Read your peers' discussion posts and respond to at least two of them. What strategies or resources would you suggest to help them clarify the steps needed to achieve their career vision? What questions can you ask to help them shape their action plan?
Be sure to provide substantive responses to help your peers build on their learning and reference any relevant assigned readings, additional resources, or professional literature to support your response.
I am a very goal oriented and driven person. When I set my mind to something, I don't let anything stand in my way. In 2009, I sent out numerous applications to many schools in the state of New Jersey, in hopes of getting accepted to my number one choice, Seton Hall University. This had been my dream school since I was young, as it is not only academically great, but has such a beautiful campus, and wonderful sports teams, along with many friendly students and staff. I tried really hard to get a great SAT score, and I got accepted to Seton Hall. They had a wonderful double major education and special education program with a minor in human services. To my surprise, what I had thought I wanted, to be a teacher, wasn't what I wanted after all. I fell in love with my minor, and the idea of helping people. I still wanted to work with kids, just in a different way. I switched my major to social work and psychology and I haven't looked back since. I love it. My biggest strategy during my college career was as simple as determination. I never gave up no matter how difficult it could be at times.
In order to achieve my vision as a practitioner scholar in psychology, there are many different resources and support needed. For one, I would need support from my family and friends, helping me stay on track and never letting me give up on my dreams. They are my biggest support system and motivation. I also look up to the BCBA that I work with in my school. She is so great with the children, it is inspiring. I look to her with any questions that I have and she is always such a great resource for knowledge and tips on working with the children.
When it comes to my vision timeline, I will have completed my masters degree by March 2017. That will give me plenty of time to complete my 1500 independent field work hours as well. I am hoping to pass the BACB examination shortly after, and be able to begin my job search as a board certitifed behavior analysis. I will know that I achieved my vision when my vision turns into a reality. I will have my own job helping children and I will know that I had made it. In order to best stay confidents and committed to my vision I must think of the outcome and realize how the hard work will be worth it in the end, stay determined and never give up. What you are struggling with defines you at any moment. Giving up when it gets too hard, when you slip up or "fall off the wagon," when it seems too scary also defines you. But so, too, does not giving up, staying engaged, continuing to try. So hold on tight, pull yourself up, and WALK! Let that define you now, as it once did long ago. ( Lepper, 2009)