changes in university | psychology | my quirks
University Snapshot:
Learning to Adjust
> In high school, I was focused on getting good grades. I went to the extreme of letting my grades define who I was. If I did not get an "A," I was emotionally devastated. Since I have come to university, I have had to learn that the academic experience means more than grades. There are many opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities. Clubs are a great way to get connected and meet new people. As a result, I am learning to be open to new things and new relationships.
> My first year of university was challenging in many ways. I am the type of person who likes familiarity and structure so coming to a new school was overwhelming. It was hard to learn a new system. I found the academic workload to be demanding and the pace of university to be fast. It took me a few semesters before I learned what I could take on academically.
> I have also learned the importance of time management. It has not only allowed me to complete my courses, but it has also allowed me to have a life outside my academics. I find that I function more efficiently when I am taking out time for myself to do things that I enjoy.
> When I first came to SFU, I planned to major in English and go into teaching. My first semester, however, I took an introductory psychology class with professor who was absolutely passionate about psychology. It inspired me to take more classes until I reached the point where I had taken so much psychology that I decided to major in it. A large part of me has also wanted to go into a helping profession.
Back to top
Interests Snapshot:
Being a Psychology Student
Being a psychology student is awesome because of the insights that you gain about life and people. It is interesting because I originally thought that psychology would help me learn about why other people think, feel, and act the way they do. However, an even bigger part of being in psychology has been learning about myself.
One of the hardest things about being a psychology student has been not to self-diagnose myself. I remember taking this abnormal psychology class and diagnosing myself with almost every mental illness in the diagnostic manual.
To be successful in psychology, I think that students need to be able to think critically. Psychology is heavily researched based (at least at SFU) and students will have to evaluate many research findings. At the same time, psychology is not all about research. I think that it is important to have good relational skills when dealing with people. Students need to be compassionate. Because there is the danger of "labeling" symptoms within this field, it is important to be able to look at the whole person and not just the specific symptoms they display.
Back to top
Personality Snapshot:
Quirks and Distinguishing Features
> I am a
big kid at heart. I love to play and watch cartoons.
>I find myself very similar to Anne from Anne of Green Gables. I am idealistic and very melodramatic at times.
> The most difficult thing I've ever done was going through the process of counseling. I often like to think that I am self-sufficient and I can deal with things on my own. However, to admit that I am vulnerable and need help has been hard. At the same time, it has been rewarding as I have allowed God and other people to minister to me in my times of need.
> I dream of owning a house by the beach.
> I am a figure skating fan and if I could meet anyone, I would love to meet Jamie Sale and David Pelletier.
> I find that the state of my room varies with my mental state. When I am composed, my room is neat; however, when I am stressed, my room can be chaos.
Back to top
More about Andrea
Related reading:
Copyright iamnext.com 2004. May not be reprinted without permission.
