I was hooked by my very first college class in psychology, most of all, learning how psychology related to me personally. As I learned more about myself, I came to better understand others as well, their emotions, sadness, anger, happiness, etc. I began to understand that human suffering is a universal problem and that those who suffer are far from alone. And I became keenly interested in continuing to explore the ways in which we are alike, with similar sorts of problems, challenges, and responses to significant life events. Psychology led me to an interest in counseling, and counseling led me to my special passion for marriage and family therapy.
I was brought up by Chinese parents who settled in America to escape poverty and to chase the American Dream. Growing up in California has been a constant journey of adaptation to the culture of my family and the numerous cultures that surround me. I relish analyzing my own saga, my predispositions in interaction with environmental challenges and resources, my strengths, and weaknesses, and how all of this has resulted in my unique temperament and intellectuality. I think critically about how, as I grew up, I modeled the behavior of my peers, mimicking the role models that I admired. As we all do, I became what I saw, heard, and felt; synchronizing salient facets of a group consciousness that I did not even recognize, much less knew how to break free from. I had my struggle with low self-esteem, a negative sense of self, times that I did not feel loved or understood. Slowly, however, I learned the value of determination, self-confidence, love and compassion.
During grade school, I was the quiet one, in part because of the brutal adjustment that my parents had to make to find their niche in the American rat race. My mother worked from home, making clothes for a local clothing factory, and struggled to be a homemaker. My father was preoccupied with his education and building a business. This led to a lot of quiet time alone for me, introspection. By the time that I arrived at ____ College, however, I was fortunate enough to meet people who saw potential in me.
I surrounded myself with positive people who not only showed genuine interest in my ideas but also encouraged me to explore them further. This supportive environment fostered a sense of belonging and motivation that I had previously lacked. I began to take my studies seriously, dedicating more time and effort to my academic pursuits. As a result, my grades improved significantly, reflecting not only my hard work but also the influence of those around me who believed in my potential.
During this transformative period, I stumbled upon the profound Greek aphorism, “Know Thyself.” This ancient wisdom resonated deeply with me and ignited a quest for self-discovery that would provide me with a rejuvenated sense of purpose and meaning in my life. I delved into various aspects of my personality, my motivations, and my aspirations, seeking to understand the core of who I truly am. This journey of introspection was enlightening, revealing layers of my identity that I had previously overlooked.
Studying psychology became a source of immense inspiration for me. The subject opened my eyes to the complexities of human behavior and the intricacies of the mind. I learned about concepts such as resilience, emotional intelligence, and the power of mindset. Hope emerged as a powerful theme in my studies, serving as a beacon that allowed me to overcome my introversion and cultivate a more assertive demeanor. It was as if I was staring into my own reflection when I was introduced to some of the most salient psychological concepts, such as “Fear of Failure” and “Need for Achievement.” These ideas resonated with my experiences and helped me to articulate feelings that I had long struggled to express.
Through this newfound understanding, I was able to re-channel formerly negative ways of thinking into creative new paths. Instead of allowing fear and self-doubt to dictate my actions, I began to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. I learned to view setbacks not as failures but as steppingstones on my journey toward success. This shift in perspective was transformative, enabling me to approach my studies and personal life with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.
When I transferred to ____ University to complete the remaining coursework for my BA in Psychology, I was eager to continue my journey of self-exploration and academic achievement. It was during this time that a professor imparted a piece of wisdom that would stick with me: “Be careful what you focus on because what you focus on becomes your reality!” This statement resonated deeply within me, serving as a reminder of the power of intention and the importance of directing my thoughts toward positivity and growth. I realized that my focus could shape not only my academic outcomes but also my overall life experience. This insight propelled me to cultivate a mindset centered on possibility, resilience, and the pursuit of my passions.
Autobiographical Statement Masters MFT Asian Immigrant
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