Eagerly checking my university email account in the hopes of finding news about final grades, I was pleasantly surprised by an email announcing that I had been awarded the Anderson Prize. Although I was unaware of this prize’s existence, it was major validation I didn’t know I needed… the need for which I should probably speak with my therapist. I digress. What made this achievement all the more rewarding was the hard work and dedication I saw from so many of my peers, some of whom were also navigating a new country, culture, educational system, and/or work. In short, the “competition” was strong.
I myself had been out of academia for an entire decade, committed to adventuring and seeing the world while working in childcare, volunteering, and teaching yoga, though I originally hail from Texas. However, my free spirit was somewhat tamed when I decided to come to Aberdeen, our beautiful silver city by the sea, to advance my education. With a new MSc in Psychological Studies, I hope to either work in the community mental health sector or continue to specialize as a counselor and therapist. The purpose remains the same either way: to help others live the most fulfilled life possible.
The University of Aberdeen has paved the way for me and my fellow MSc course mates to pursue our goals. Aside from our captivating campus, reminiscent of Hogwarts and steeped in history, the university also provided excellent lecturers, professors, personal tutors, and administrative staff who contributed immensely to an expansive year full of educational, personal, and professional growth. I look forward with anticipation to seeing what we all accomplish in the future!
