I decided to enroll into the school psychology program because I hope to use my degree to help those, whose shoes I myself was once in. As a school psychologist, one works alongside both teachers, staff, and parents to determine whether their child/student needs special instruction, and furthermore which is best for their individual needs. School psychologists work to get students the resources they need in order to succeed academically as well as emotionally within their school environment. I grew up with ADHD and was provided my own resource room teacher, who happened to be a school psychologist. This allowed me to leave my regular classroom when needed and go to a secluded quiet classroom where I was able to concentrate and complete assessments without feeling anxious, and as a result blanking out. I had teachers throughout the years who I felt didn’t really understand ADHD. Additionally, at times I would feel awful while at school and ponder on why I am appearing different from the other students. My elementary school psychologist/resource room teacher was that one individual who understood me and made me feel heard. She looked beyond my struggle and pushed me to perform at my highest potential. I believe she really helped build a foundation that helped me throughout the upcoming academic grades. While completing my senior year of college, I worked at a substitute teacher. This included substituting for special education as well as LLD classrooms. I can’t express enough how happy it makes me to hear from paraprofessionals how I am one of the only substitute's that they have seen who really know how to manage their student’s behaviors. I remember substituting for this one class where there was this one student that had severe autism. The class happened to be at their special, library for the day and the student had a very bad screaming and crying tantrum. The paraprofessional couldn’t seem to calm him down no matter how much she tried to talk to him. Once back in the classroom, where I was awaiting the class to begin the next lesson for the day, the student seemed to calm down but did not want to do anything. Instead, he sat in the classroom closet. My heart hurt at this moment. The paraprofessional left me to read what he had started on. This was a story about how he felt while at school. How he would cry because he missed his mom. I felt nostalgic. In pre-k I would also cry for my mom. I went over to this student while the other students were at lunch. I proceeded to tell him how I read what he had begun writing and how he is such a wonderful writer. I told him how I also used to also cry for my mom at school. However, I knew that I made her proud by doing well at school, and coming home showing her my assignments I completed that day. This made her happy. I then proceeded to tell him how it’s okay to miss your mom and cry, she also misses you. At this moment I finally received a smile, and a hug. This is when I knew, this is what I was put on this Earth to do. Going into college I always knew I wanted to go into a profession where I would have some sort of purpose and impact onto the lives of others, just as I did with the aforementioned student. Having someone who believes in you from the start comes a long way, as well, getting those the resources they need.

Growing up I knew I always wanted to be able to help others, but in what particular way was one I was quite unsure of. At an early age I was diagnosed with ADHD. Because of my ADHD, especially in school, I had a hard time being able to focus. Through the help of my school Psychologist, who was my resource room teacher at the time, I was able to choose to take my tests with her in her classroom. This would be in a quiet room, where I was able to concentrate and avoid blanking out at the sight of the exam paper. By choosing to attend college, my goal was to not only pass my courses, but to also make something of myself and years of education. Referring back to how I knew I always wanted to help others in some way, but not quite sure of the right way, I chose to study Psychology. By studying Psychology in college, and furthermore pursuing an upcoming career as a School Psychologist, I am able to do just that. The field of School Psychology opens me up to a variety of opportunities where I could create an everlasting impact into the lives of multiple individuals and students. Looking back, this is what my very own School Psychologist served for me. This is that everlasting impact during those times where I felt misunderstood, frustrated, hopeless, alone, or overall in a bubble while at school in which she came along and wiped all those feelings away. I had teachers who did not understand me, even if they didn’t intend on it, I at times felt as if they thought I was a lost soul, which was the worst feeling ever. I want to be that individual who believes that these children are so much more than their disorder and or disability displays them out to be to the outside world. My school Psychologist was that person, who pushed out the potential I didn’t know I had buried inside, and believed that I could succeeded not just academically, but in general. I thank her for all the academic achievements I have received throughout the years because though it was my own work, she was the one who taught me that nothing can hold me back from living and performing to my fullest potential.

