors who challenged and inspired him. At Linfield, Professors Linder, Weisberg and Livesay made a strong impact. Before that, his very first psychology class at PCC — taught by Professor Mark Bergal — left a lasting impression.

“He taught us so well, and I loved it,” Song said.

Song says he’s especially interested in positive, clinical, cognitive and developmental psychology. One experience in particular deepened his interest in psychology’s real-world impact: serving as an in class mentor at a high school during his time at PCC.

“I really wished to know more about psychology so I could provide further supports,” he said. “Looking back, I think I could do much better with the knowledge I have now.”

Becoming More Himself

Song describes himself as naturally shy, but his experiences at Linfield helped him grow more confident.

“I am still a shy person,” he said, “but I’m a little more brave and willing to reach out and connect.”

He also learned something deeper about himself and the world.

“The world is big,” he said. “Sometimes I think I know everything and won’t realize I don’t until I start to explore and connect.”

That curiosity now drives the way he approaches learning, relationships and community.

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Song hopes to use his psychology degree to make a difference in education, social services or nonprofit work.

“I hope to make an impact by helping people within the education system or social, public and nonprofit services,” he said.

When he reflects on his journey from PCC to Linfield, one theme stands out most: understanding himself while learning how to better connect with others.

“The main purpose of education is to know who you really are,” he said, “how you are able to use what you know to help others and see yourself again while helping.”

For Song, that purpose continues to shape the way he learns, connects and hopes to help others.