We psychology majors are a lot of different things. We are great listeners, hard workers, busybodies, and sometimes we can definitely be perfectionists. Our empathetic and caring nature has likely led us into the field and we are driven forward by our curiosity and desire to make a difference. It is likely that our own past experiences have contributed as well, many of us have seen how mental illness can have such devastating impacts on people. Plus, the study of psychology is so wide-open, breakthroughs are practically made on a daily basis and we just can't wait to stick our hands into all of it. There is just so much to learn and discover!
Besides, the human mind and behavior are just such fascinating things. Human beings go out to learn about all kinds of different things when we have not even unlocked our own mysteries! Neuroscience majors may focus on the biology of it all, but for psychology majors the biology accounts for only a part of the human experience. Of course, even among ourselves there is widespread disagreement and debate about what the mind is and why people become one way or another. To us, instead of being a source of frustration, this is just another reason that we should continue to learn and study the things we are so passionate about!
All of this being said, here are a few things you have probably experienced if you are a psychology major like me!
1. You have run into people who actually think you can read their minds.
Psychologists are NOT psychics. Say it loud for the people in the back!
2. You have had people ask if you are psychoanalyzing them.
Who, us? Never!
3. At least one family member has joked that other family members will likely be your first clientele.
They may have even included themselves in the possibilities and you probably forced a chuckle for their sake. But let's be honest, we know that would be an ethical violation. #APA
4. You've encountered someone who thinks they're an expert after one psychology class.
But are you fluent in APA format yet?
5. You have been surprised when someone assumes your major is easy.
"Thank goodness you're not studying something hard like math or science." Yeah, NBD, we only have to go through 4-6 years of grad school.
6. You have accidentally used psych terms around people who don't understand them.
Luckily, you now get to excitedly explain what it means and tell them all about how interesting it is!
7. Multiple people have felt comfortable telling you their life stories.
Like I said, we are great listeners!
8. You have laughed way too hard at a psychology related meme/joke, and you've gotten a little carried away talking about something psych-related.
Isn't it amazing that people with a severed corpus callosum can function so normally? Wait, where are you going?
9. You have gone somewhere just to people-watch.
Such fascinating creatures...
10. You have obsessed over data.
It's all about THE DATA!!!
I could go on all day talking about more and more things we experience (such as people asking what we will do with our degree... *sigh*), but for now I will end it here. We really are a group of misunderstood people who just want to be respected in the scientific world. No matter what, we will keep pursuing our dreams to help others. Stay proud, psychology majors! We will make a difference. Keep doing you.