When I think of what defines a psychologist the first thing that usually comes to mind is the term “helper”. The field of psychology opens one into a world of positive change. To myself, however, it serves as a productive outlet for myself to channel my inner passion for helping others. I myself have seen, endured, and overcome many obstacles in my own personal life, and I believe that it is from these experiences that, I’ve grown to be so passionate about the field of psychology. The field of psychology has not only helped me to gain a better grasp onto how other individuals think and how their brain works, but also helped me to understand myself, as a person who grew up with ADHD and has struggled with anxiety. I truly believe that a huge part into getting me to where I am today were my own school psychologists. The crying and feeling of being the “odd one out” all faded away the day my school psychologist took me out of class. She was that one person on school grounds who ultimately made me feel like I would be okay through her caring, patience, understanding, and dedication. It is my intention to pay forward the kindness and understanding that I recieved as a child as an upcoming school psychologist myself, in order to help those who are in need as I once was, and in my own way also honor those who I have come to admire and will always remember for the rest of my life.

Being exposed to a traumatic event at such a young age can propose a variety of negative effects which include of emotional regulation, distorted perceptions , learning difficulties, feelings of depression, anxiety, abandonment, low-self esteem, impairments in brain development, and delayed social and emotional development. These effects can persist into adulthood, not only effecting the lives of the victim, but also the lives of the close individuals in their life such as family or friends. It is important to note that if left untreated, childhood trauma symptoms are more likely to increase in severity. As a result, one’s quality of life and overall well-being can become greatly affected. What catches my attention most in particular, is that research has shown that a large number of child trauma survivors experience learning problems which include a decline in grades and a greater number of suspensions and expulsion. An increase in involvement with the child welfare system as well as the juvenile justice system has also been depicted. As a senior Psychology major, who is currently anticipating entry into a school psychologist certification program, I hope to apply my expertise in order to help child trauma victims before such effects occur. As a school psychologist, one wants the best for the children, we want to see our students overcome their challenges and succeed intellectually. Students who are or have experienced trauma may as a result of their trauma avoid going to school, feel unmotivated, withdraw from class activities or social bonding, and struggle to concentrate or keep up with the class. Children, in particular, spend a significant portion of their childhood in school under the care and guidance of school personnel. Schools in general, but especially school psychologists, have the unique opportunity and responsibility to help these children recover from their trauma and furthermore develop the skills necessary to achieve academic, social, and developmental success. In order to achieve such I believe it is necessary to recognize and be understanding to the fact that problem behaviors can be the manifestation of trauma-related symptoms. I also believe it is necessary to create a clear environment and concrete safety plans for the children. Most times these children can’t see beyond their traumatic experience, with this being said, I believe the simple acts of encouragement support, and consistency can come a long way during recovery. Additionally, I believe that it is critical for every school staff member to be made aware of the warning signs of serious emotional trauma in children. I also believe that since levels of trauma has been on the rise in communities, entire school systems should be knowledgeable about the potential impacts of childhood trauma and additionally ensure that their schools are an environment where students feel safe disclosing their traumatic experiences to trusted adults and professionals. The school environment is supposed to be a safe place for all students, one where they can be heard, cared for, loved, and helped.

