Psychology touches every aspect of human life. It is a profound field that often goes underestimated. It receives much unnecessary condemnation and criticism, however, from those who refuse to step back and more broadly analyze its impact. It is the study of people and the way we behave. Despite common perception, It is such a beneficial background to have, because everything revolves around it--in order to help people, we must be aware of how to help them. We must be aware of fundamental human needs: needs that must be satisfied before real progress ensues. Many vehemently and emphatically proclaim that it is not in one's best interest to major in psychology.
"You can't get a job with a psychology degree."
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"You are wasting four years of your life."
"You are spending too much money on a worthless degree."
This is something in which surpasses my comprehension. Most psychology majors desperately seek to shake the world, and we know that having this knowledge will help us to help others. Even if we don't end up being clinical psychologists, or practicing in the field, we will have a deeper understanding of the way people function, of how we can help them in effective ways which inspire thought and reflection, of being a place of solace, or an outlet of alleviation for those hurting hearts and minds. Psychology is the study of learning how to impact the world. It is beneficial for all individuals who seek to rectify and ameliorate the brokenness that pervades our world: doctors, teachers, police officers, accountants, athletes, scientists, chefs, engineers, designers, musicians. All people can tremendously benefit from acquiring greater insight into the human condition.
No, you do not need a degree to help people. You also do not need a degree to advise those who may be suffering. But a psychology degree is the furthest thing from worthless. It bears more value than many can understand. If we really want to be bright lights in this world, if we really desire to reflect the love of our Creator, we must be aware of how people are hurting, understand the mechanisms that can be applied to a specific situation, and attempt or better help to remedy the problem. If we are trained in perceiving warning signs, we may be able to help those slipping between the cracks. We may be better able to identify the souls suffering on a level that transcends the surface. Majoring in psychology is not for everyone, as it should not be. The world does not need identical human replicas, but that is far from the point. Other areas of study are wonderful, certainly. They can shake the world in very much the same manner--even in different, equally or more powerful ways. Basic training, or a few psychology courses, however, would be quite advantageous--more so than one might suppose.
If you are a psychology major, do not lose hope or succumb to the negativity others may be radiating. You will understand people on a different level, and seek to understand them before making a judgment. You are not wasting your time. You are not wasting your money. You may one day end up being that final glimmer of hope for someone who is gripping so desperately to their life. You may identify that one soul who everyone else overlooks because they "seem fine," but on the inside is screaming for help: screaming because of some deeply-rooted wounds that deny release from the shackles of imprisonment. Because of your psychological background, you may be the very one to better help guide them into the freedom in which they seek.
If psychology is your passion, you will find your calling. You will find the destination to which you belong.
So go. Go courageously. Go wake up the world.
