Imagine filling out your college application. The line reads "First Choice Major." What do you choose? All through your high school career, everyone said major in engineering or business or finance because you would make the most money, but, not one person ever asked you what major you would be most happy studying.
Starting out my freshman year, I went in as a Communication major. I listened to what people told me and let their words influence my decision. That was my mistake. I wasn't happy because I wasn't studying what I was passionate about. Second semester, I transferred to Psychology. It was the best move I could have made for myself. Deep down, I always knew that Psychology was a better fit for me I just needed to find my voice.
I've always had a softer side for the kids in school that weren't the brightest or had adversities, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder. My mom is a teacher so I've always been around kids my entire life. I remember when I first started at my new school in the third grade, my mom was teaching seventh grade. She had a tough class and there was one kid in particular who gave her a hard time. Most teachers complained of his behavior, but even at nine years old they couldn't see what I saw. I always felt that if I was given the chance, I would have the ability to help this kid make it through. I always felt that maybe he just needed someone to listen to him and remind him of his potential. Crazy thought.
As you can see, my passion was born when I was nine years old. As I got older, it became more evident that I had a way of working with kids who needed the help. During my four years of high school, I volunteered at the Jason Roberts Challenger League, which is a baseball league for children with adversities such as Autism and Down Syndrome. There was one girl who stuck out in particular to me. Her name was Elizabeth. Her passion and strength through her challenges inspired me so much that I took her name when I was confirmed in the 10th grade.
These are just two of the many stories that have influenced my decision to change my major to Psychology. With Psychology, I plan to specialize in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This summer I am interning at the ABA Bierman Center which is a center where they do ABA therapy with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. When I went for my interview this past winter, I felt like I was where I was meant to be.
Someday my goal is to open up my own therapeutic center for children with Autism. Maybe that is an unrealistic goal but Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper for lacking imagination, Steve Jobs was fired from the company he created at 30-years-old, and Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. These are just a few legends who are my inspiration everyday. Do not let that fire burn out inside of you. I know I won't.
I enjoy working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder for reasons that would take me thousands and thousands of words to explain. They are some of the most special, talented, and incredible children I have ever met. Before with Communication, I felt that I was doing work that would only benefit myself. Here, I get to work with children for a living and hopefully put a smile on someone's face who hasn't smiled in a long time. To me, that is more rewarding than money will ever be.
