91猫先生

Quick Facts

Program: Clinical Psychology, PsyD
Hometown: Claremore, Oklahoma
Current City: Riverside, California

Life at 91猫先生

What inspired you to pursue a doctorate in Psychology?
I鈥檝e always loved psychology and hold the belief that psychology serves as the foundation for connection between people. I originally was attending medical school to become a psychiatrist but since I wanted to sit with the patients and discuss the issues before prescribing medications, I realized that a psychologist was a better fit for me than a psychiatrist.

What does a typical week look like for you?
The weeks look different depending on the semester. My second-year week looks like class on Mondays and Wednesdays, research lab before class on Mondays, practicum meetings on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons, and client appointments throughout the week. I also work on campus in the Graduate Admissions office, so my schedule varies day to day! During my time away from class, the office, and practicum, I spend a lot of time at home studying and reading for fun or going to the gym. I try to keep Sundays free, prioritizing church attendance and making time to call my family. Everyone鈥檚 week looks a bit different outside of classes, which is great since everyone works best in different ways!

How do you balance coursework, practicum experiences, work and personal life?
A lot of scheduling, prioritizing and many calendars! I try not to let assignments or readings pile up until the deadline, which is very different from my undergraduate days. I also have to make sure to reflect on my 鈥渂attery鈥�, so I don鈥檛 burn myself out... I make time to do things I enjoy and to connect with loved ones.

What has been the most rewarding part of the program?
It is hard to pick just one thing. Some of the most rewarding parts of the PsyD program is the amount of knowledge I鈥檝e learned in such a short amount of time, the professors and how encouraging and knowledgeable they鈥檝e been and the wonderful camaraderie within my cohort! The whole program has been amazing in its support and preparation for me to see clients this year.

What area of psychology are you most interested in pursuing?
I鈥檓 interested in the Forensics elective track, specifically with the juvenile population. But I am also keeping an open mind to see if God places a new interest in my life during practicum this year!

How has the PsyD program helped prepare you for your future profession?
The knowledge I've accumulated has prepared me immensely, and there鈥檚 still so much to learn! The professors are very helpful in and out of class; the cohort members are supportive of one another and assist in areas where others are unsure; and the school has so many resources that have helped me in my studies!

How would you describe the culture and community within the PsyD program?
It鈥檚 honestly like family; everyone is so supportive and respectful! Our cohort started celebrating every person鈥檚 birthday in class, we鈥檝e done group outings to dinner, and we have great relationships with [our] professors as well.

What advice would you give to new students entering the program?
Use your resources! The professors and school are here to help you succeed, but they can鈥檛 help what they don鈥檛 know; ask your peers for help if you need it. Your cohort is stuck together for the next five years, so be there for one another鈥� you鈥檒l be experiencing some big life moments together!

Also, remember your 鈥渨hy鈥�. This program can be difficult, but it helps to remind yourself why you are getting your doctorate, why you chose this school and why you are here.

Lastly, be professional and respectful to your professors and peers. They will be your colleagues in five years, so it is important to treat them as such now!

What message would you like to share with prospective students considering the PsyD program?
I absolutely love this program, but don鈥檛 just take my word for it. Do your own research into pass rates, talk to professors and students or come visit campus! This is a big decision that deserves the time and effort to determine whether you would be a good fit for the program, and whether the program would be a good fit for you. 91猫先生 has an amazing PsyD program and is an excellent school; hopefully you will consider joining me as a Lancer!