Throughout my undergraduate experience in psychology, I have grown academically, professionally, and personally. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is making it to this point in my education and gaining a clearer understanding of what I want to do within the field of psychology.

 

When I began studying psychology, I knew that I wanted to work in a helping profession, but I did not fully understand how broad the field was or where I would fit within it. As I progressed through the program, my courses and experiences helped me recognize that I want my future work to focus on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

 

My understanding of psychology has changed significantly throughout the program. One of the most important things I have learned is that everyone is different. Even when individuals have the same diagnosis, their strengths, challenges, behaviors, and needs can be very different. As helpers, it is important that we tailor our approaches to the specific individual rather than assuming that one approach will work for everyone. This is especially meaningful to me when working with the ASD population because autism can present differently from person to person. I have also learned that psychology is a field that is continuously growing. New research, treatments, and perspectives continue to develop, so I believe it is imperative for professionals to stay informed and continue learning throughout their careers.

 

Throughout the program, I have developed stronger critical-thinking, communication, and research skills. I have learned to look at behavior from different perspectives and consider the factors that may be influencing an individual instead of immediately making assumptions. My coursework has also helped me better understand psychological theories, research methods, and evidence-based approaches. These skills have helped me connect what I learn in the classroom to situations I may encounter professionally.

 

My coursework and experiences working with individuals with ASD have had the greatest influence on my professional goals. These experiences have shown me how important individualized support can be and have strengthened my desire to work specifically with the ASD community. My long-term goal is to become a licensed clinical psychologist who can assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with ASD while also providing support and resources to their families and caregivers.

 

Following graduation, my next step will be to enter a master's program in psychology while also gaining clinical research experience. These experiences will allow me to continue strengthening my knowledge of psychology, research, and evidence-based clinical practices. After completing my master's degree, I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and complete the necessary training to become a licensed clinical psychologist.

 

Ultimately, I hope to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with ASD while also providing support and resources to their families and caregivers. This goal is personal to me because my interest in the ASD community goes beyond academics or simply choosing a career. As the number of individuals identified with ASD has increased, I believe this population needs greater attention, understanding, and access to professionals who are prepared to meet their individual needs. My experiences have shown me how much of a difference patience, understanding, and appropriate support can make in an individual's life.

 

As I continue my education, I want to become the type of clinical psychologist who sees the individual beyond a diagnosis and recognizes their unique strengths, challenges, and needs. Looking back on my undergraduate experience, I am proud of how much I have grown and how much clearer my purpose has become. I know that I still have a long journey ahead of me, but I am excited to continue learning and working toward a career that is meaningful to me.