You remember last semester, when the living was easy and we barely had any work and we used to go out partying ever weekend? Well, I can barely remember it, because the heat in the kitchen that is the Counseling and Mental Health Services program just got turned up.
It might be that this semester we're having to complete weekly assignments, that we have comprehensive exams coming up next week, or that I finally have a practicum site where I have to go 12 hours per week. Whatever it is, this semester is no joke.
I feel a little conflicted about this: on the one hand, it's been really difficult to catch my breath. I've been doing readings the night before and getting papers written the morning of the due date, whereas last semester I was at the top of my game. On the other hand, I love having a practicum site and having a lot to do keeps me on my toes. I miss having nothing to do but read, but I know real head student life isn't really like that. So I'm glad to be getting used to working hard all week.
Next week is our comprehensive exam, the test through which we will demonstrate our counseling knowledge proficiency. Having so much to do this semester has made it so hard to study! I hope anyone reading this can take this as a lesson: start atudying for comps ASAP! Time starts really running out once the spring semester starts. But don't worry; I'll start studying today. Wish me luck!
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Friday, February 6, 2015
Ohhh Right I Studied Anthropology!
So this semester, we're all taking a class on human development, where we're learning about how people grow and change over the course of their lifespan. To be completely honest, it hasn't been my favorite class. The readings have been interesting; I've learned a lot; and the professor is really nice. However, I haven't been feeling as engaged with the material in class as I have been in other courses.
This week, however, I realized my real passion when it comes to human development. Our readings for the week were all about the influence of culture on development, and when we discussed them in class, I was so engaged with the material that I was excited. I started thinking about cultural differences and the effect they might have on our assessment of mental illnesses and intellectual disorders. What of the child whose culture teaches not to give direct eye contact or physical contact who is told they are austistic because of their perceived lack of prosocial behavior?
The whole class discussion put me in this place of wonder and showed me where my real passion lies: with culture. I guess I shouldn't be surprised; after all I did major in anthropology as an undergrad. But in all this time I never actually realized how attracted I have been to the study of culture.
I think this is probably a good lesson. Always be open to new experiences and information because you never know when you might stumble upon your real interest like I did mine. The class got me thinking about doing research and going on to get a PhD with a focus on cultural psychology and its implications for the counseling field. I do want my main occupation to be counseling, but I see now that there's a place in my heart for anthropology, and I shouldn't keep on neglecting it.
This is also a good time for me to explore an opportunity that I haven't thought much about since I've been at GSE: the chance to help with faculty research. Not only is this offered as an option for financial aid through a graduate assistantship, but it is also something in which an individual student can take the initiative to get involved. I believe anyone with a real passion for a specific topic should try to get involved with research. It's a great experience that allows you to study what you love, AND of course it looks good on a resume or PhD application.
I'll be sure to let you know if I end up pursuing research. Stay tuned!
This week, however, I realized my real passion when it comes to human development. Our readings for the week were all about the influence of culture on development, and when we discussed them in class, I was so engaged with the material that I was excited. I started thinking about cultural differences and the effect they might have on our assessment of mental illnesses and intellectual disorders. What of the child whose culture teaches not to give direct eye contact or physical contact who is told they are austistic because of their perceived lack of prosocial behavior?
The whole class discussion put me in this place of wonder and showed me where my real passion lies: with culture. I guess I shouldn't be surprised; after all I did major in anthropology as an undergrad. But in all this time I never actually realized how attracted I have been to the study of culture.
I think this is probably a good lesson. Always be open to new experiences and information because you never know when you might stumble upon your real interest like I did mine. The class got me thinking about doing research and going on to get a PhD with a focus on cultural psychology and its implications for the counseling field. I do want my main occupation to be counseling, but I see now that there's a place in my heart for anthropology, and I shouldn't keep on neglecting it.
This is also a good time for me to explore an opportunity that I haven't thought much about since I've been at GSE: the chance to help with faculty research. Not only is this offered as an option for financial aid through a graduate assistantship, but it is also something in which an individual student can take the initiative to get involved. I believe anyone with a real passion for a specific topic should try to get involved with research. It's a great experience that allows you to study what you love, AND of course it looks good on a resume or PhD application.
I'll be sure to let you know if I end up pursuing research. Stay tuned!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)