From Childhood Wonder to Adult Wisdom: My Journey in Psychology
Published by Dr. S. PON SHYLAJA, Ph.D. | PSYCHOLOGIST
Back when I was in the 7th grade, I had this truly captivating experience. It all started when a teacher mentioned in class the fascinating idea that psychologists could read your mind just by looking at you. I’ll never forget his words; he said, “Psychologists possess a mysterious ability to understand what’s going on in your head just by seeing you”. I remember thinking, “Is this for real? Could they catch me daydreaming about summer vacation plans during history class? or could they find my secret attempts to do math homework in the middle of English class?” It was like magic, and it made me really curious.
This teacher’s audacious claim painted a vivid image in my young mind. I began to fantasize about a world where I could unravel the thoughts and motives of others just by a single glance. It felt like possessing a superpower that could unlock the human soul. “Wouldn’t it be amazing to be a mind-reader?” I pondered. The idea may have seemed far-fetched for a child, but it ignited a passion that would define my journey ahead.
As time went by, that teacher’s single statement became the guiding star of my aspirations. It inspired me to take a leap and choose psychology as my path in college, getting me one step closer to fulfilling my ultimate goal of pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology. I remember thinking, “To become a mind-reader, I should choose psychology as my field of study.” It felt like this unconventional idea had become my compass, guiding me toward an uncertain yet exciting future.
However, reality had a surprise in store for me when I finally ventured into the world of psychology. It was nothing like what my teacher had described. It felt like the whole world had been telling me a tall tale about mind-reading. It was a funny realization that I couldn’t help but chuckle about. Instead of decoding thoughts with a glance, I found myself diving into the world of studying human behavior, theories, and all sorts of intriguing stuff.
I had a moment of revelation – I wasn’t going to be a mind reader, but I was on the path to becoming something far more incredible. I was discovering the power of empathy and understanding. Psychology taught me to understand what drives people, to connect with their emotions, and to grasp the inner workings of the human heart.
