The road to psychology

Sophomore year has most definitely been a journey full of challenges and changes. The expectations are higher and the academic workload becomes a lot heavier. I was very excited to start my first required course for my major, General Psychology. This course was very insightful, thought-provoking, and especially vigorous. Although it was the most difficult of my scholastic load, simultaneously it was my favorite, developing into a learning experience.

I have a very strong compassion for people, which is why I knew psychology was the perfect major for me. My expectations for psychology were a little misguided. I was frustrated because right away I wanted to learn ways to help people resolve life issues and conflicts; however, disappointment set in when the syllabus revealed we would be studying other topics. The first chapter was an in-depth study of the biological aspect of memorizing the structures of every area of the brain, surrounding areas, and knowing each function. Suddenly I began to ponder, "Am I capable of everything that psychology entails? Is psychology really for me? Maybe my goals and psychology don't mix." These thoughts were very disturbing to me because all my life I thought God's plan for me was to be a therapist. This put me at a crossroad.

Immediately, I prayed for God's guidance and revelation. While I was reading the word to seek God's voice, I ran across an influential scripture which reads, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:22) As I studied this scripture, I clearly understood the message God wanted to convey regarding my decisions. Although things weren't going as I planned, I should stick with it because God's plan is for me to prosper. God gave me an innate gift to render services of help and healing through psychology, and it would be carried on to completion.

As the semester progressed I understood that it takes a collaborative effort of the study of biological functions, intuition, discernment and research to better understand the people I will be helping. The course required that we conduct a research project of our choice. This assignment revealed a new love for research. Most importantly, I enjoy research because my servanthood character compels me to go beyond research and implement change. Matthew 28 says "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." I'm encouraged and excited to undoubtedly know that I am walking in my purpose and will be touching and changing lives through the field psychology.