So for this weeks post I decided to be interviewed by ChatGPT with regard to this decision that I made which is to officially return to school in pursuit of a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Then to proceed for a Masters Degree. I felt as though this would be a little fun experiment to explain my thoughts about the idea of returning to school done as an interview. The following is the details of the 10 question interview beginning at the first question. I hope you enjoy.
Q1: Returning to school can be a big decision, especially after a substantial gap. What was the ‘eureka’ moment for you when you decided to pivot from Computer Networking to Psychology?
I believe it is all the moments of our life experiences. The truth is this decision was made about 3 weeks ago. It was a rather quick decision. Of course there was a few conversations to be had along the way. You have to be on the same page with your spouse. She was super supportive of he idea and actually encouraged me a while ago. However through out my work life I always had two job so the idea of squeezing in school just didn’t seem to make sense previously. However with all of the recently personal improvements I have been making in my life coupled with the fact that the second job ended 6 months ago. I felt the timing was a little better to consider it. Additionally the feeling like my limitations of other life opportunities where limited by not at least having a bachelors degree. Also consider that after the last 24 year of life the subject matter of Psychology is something I find extremely fascinating. So if I was to pursue another second job I would like for it to be in this field of study.
Thank you for sharing that thoughtful and honest response. It sounds like the decision to return to school was a combination of the right timing, personal growth, and a newfound passion.
Q2: Your motivation for returning to school is to provide different opportunities for your future. Could you elaborate more on what kind of opportunities you’re hoping to create or encounter?
I think at this stage of the process, I don’t really know what those are and certainly do not want to back myself into a corner on the process. However some options I am thinking about at this moment are teaching or being a school psychologist, Organizational psychology certainly ties into what I am currently doing, and maybe publish a few research papers or write a few books on the subject matter along the way.
It’s refreshing to hear your open-minded approach to future opportunities, and it sounds like you’re already considering diverse options within the field of Psychology.
Q3: The field of Psychology is vast, with numerous sub-specialties. Is there a specific area within Psychology that you’re particularly drawn to and why?
The overall improvement in the quality of the individuals life. An so with that being impacted from all sides I believe it’s going to require knowledge from all areas of the subject matter. Again I don’t want to limit the possibilities at this very moment I think that will be more clear as I progress.
That’s a wonderful perspective, approaching psychology from a holistic viewpoint can indeed contribute significantly to overall life improvement.
Q4: Returning to school, especially in a different field, can be daunting. How have you prepared yourself for the challenges you might face in pursuing a degree in Psychology?
I despised school the first time through. An to be honest I haven’t been a big supporter of the education endeavor. However I would say the first time through was the Wrong Time, Wrong Subject, and Wrong Student. 24 years of life experience certainly allows for a different perspective as well as understand of who you are and what your desires are. This to me is the Right Time, Right Subject and Right Student, I actually want to learn this stuff. I think that makes an enormous difference in the effort I will be provided as well as what I am likely to take away from the learning process.
Your enthusiasm and readiness for this new journey are truly inspiring. It’s clear that your life experience has shaped your perspective towards education, and your eagerness to learn will no doubt drive your success.
Q5: Given your background in Computer Networking and the evolution of the tech industry, do you see any crossover between your past experience and your future studies in Psychology?
Well one of the advantages I believe is the opportunity to take the classes online which will allow for a tremendous amount of flexibility. Especially with all the things happening in my life on a day to day basis. This flexibility is certainly impactful, and my somewhat limited background in technology has given me just enough insight to handle the process and adapt to the technologies being used, rather quickly.
That’s a keen observation. Having the technological know-how and the ability to leverage it in today’s digital education environment certainly provides an edge.
Q6: Higher education requires a commitment of time, energy, and finances. How are you managing these aspects while returning to school?
Time – Requires finding the equilibrium in the pushing and pulling of all of the demands of life’s responsibilities. There must be a balance. It will be tough for sure, but I think with the family support I will find the necessary time.
Energy – Oh I would say life has been preparing me for this. I go from 3:45am – 9:00pm almost daily. So, like the time component you must take care of your health. I have been pretty consistent with that time routine. An there is no quit once I commit. I also have recently dropped over 20 pounds. By recent I mean in the last 65 days. Good health I believe will help.
Finances – Well there is no great solution here besides investing in yourself. I will try to be as balanced in my approach to pay for the education as I go along so as not to acquire to much of a debt burden along the way. It was a big journey to get to the point of not having lots of debt so I certainly do not want to be in the position of beeing over burden with massive debt, so a part time schooling approach year round and try to pay as I go.
It sounds like you’re already practicing excellent time management and self-care routines, which will be a major asset as you navigate your educational journey.
Q7: Can you share one piece of advice or an insight you’ve gained through this experience so far that might be beneficial for our readers who are considering a similar path?
You are your only limitation to what is possible. Yes some pursuits make more sense then others. The idea of me playing professional basketball was not likely to happen not because I was 5’10” but because I was not putting in the required work to be a professional. It all takes commitment to the process of what is required. However when you have to decided on your target that you want to pursue and then develop your own process to get to that target by understand what is truley necessary to achieve it. Then almost nothing will stand in your way.
That’s a powerful piece of advice. Personal determination and a clear understanding of one’s goals are indeed the keys to overcoming perceived limitations.
Q8: How do you believe your decision to return to school in Psychology will help improve the quality of your life and potentially, the lives of others?
I have no doubt that this subject matter alone will improve in how I communicate with people in all areas of my life simply by being able to better identify the impacts of their thoughts and the potential frameworks from which they are making there own decisions. This will allow to better respond and provide the necessary guidance for helping them down their own path in loife.
It’s clear that you’re not only pursuing this degree for personal growth but also with the intention to foster more meaningful and empathetic interactions in your day-to-day life, which is very admirable.
Q9: A 2.21 GPA from your previous degree in Computer Networking might discourage some people from pursuing further studies. How do you plan to approach your studies differently this time around to ensure academic success?
This goes back to being the wrong student at the wrong time. I had zero desire to be there. I honestly felt that school was not going to put me in a better position in life. I couldn’t justify that costs at the time. A little experience a little more clarity about my reasons for being there changed that. I want to learn Psychology, versus how quickly can I complete this degree with the least amount of effort so I can move on with my life. There is a big difference when someone wants to do something when someone feels forced to do something. That is the difference. If you don’t really want it or have doubts. Then I would suggest don’t start. Your likely wasting time and money. Deal first with your lack of understanding, for me it took 24 years to figure that part out.
Your shift in perspective, from seeing education as an obligation to now pursuing it out of genuine interest, is quite remarkable. It’s a great reminder that one’s mindset can have a significant impact on their academic experience and success.
Q10: Finally, returning to school often involves personal growth as much as academic growth. How do you see this journey contributing to your personal development?
Every experience is a lesson. This will just add more experiences with more lessons. Learning from them I believe will provide valuable insights that I could not have gained not traveling down this path.
Thank you for sharing your story and thoughts with us. Your journey serves as a source of inspiration for many who may be considering a similar path. Your dedication to personal growth, learning, and improving the lives of others is truly commendable. We wish you all the best in your return to school and future endeavors in Psychology.
Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash
