It all started when I was a freshman and chose to become a psych major that I got bombarded with a million and one questions that made me feel like I wasn't making the right decision in life. When I would run into older people that I knew or just random adults from my past jobs throughout college, they would ask me what career I was going into. As soon as they heard the word "psychology" they would reply with, "Oh. What are you even going to do with that?" And I would just get red in the face and try to defend myself as much as I can. However, looking back, I know that this was the right choice for me. Many students who are in my field of study are going to do great things with their career, and for them to be constantly put down because of their major choice is unacceptable. Without further ado, here is an article of all the ridiculous comments I hear from others who just don't get psychology and what it is really all about.
1. "You know that doesn't pay that well right?"
Whoa. I guess I never realized that. I mean this was my decided major; it's not like I looked up anything about it or thought about my future career and what it would entail. Yes, as freshmen, sometimes we jump into a major without looking up the facts. However, I did and I knew I wasn't going to get $100,000 a year and be able to afford anything my little heart desires. Although I know I won't be rolling in dough anytime soon, I know that I will be helping people. That's all I want to do in life. I want to help adolescents with anxiety and depression, just like I was helped. I remember that feeling of being hopeless and thinking that these racing thoughts of negativity were never going to end. Therefore, if I get to go home from a long day at work knowing that I am helping someone feel better about their life, then I am doing what I want to do in my own life.
2. "Can you read my mind?"
LOL. This is my favorite saying of all time. Yes, I am a psych major and no I am not psychic. I will never know what my patient is truly thinking. That is why with therapy you have to want to get help. If they just get sent to therapy by a family member or close friend, they are not going to get anything beneficial from it at all. People need to stop thinking that we can fix anyone with a problem. They need to want to get help. Therefore, I need my patient to actually tell me how they are truly feeling so I know how to help them cope. Not trying to pull a "That's so Raven" move and see into their head or anything.
3. "What even made you want to go into this field?"
Yes, I know. What a dumb question. Sadly, I still get it a lot. I mean I guess people think if it doesn't pay super well then what possible reason could there be that would make me want to be a psychology major?
Well, for my own personal reason I had a friend when I was younger who abused drugs and was down a bad road. I knew that if I didn't try to intervene, it was going to end badly. I started talking to her daily about her issues, and since we were very close, she confided in me numerous times, and we both decided that as serious as her condition was, that she would be helped best at a mental facility. However, a couple months later, our lives both became pretty hectic, and as we grew up, we grew apart. I didn't hear from her that much after that.
Two years later, she invited me to come over to his house and hang out. When I came over, she was clean. Clean of it all. I was so full of joy. I couldn't believe how good she was doing. Then, when she told me it was me who made her get help and be the way she was, I was speechless. The fact that I had helped her onto the road of recovery made my heart warm.
Even though I can't speak for others, I truly know that all together us psych majors have one major thing in common — we want to help with something. Whether it be research, businesses/organizations or just individuals, we set out to make the world a better place. That is why we chose this major. We want to make a true difference in the world and help those that we can.
I would never bash anyone's career paths, and sadly I still get asked these questions weekly. Maybe now there is a little bit more reassurance as to why we chose the career paths that we did, and why we are proud to be in this field of study.