I am currently pursuing a career in psychology, with a minor in social work. Psychology has gone on to help me not only understand the way other individuals think and how their brain works, but also has helped me understand myself, as a person who grew up with ADHD and general anxiety. I want to be able to help other children who may be struggling with a neurological disorder, just like I once was, feeling different from other kids their age and not knowing why or struggling to make and keep friendships because of their anxiety. I still deal with ADHD daily, as well as anxiety, though I have learned to control certain aspects of them through psychiatry and school social workers, which I am most thankful for. These individuals have not only helped to transform me into the person I am today, but has also had an everlasting effect on me, broadening my interest in the field of psychology. By going to college, my goal was not only to pass my courses, it was to make something of myself, having an important impact in life. I always knew deep down I wanted to help people in some way, but in what particular way was one I did not know. By pursuing a career in psychology, it is allowing me to do just that. It opens up many opportunities for myself to have lifelong positive effects on someone’s life, whether helping someone overcome the effects of trauma or helping someone deal with mental illness or a neurological disorder. I want to be the person who believes in those who may feel hopeless, or as if they have no one supporting them. I want to help turn the lives of these individuals around by helping them overcome such challenges with their mental health and living state. I was once someone who wouldn’t be able to sit still in a classroom, one who was unable to concentrate, as of now I graduated high school with honors, I received my Associates Degree in Applied Sciences, and now currently a student at Montclair State University pursing my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Social Work, and am still not finished my academic journey just yet. I am planning to further my education by earning my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a focus in mental health therapy. I want to be the one to motivate other kids to chase their goals, teaching them that nothing can hold them back.

I am currently pursuing a career in psychology, with a minor in social work. Psychology has gone on to help me not only understand the way other individuals think and how their brain works, but also has helped me understand myself, as a person who grew up with ADHD and general anxiety. I want to be able to help other children who may be struggling with a neurological disorder, just like I once was, feeling different from other kids their age and not knowing why or struggling to make and keep friendships because of their anxiety. I still deal with ADHD daily, as well as anxiety, though I have learned to control certain aspects of them through psychiatry and school social workers, which I am most thankful for. These individuals have not only helped to transform me into the person I am today, but has also had an everlasting effect on me, broadening my interest in the field of psychology. By going to college, my goal was not only to pass my courses, it was to make something of myself, having an important impact in life. I always knew deep down I wanted to help people in some way, but in what particular way was one I did not know. By pursuing a career in psychology, it is allowing me to do just that. It opens up many opportunities for myself to have lifelong positive effects on someone’s life, whether helping someone overcome the effects of trauma or helping someone deal with mental illness or a neurological disorder. I want to be the person who believes in those who may feel hopeless, or as if they have no one by their side. I want to help turn the lives of these certain individuals around by helping them overcome such challenges with their mental health and living state. There is nothing I want more than to see people who are struggling now work through their struggles. I was once someone who wouldn’t be able to sit still in a classroom, one who was unable to concentrate, as of now I graduated high school with honors, I received my Associates Degree in Applied Sciences, and now currently a student at Montclair State University pursing my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Social Work, and am still not finished my academic journey just yet. I want to be the one to motivate other kids to chase their goals, teaching them that nothing can hold them back.

I am currently pursuing a career in psychology, with a minor in social work. Psychology has gone on to help me not only understand the way other individuals think and how their brain works, but also has helped me understand myself, as a person who grew up with ADHD and general anxiety. I want to be able to help other children who may be struggling with a neurological disorder, just like I once was, feeling different from other kids their age and not knowing why or struggling to make and keep friendships because of their anxiety. I still deal with ADHD daily, as well as anxiety, though I have learned to control certain aspects of them through psychiatry and school social workers, which I am most thankful for. These individuals have not only helped to transform me into the person I am today, but has also had an everlasting effect on me, broadening my interest in the field of psychology. By going to college, my goal was not only to pass my courses, it was to make something of myself, having an important impact in life. I always knew deep down I wanted to help people in some way, but in what particular way was one I did not know. By pursuing a career in psychology, it is allowing me to do just that. It opens up many opportunities for myself to have lifelong positive effects on someone’s life, whether helping someone overcome the effects of trauma or helping someone deal with mental illness or a neurological disorder. I was once someone who wouldn’t be able to sit still in a classroom, one who was unable to concentrate, as of now I graduated high school with honors, I received my Associates Degree in Applied Sciences, and now currently a student at Montclair State University in my senior year. I am currently pursing my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Social Work, and am still not finished my academic journey just yet. Once I obtain my bachelors I plan on furthering my education by applying to graduate school. By planning on going to graduate school, I will be able to do what I have set out for myself to do which is to help those who may find themselves struggling both mentally and academically. I want to be the one to motivate other kids to chase their goals, and teaching them that nothing can hold them back.

