I would like to begin by saying that life is a journey, and though we may all have it planned out in one way or another, it is paramount that we allow room for unexpected eventualities. This way, one can be able to pick themselves up, dust off, and take another shot at it if they encounter obstacles to their plans. The first significant challenge I faced in my life was dropping out of college in the first year of studies. Looking back, I detested the fact that I was part of the statistic of first-generation college students who failed to complete their studies at the first attempt. Research indicates that besides economic obstacles, college students face a significant number of unanticipated hurdles including academic, social, cultural, and self-inflicted doubt. I was a victim and it set my life towards an unprecedented course that took me years to steer back to where I wanted to be, but I learned vital lessons in the process, and regard for college students facing similar predicaments went to a higher level.
My life did not stop after dropping out of college; I had to survive, the hard way. I got a job at Krispy Kreme as a corporate trainer for 5 years, then as a manager at a family hotel. Life was unfolding beautifully at the time, but a dark cloud descended on me again after I decided to get married and had two kids. My family went through a traumatic and emotionally draining process of divorce. I have never suffered so much pain in my life; but the experience jolted me into action and I made a decision to go back to school. Life as a single parent was an uphill task. Balancing between family, work, and graduate studies proved to be almost unsurmountable, but step by step, I went on until I graduated with a degree in psychology. It was such sweet victory, but looking back now, I sympathize and empathize with people going through similar experiences, and the decision to purse a degree in psychology was motivated by the need to be of help to these individual through counselling.
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Skills, Techniques and/or Strategies I used to overcome the Challenges
Believing in oneself is a crucial weapon against all adversities; it worked for me in a number of occasions. However, one needs to be flexible, accommodating, and open to new possibilities to survive all odds. During my working years after dropping out of college, I always wore a brave face and had a charmingly polite attitude towards customers. I was punctual for my shift and meticulous about my duties and earned the respect of my employers and work colleagues. However, work life only served to belie my precarious situation and I had to figure out ways of handling my emotional problems that were almost driving me to insanity. I sought counselling help from a community social services facility upon advice from a close friend. While there, I met other individuals who were going through similar difficulties or worse and I was inspired by some of their stories. In fact, my involvement made the emotional burden following the divorce bearable as I was equipped with skills and strategies for handling the situation.
After I went back to graduate school everything changed because I need to balance between family, work, and studies. Therefore, I had to sit down and set goals for myself and decide on timelines. I chose psychology program not only because it was of interest to me, but also because it provided the flexibility I needed. I also involved my ex-husband and close friends in planning, especially where the kids were concerned, with full knowledge that the situation was only temporary. This way, I was able to develop a support system at home, work, and school and organize my time accordingly. Nevertheless, I realized that working smart was important because it allows prioritization of crucial issues. I also set personal boundaries especially at home and at work, and practiced self-care as per the advice of my counsellor.
Description of Why My Chosen Career Path is a Good Fit for Me
Currently, I am an employee at Industries for the Blind where I have been working in Low Vision for five and half years. After graduating, I had one year stints at Terminix, TRC, and as sales promoter at Stichmaster. My current position gives me the opportunity to deal with individuals facing visual challenges, and I consider it the right step in my career path, which is to help people facing emotional and psychological difficulties following unprecedented incidents in their lives. My past challenges and experiences played an important role in deciding to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology. During my previous counselling sessions, I learnt that the number of people experiencing psychological and emotional problems as outcomes of adversities in life is significantly high among the general population. Having first-hand experience of such problems, it is my objective to place myself strategically in a position to help young people handle their emotional issues and see meaning in life. Additionally, I have been able to horn my interpersonal and communication skills, and I have excellent understanding of psychology theories which I believe are crucial for counsellors. Therefore, I am confident that my chosen career path is a good fit for me because it reflects my work ethic and virtues.
