My academic interests are currently revolving around the social sciences. I am taking Psychology and Sociology this semester and my schedule for next semester includes another Psychology class and an Anthropology (Introduction to Queer Studies) class. Presently, I have not declared a major or minor and am enjoying exploring my options. However, as I look at my current and future schedules I can’t help noticing the similarities. As I reflect on my semester and what I want my education to look like here at Agnes, I find myself coming back to Psychology. My Psychology class has been 50 minutes that I have thoroughly enjoyed and I am eager to learn more about this discipline and what I can do with it.
I interviewed Dr. McDonald in the Psychology department, who is also a licensed counselor. Her experience in college was not unlike many of ours. She came to college knowing that she wanted to major in Psychology, but what exactly she wanted to do with that was unknown. She took initiative and started taking classes towards her major early on and also explored career options through classes and internships. It wasn’t until around late sophomore year when Dr. McDonald realized that she wanted to be a counselor and that’s when she began to think about graduate school. I asked if her participation in PsyChi (the honor society for Psychology) had taught her anything about leadership. She said that even though she did have a leadership position within the group, she strongly believes in “servant leadership”. Being a member of PsyChi taught ownership and responsibility and these are values she uses to this day.
Like with any major, success comes after you put in the work. I believe that if a person really had a passion for psychology, they could successfully pursue that major. For me personally, my strengths and personal qualities will benefit me if that is that path I choose to follow. My StrengthsFinder results included Communication, Woo, and Empathy, all traits I would associate someone in the field of psychology having. Psychology is about understanding people so to have strengths that are so strongly geared towards connecting and understanding people is extremely helpful and motivating for me. Taking into account my personal qualities and also reflecting on my interview with Dr.McDonald has given me a clearer view of what I want my education to look like. No, I may not know what I want to do with my life yet, but I am beginning to realize where my academic interests lie.
