Career Roadmap
Renee's work combines: Medicine, Science, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Psychology
UC Santa Cruz
Doctorate
Clinical Psychology
Palo Alto University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Psychologist:
Bachelor's Degree: Psychology
Doctorate: Clinical Psychology
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
When I was a sophomore in high school, people came up to me and asked for advice, and I realized I should be paid for this.
2.
I then decided to be a therapist and took college courses to become a therapist, but I didn't realize how much school that was.
3.
My favorite class was abnormal psych. Psych 1 was the hardest class because you learn all the theories for psychology.
4.
You can do a lot with psychology and I chose clinical psychology because I love to have conversations with people.
5.
My biggest challenge was the national and state test for psychology, which basically covered everything about psychology—I had to study for six months and study most nights.
6.
I overcame this challenge after I passed the test. Also, my favorite part of my job is helping people to feel better and I love the feeling of knowing that I helped someone.
7.
I like doing what I do and I don't want to change, but I do see that the industry is going to grow.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
I don't want to change, I just want you to fix it.
How I responded:
I faced some discouragement with some patients that are chronically depressed—they don't want to change and want me to fix it. It's difficult to be responsible for people's lives, especially when they have suicidal tendencies. The workload for a therapist is hard because it can be depressing but I don't make my patients' problems my problems. I try to help my patients get through the tough times. I also rely on the resources in my job to help people feel better.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I was in a significant car accident in high school that required a long rehab period. This allowed me to gain an understanding of what true life struggles and disabilities are like and grow to be empathetic to those struggling in their situations.