Volume 2
Issue # 4

May 23, 2002

"Opening my eyes for the first time"

Last night, I received an email from a friend of mine who ran him/herself into a bit of a conundrum. Paraphrasing, he/she said, 'I'm juggling between my interests and my career. Should I continue in psychology? I've always wanted to work with people.' The following (in italics) is my word-for-word response, with a few minor edits to maintain his/her anonymity.

My answer to your second question, well, is a bit more complicated. _____, I completely understand what you're going through, though on a slightly different level. After my first year at UBC, I faced the same dilemna you are facing now, in thinking about future careers and more immediately, choosing a major/minor. Like you, I did not do particularly well in my psych courses (compared to some of my other courses). I did really well in math and economics, but I really enjoyed my psych course. I found it more interesting. But I had to make a decision. Do what I am good at doing or do what I like doing.

______, I chose psychology. I figure, what's the point of getting some job doing something you don't want to do. You'd be living with regrets. Conversely, if you struggle through material that you enjoy reading, the struggle becomes almost enjoyable. If you really like psychology and really want to head down that career path, I say do it. That being said, you said you are not doing well in your psych courses. I say, that is all the more motivation for you to try that much harder. Study more. Study harder. Read ahead. Plan how you intend on getting better grades. Set up appointments to see your profs or T.A.'s so that they can help you out. Just them knowing that you are trying so hard might convince them to bump you up a grade if you're borderlining it.

Of course, that is just my opinion / life's philosophy, and you shouldn't take it as gospel. But you did ask for my two cents, and I hope that those couple pennies have been helpful.

Before I started my post-secondary education, I was a little unclear as to what my future held for me. My parents, as well as a bit of myself, were pushing me into the "respectable" profession of business or accounting. I did, after all, complete a career preparation program in accounting during my stay at Tupper Secondary. Then again, it has always been an ambition of mine to become an architect. I had this interest since I was but a wee one, and I, in turn, took two drafting courses in high school and did a little research on the UBC School of Architecture. Then along came university, where after taking an introductory psychology course as an elective (for fun, basically), I fell in love with the realm of psychology and I have never looked back.

I never really thought of myself as a therapist. Heck, I never really thought of myself as very much of a people person, and I think most of you would agree with me on that point. But this past little while, going out for co-op interviews and such, I've started (I think) to develop a more well-spoken articulate 'version' of myself. I listen better. Even more surprising, especially to myself, is my growing, well, I wouldn't say need per se, but my want to help others. I can just hear half (or all) of you laughing now, rolling on the floor, holding your stomachs. I know that I have been egocentric at times; always me me me, always about money, but just as post-secondary education is meant to broaden your horizons and expand your mind, I too, am seeing the world through a fresh set of eyes.

A co-worker of mine, who is naturally talkative, has already has a pseudo-session with me. I listened to him/her describing relationships and other difficulties. I helped to guide and give suggestions. But most importantly, I learned to listen. Time really flew, and that hour felt like little more than a few minutes. I left work reflecting on that experience, yes, but also on how else I could help. What advice or guidance could I lend? Or was just a compassionate ear all that he/she required? I think with more experiences like that one, and more academic training, the answers will come to me. With this latest email, my ever-growing knowledge of the human psyche and this new pair of eyes has given me the opportunity to even attempt aiding those having difficulties with the academic and vocational realms.

Maybe I'm just rambling, and I'm giving you a glimpse into what it's like to be Michael Kwan. Then again, maybe I just like to write. Either way, what you've just read is just my opinion. Nothing more; nothing less. You can take it as you like, but just make sure you come back for more.

As a side note, if any of you out there is seeking some sort of advice, please, do not hesitate to drop me a line at [email protected] or my own personal email (for those of you who know it).

Till next time