Thinking about the waves in life, I decided to go sit outside and start writing and let the words flow out. What flowed onto the words of my journal was a powerful collective narrative inspired by the stories and experiences of recent graduates. This post is different than my usual ones, but I felt called to share it as some of you reading might feel comfort in the story’s message. I also think it will start a beautiful dialogue about how we can help each other find our way.

“What can you do with a Psychology degree?” is a question many students (either prospective or current) ask about the program. I bet you have asked yourself a variation of this question before starting your training.  What students really want to know is: “How can I apply the skills and knowledge I learn from my Psychology studies outside the school setting?” and “What will result?”

While I was an undergraduate student at Carleton University, I remember asking the same questions. However, now through gaining professional experience in the field and finding my way, I can tell you there are SO many routes to apply your degree.  

Each day since the beginning of time, the sun has risen from the darkness to the highest point in the sky for all to see. This summer, the early morning rays of the dawn have been waking me up as the sun rises to brighten the day. It seems the beams are at peak brightness, waking me up and causing me to pay attention to them. The sun doesn’t care if you aren’t ready to wake up, or if you dislike the intensity – it keeps its brightness – it keeps shining – it wants to be seen! We can all learn a lot from this notion.

Someone asked me "Who are your role models?", and to be honest, I had a hard time answering it.  I couldn’t think of very many females of my generation (i.e., in their twenties) who I wanted to aspire to be like.  The person who asked me the question was looking for examples of famous people.

I have had encounters with some famous people who I looked up to when I was a child, but when I met them in person years later, they were unfriendly and standoffish. I lost respect for them as the image they portray in the media is disconnected from the real version of themselves.  There are many people that are the same onscreen as they are in person; those I respect and model after.

One of the best mantras that I have incorporated into my life over the past several years is what I call “Coffee, Talk, and a Walk.” (c)

If you are stressed, need to sort out an issue, or just want to feel even better overall, I suggest you take part in this mantra as well.

Some of my happiest and most favourite times involve these three things. You can do this process alone or with others. 

Let me break the mantra down for you, “Coffee, talk, and a walk.”