Mental health is a vital part of our lives. It impacts our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. One’s mental health isn’t just about a mental illness, but also about maintaining a positive state of wellbeing. The state of one’s mentality helps to determine whether or not one is able to cope with the stresses of life and contribute to their community. It’s important for one to be aware that when someone is experiencing a negative state of mind, they won’t be able to function to their fullest potential. Our mental health helps to determine how we handle stresses, relate to others, and make healthy life choices, and this “negative state of mind” could hold one back from these functions. It’s also important to note that mental stability plays a critical part in achieving long-term happiness. Focusing on mental health care can help to increase productivity, enhance one’s self-image, and even improve relationships. I cant express enough how important it is that one pay’s attention to their mental health. I maintain my mental wellness by partaking in self care. This is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health. There is many ways in which I do such. I must note that I don’t only do this during periods of stress, but also incorporated this into my daily routine. I start at the beginning of each week. First I set my goals and priorities of the week, as a full-time college student I believe this helps to reduce a lot of stress and as well helps to keep me on track with my weekly assignments and exams. I then like to try and make time to spend in nature. I try to incorporate exercise into my time spent in nature by choosing to go on a walk or jog. Just 30 minutes of walking every day is said to not only improve one’s health, but also boost one’s mood. A walk in nature also helps me to clear my head. With my busy college schedule, I like to stick to a certain sleep schedule, to make sure I’m getting enough sleep to fuel my body for the next day. Before I get ready to sleep, I like to limit my use of technology. The use of phones before sleep can make it harder for you to fall asleep. Instead I like to swap my cellphone out for a book, ending my day with a quick read before falling asleep. Lastly, I believe it’s so important for one to stay connected. I like to keep in touch with friends and family throughout the week. Family and friends can act as a support group during times of stress or negativity. Acknowledging my needs and emotions plays an important part in contributing to my overall mental health. I acknowledge that managing my stress and caring for myself are crucial for my daily functions and as well as my academic success as a college student. By prioritizing my own well being, I have been able to maintain mental wellness and continue to work towards my goals with my full potential and dedication.

College is a really exciting journey for one to endeavor. Knowing that I chose to pursue a college education for the reason being that with this degree I will be able to make a positive mark in children’s lives is what excites me the most about my journey through college. Maintaining a healthy, mind, body, and soul is critical to one’s overall physical and mental well-being. As a full-time college student, I must balance my academic needs with my basic needs. I believe time management plays a crucial role in this. I try to make time devoted to my own well-being amidst my busy college schedule. Incorporating these needs into my daily routine is what helped me the most. By doing so, I was able to address my physical and mental needs along with my academic schedule. A healthy mind, body, and soul plays a key factor in our academics. In order for one to perform their best in school, their basic needs must be met. As a psychology major, I learned this through Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. What this shows us is that our full potential could not be met unless our physiological needs are prioritized first. One must obtain a healthy mind and body at all times. An important step in doing so is by prioritizing one’s sleep and appetite. If one is lacking sleep or has a poor appetite, they will not be able to function properly in school. Food and sleep fuels the mind, without these needs being met, our mind is not able to function properly. This could then lead to poor academic performance followed along by anxiety and stress. Along with a healthy mind comes a positive mental state. One should try to make time for family and friends. As well, one should try to form positive connections and even friendships with other students, professors, and advisors. These individuals can act as a good support system which one can rely on during times in which they are faced with academic challenges which are classified as stressful such as exams, mid-terms, and finals. Possessing a healthy body and soul is also key to one’s overall physical and mental health. Personally, I have a huge passion for maintaining a healthy and well balanced diet, body, and overall mental state. Eating healthy helps to strengthen one’s bones, helps to support one’s muscle’s, and boosts immunity. Physical exercise is also critical for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There’s multiple different forms of physical exercise. For myself, I mostly try to incorporate daily walks, stretching, and cardio into my daily routine. The simple act of exercising can go a long way. Daily workouts works to strengthen one’s muscle’s, bones and heart. As well, exercise helps to improve one’s circulation and can also reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. By prioritizing my physical and mental health along with my studies, it enabled me to reach and perform at my highest potential. I was able to leave my fixed mindset behind and develop a new growth mindset, which will not only ensure me a successful college experience, but will also transform me into the successful psychologist I am yet to become.

