A lot of the time when I am asked what my major is, I receive a roll of the eyes accompanied with an "oh of course" or something along those lines.

And while I understand that there is often a good amount of people that major in psychology at any given college, and no one deserves to be criticized for the major of their choice, I don't appreciate being lumped into the majority and/or just written off as "another psychology major."

I think it's completely disrespectful to belittle something someone is intending to pursue. In addition, for me personally, I chose psychology as my major because of my little brother. As I have mentioned in some of my other articles before, my little brother has a rare chromosome disorder that has affected his life immensely. His disorder has opened me and my family's eyes in multiple ways.

For me specifically, my little brother is a big contributor to why I love kids so much today and have wanted to engage in a profession that consists of helping others, particularly children.

Seeing my little brother age over the years and witnessing the ways in which his disorder affects him regarding his day-to-day activities, has impacted me in a way that is not easily describable. At first glance, or even having known my brother for a short period of time, many think he can function as a typical kid. However, being in his life long enough and understanding him on a personal basis enables one to see the intricate aspects of his disorder and just how much he differs from the typical kid his age.

This particular facet is something that majorly interests me in regards to psychology and how exactly the human brain works. Many people believe that when it comes to disabilities and disorders that there is a clear and distinct category that everything falls into. That there is no gray area whatsoever. You either have Autism, Down Syndrome, etc. or nothing at all. If you don't fall into either category, you should be able to function as all the other kids, right?

Well, wrong. To some people, this concept may seem obvious. That obviously not every disability can be classified into pre-established categories. But to many others, including many teachers and people a part of my brother's life, the previously discussed is believed. Disorders fall into distinct categories, and if you don't completely possess one, then you're a "normal" kid, no adjustments or modifications needed. My brother often struggles within the school system because of this ideology that the teachers and administrators believe.

But the thing is, my brother's disorder has many different attributes contributing to it. Some of them reflect disabilities such as Autism, and others reflect something such as ADHD or Bipolar Disorder. Others aren't easily categorized. His unique disorder has left me inquisitive towards all the various disorders and disabilities that are prevalent in our world. And has led me to pursue a career path in psychology as a Child Psychologist, researching and assisting kids with different disorders. To understand why they act the way they do, to help them and their families understand it, and to assist them in any way possible.

I'm thankful for my little brother each day and the incredible impact he has had on my life and the direction I have chosen to go in. He has taught me so much in his 12 years of life that I would not have acquired elsewhere. Thank you, Col, for helping me find my purpose and for allowing me to find my love for Psychology.

And, that is why I am not just another Psychology major.