Raised in: Texas
Attending: University of Houston
Studying: Counseling psychology
Expected to graduate: Next month
Dream career: I would like to work for an organization or educational institution where I can assist young or midlife adults in discovering their best career "fit."
The three adjectives that describe me best: Tenacious, creative, patient.
What my fellow students don't know about me that would surprise them: I am secretly writing a memoir (I guess it's not so secret anymore). I love reading memoirs and decided one day that I would try it. I find it cathartic. I also write poetry, as I find it helps me express my deepest emotions.
Where I do my best thinking: Like many people, in the shower.
If I could choose to have any superpower, it would be: I would like the ability to create holes that I could leap into, whether to help someone get out of a jam, or to simply get somewhere faster. There was a Spiderman villain named "The Spot" who had similar powers. However, I want to use my powers for good.
The psychologist or historical figure I like most: Viktor Frankl. I admire the way in which he was able to create meaning from the atrocities he suffered during the Holocaust. Through his input into existential philosophy and psychology, many others have been directed to find meaning in their own lives.
My great hope for the psychology field: I would like to see a larger body of psychological research be made more accessible to those outside of educational institutions. In this way, I believe our culture can begin to see the great value of psychology and how it can be applied to change lives.
What motivated me to study psychology: I love learning about people. When I took my very first psychology class as an undergraduate, I was hooked. I was (and continue to be) fascinated by how we think and why we process events in different ways (or in the same ways).
How studying psychology has changed me: I am much more patient with others, whether it be in areas of information processing or in understanding those with disorders. I enjoy other points of view and really listen. A frequent comment made about me outside of counseling or school is, "You look at me when I talk." It seems simple, but I learned that from studying psychology.
Title of my grad school autobiography: "Grad school doesn't take that long: (But it will seem like it near the end)"
What gets my heart racing: I love driving fast, but only if no other cars are around. Still, 100 mph is amazing.
The annoying habit I wish I could change: I go to bed every night with a glass of water on my nightstand. The next morning, instead of taking it to the kitchen, I place it on my husband's vanity in our bathroom. I have good intentions of taking it with me when I walk downstairs, but I never do. He doesn't complain, which is sweet, but I could change my behavior.
What I tell myself to stay motivated: There is a scene in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, in which Elrond gives a sword to Aragorn. Elrond says, "Be who you were born to be." I know it's a little dramatic, but when I become discouraged, I tell myself, "Be who you were born to be."
Greatest frustration: Usually I take things in stride, but I don't like instructions that don't make sense. It doesn't matter whether it's an appliance or the TV remote. I'll hang in there and figure it out, unless the instructions are wrong. At that point, I want to return it.
What I treasure most, besides family, friends and world peace: Time alone. I cherish time to listen to music, paint and write.