Solving mathematical problems is very similar to solving a puzzle, which keeps it fun and interesting. There’s a variety of different approaches one can take to solve an equation. Particularly, one way or another there’s always a solution to a problem. This has helped me with my own personal life because it made me realize that no matter what problem I may be facing, there is always a solution, just as in a mathematical equation. This has helped to keep me more optimistic during times I found myself struggling and confused. With the basic knowledge of math, I knew that even if I was confused I had the necessary information needed in order to succeed. Math is a universal language which guides us into our understanding of life and the world around us. It’s something that we can always rely on to connect the world together. Math is something that we see all throughout life, even if we may not realize it. My basic understanding of math has helped me a lot as a psychology major. Knowing basic mathematical skills such as problem-solving, collecting data and analyzing data acts as an advantage in the field of psychology. Ultimately, understanding math helps one to provide higher level and more effective care to patients. I’m very grateful for all the things math has taught me throughout the years, even if at times it challenged me intellectually. Thanks to math I was able to look at the world differently. My understanding of mathematics has gone on to help me get through multiple obstacles in both my academic and personal life. Through problem solving I learned to take things step by step, in other terms, challenge one hurdle at a time in order to reach my desired destination. This particular lesson of math is something I believe will always stick with me, especially as I grow older, helping to guide me through what the world has to offer.

A song that has a very important message to me is breathin by Ariana Grande. Ariana described the meaning of this song as “When you’re anxious. It’s about anxiety and feeling like you can’t… you know, when you can’t get a full breath. It’s the worst feeling in the world”. As someone who deals with anxiety on a day to day basis and one who tends to get overwhelmed pretty easily, this song acts as a reminder that when I am faced with challenges or find myself in overwhelming situations, I must keep breathing and stay strong, not allowing my anxiety consume me. Listening to this song or repeating it’s lyrics in my head during times in which I am feeling anxious or feel like breaking down helps to ease my anxiety. It reminds me that everything will be okay, I just need to take some deep breaths, and I can get through this feeling of anxiousness.

My goal is to pursue a career in psychology, mainly clinical psychology as a therapist. As someone who grew up with ADHD, I used to have trouble concentrating in my academics. With the help of my psychiatrist, school social workers, and my supportive family I was able to be put on medications to help me focus. I still deal with ADHD, and as well general anxiety today, but thanks to these individuals, I went from a girl who was unable to sit down in class, one who received C’s on her report card, to a girl who got honor roll/made the deans list, became a member of the national honor society, received her associates of science, and currently working towards her bachelors degree in psychology. These individuals had a life long impact on me, and one of the main reasons I became so passionate about psychology. My career goal is not one that is only going to help foster the intellectual needs of children, but also their social/emotional needs as well. Neurological disorders can’t hold one back from accomplishing their goals, and I want to be the one to show other intellectual gifted children who are faced with neurological disorders that they can do anything they set their mind too and learn to cope with their problems.

I believe one’s mental health is a crucial factor in their life. Our mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which effects how we think, feel, act, cope, and ability to make decisions. Mental health goes on to affect your quality of life, affecting one’s physical health. Most importantly, unfortunately, suicide rates rise when mental health is neglected. A good example of this is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. One must fulfill their basic needs in order to reach inner-fulfillment. Before one can focus their academics, they need to make sure their basic and safety needs are met, including their mental health. Prioritizing self-care is a main way I maintain my mental wellness. Some ways I do so is by spending quality time with loved ones, setting goals and priorities, eating healthy, and directing my focus on positivity and things that make me happy. Having a journal or diary where I can write about good memories or accomplishments has also helped me cheer up at times I was down. Trying to enjoy the little things in life has gone on to really help me be more positive. Overall, one must try their best to put their own mental health first and try not to be so hard on themselves.

