Introduction To Psychology Application Essay

Taking Introduction to Psychology has given me the opportunity to examine myself. As I learned about concepts in class I found myself asking, “How does this apply to my life?” Soon, I grew cognizant that the curriculum was not a study in psychological diseases or a discussion of the abstract subconscious. It was exposure to constructs affecting my daily emotions, thoughts, and stresses. The areas of Psychology that push me toward my future goals and explain who I am today are my nurture, growth mindset, and motivation. Seeking to make sense of my past, present and future, this essay was written.

From the point of view of an outside observer, It is understandable you may not understand the childhood that has had a profound impact on my later

Nurture by definition is the learned behaviors and ideas that happen in one’s childhood (Rathus, 2010, 86). My childhood was defiantly unique. Being a preschool teacher, mom encouraged creative play with other children and taught me to do my best in everything I did. She helped shape the life of my brothers and me in a different way than most children experience today. I had no video games, though many of my friends did. Additionally the rule up through 8th grade was “No TV on a school night”. I don’t believe I “missed out” on anything though. I learned and experienced more than many of my classmates. As a family we took trips to many different places, I developed the interests that I have still today. Additionally I’m tethered to my good work ethic, learned from my father, and have taken my mother’s hunger to learning new skills. Their influence has shaped who I am becoming. A part of myself I have identified is one Abraham Maslow would describe as self-actualizing. I believe I need to make the most out of what I am capable of doing, like the definition states (Rathus, 2010, 366). As one might say, I will leave no stone unturned. In my development, the key to becoming a self-actualizing person is my ability to maintain a growth mindset. A growth mindset is one, which the person believes abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work (Citation 2). This is one thing, I learned partially

Next I sent in applications to two schools in the Midwest, Columbia College Chicago and DePaul University. When I applied there in the fall, I had plans to apply at schools even more prestigious, sacrificing locality. My parents were very skeptical at this. They thought, like so many other parents, that state schools are always the most cost effective option for all students. It took a lot of convincing, but I sent and application to the University of Southern California. I maintained the mentality that I could make my college education affordable where I wanted to go, through determination and writing essays that would catch the eyes of those who read them. In the end my parents decided to let me apply anywhere else I wanted after I received an offer for a $72,000 scholarship with my letter of acceptance form DePaul and the promise of more in the form of need-based aid. Rounding off my applications will be one to New York University, known for it’s outstanding film program, and Yale University, to test the boundaries of just how far I can go. On paper, I’m just as qualified as anyone else who wants the same goals I have. Ultimately, I need to be motivated to take control of my life and do what I want instead of waiting to see where I will “end