Life and Times

[dark_kaomi]

I don’t write about myself much; mostly because I don’t feel like I have anything to say. Not even stuff worth reading, just anything at all. But there’s something I have to talk about if only for my sanity.

I was recently accepted into a doctoral level, clinical psychology graduate school program. I start classes at the end of August. I am

Comments

[writer_klmeri]

All I have to say is that if I had the chance to choose a psychologist, I would pick someone just like you: a person who loves her profession and is dedicated to giving thoughtful, appropriate advice. Phooey on what the professors could say to you. While they may be more experienced/educated on the subject in general, they can only guess at how well they think you are qualified for such a career, if they think you will do well in RL work situations. Maybe they'd be right; maybe they'd be wrong. It's up to you to meet your standards, and since I think I know you a little bit, I imagine your standards will be higher than theirs.

Also, just as an insight: It's been my experience that graduate school - though more demanding in quality work - is more relaxed as a whole. Professors are in no rush to push their students through to a degree. And after a couple of months, you will be able to tell each of your professors genuinely wants to see you succeed and will help you to that end. Sometimes it's those less swamped by their own research; other times it's those who love to share their knowledge with a kindred mind.

I used to worry about the same thing, really. It wasn't until I realized that my professors were there to give the material, to talk of their favorite subjects and enjoy doing so, that the true test of "suitability" was more dependent on my decision on whether or not to work hard to learn what I needed to learn.

Sorry, I'm babbling. Feel free to talk to me about this anytime, though!

[dark_kaomi]

Thank you. This did help. I wasn't sure anyone outside of the profession could. Not to offend, just that there's a difference between a friend's assessment and the assessment of someone with experience in the field. But I was wrong. And I feel good about that.

And you're right. It really doesn't matter what they think, over all. What matters is how much effort I put into it. Though I doubt they're going to stop me unless they genuinely think I have no shot. At that point I think I'd have to defer to them.

I think this is mostly just a combination of nerves/perfectionism/general stress. I'm growing up and just waiting for someone to come along and tell me I'm doing it wrong. Oi, my poor, perfectionist brain.