I am currently pursuing a career in psychology, with a minor in social work. Psychology has gone on to help me not only understand the way other individuals think and how their brain works, but also has helped me understand myself, as a person who grew up with ADHD and general anxiety. I want to be able to help other children who may be struggling with a neurological disorder, just like I once was, feeling different from other kids their age and not knowing why or struggling to make and keep friendships because of their anxiety. I still deal with ADHD daily, as well as anxiety, though I have learned to control certain aspects of them through psychiatry and school social workers, which I am most thankful for. These individuals have not only helped to transform me into the person I am today, but has also had an everlasting effect on me, broadening my interest in the field of psychology. By going to college, my goal was not only to pass my courses, it was to make something of myself, having an important impact in life. I always knew deep down I wanted to help people in some way, but in what particular way was one I did not know. By pursuing a career in psychology, it is allowing me to do just that. It opens up many opportunities for myself to have lifelong positive effects on someone’s life, whether helping someone overcome the effects of trauma or helping someone deal with mental illness or a neurological disorder. I was once someone who wouldn’t be able to sit still in a classroom, one who was unable to concentrate, as of now I graduated high school with honors, I received my Associates Degree in Applied Sciences, and now currently a student at Montclair State University pursing my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Social Work, and am still not finished my academic journey just yet. I want to be the one to motivate other kids to chase their goals, and teaching them that nothing can hold them back.

The common phrase “There is always light at the end of a tunnel” has showed me that even when life gets rough, there is always some sort of light waiting for you in the end. It gives me hope. Growing up I learned that you will be faced with many different types of obstacles throughout your life, but you need to try and live your life to the fullest, and the only way you can do that is by staying positive. Keeping an open mind and overall perspective has helped me a lot when it came to tough times. I learned the hard way that going into something with a negative mind set doesn’t get you that far. Letting go of the past and living in the present has also helped me remain optimistic. They say things happen for a reason and sometimes things aren’t always meant to be, and that’s okay. When I feel like I have hit rock bottom I try and surround myself with the people I love most. I begin focusing mainly on myself, prioritizing my own well being and taking all the time I need to be the so-called “best version of myself” once again. It’s okay to cry, it’s okay to not be perfect, it’s okay to have flaws that’s what’s part of being a human is.

A person from history of whom I admire is Audrey Hepburn. Growing up, she has been a huge role model to me, and still is to this day. Audrey was a well-known advocate for humanitarian causes. She became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF in 1989, and spent most of her life behind the screen making more than 50 trips around the world visiting UNICEF projects. These trips, many in which were very dangerous, brought Audrey into communities in which some of the world's most vulnerable children lived in order to raise global awareness of a number of humanitarian crises. I look up to Audrey because she was a hero. I aspire to be just like Audrey, living my life, helping those in need who are not as fortunate as others, helping to make a change in society.

The common phrase “There is always light at the end of a tunnel” has showed me that even when life gets rough, there is always some sort of light waiting for you in the end. It gives me hope. Growing up I learned that you will be faced with many different types of obstacles throughout your life, but you need to try and live your life to the fullest, and the only way you can do that is by staying positive. Keeping an open mind and overall perspective has helped me a lot when it came to tough times. I learned the hard way that going into something with a negative mind set doesn’t get you that far. Letting go of the past and living in the present has also helped me remain optimistic. They say things happen for a reason and sometimes things aren’t always meant to be, and that’s okay. When I feel like I have hit rock bottom I try and surround myself with the people I love most. I begin focusing mainly on myself, prioritizing my own well being and taking all the time I need to be the so-called “best version of myself” once again. It’s okay to cry, it’s okay to not be perfect, it’s okay to have flaws that’s what’s part of being a human is.