When I was in first grade, some psychologist told my mom if I didn't go to graduate school, she basically failed as a parent, because I had the aptitude to do it. Which is so dumb. Huge pressure!
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
My mom is the type of mom who wonders why I haven't used my psychology degree to become a successful clinical psychologist.
I got into psychology simply because that's what my sister did, and I grew up in a family that was very, like, 'Follow your sister's footsteps.' I went to the same school she went to, did the same degree she did... really had no interest in it, to be honest.
I failed first grade, which is my biggest problem. You always feel like a failure, like you're stupid.
When I was in high school I thought I was going to university into psychology.
My second grade teacher told me I would never graduate high school. That I was going to be a juvenile delinquent.
My mother tells this story that when I first went to school, I thought I was going to help the teachers. I didn't realise I was going to get educated.
I had to get good grades and do well in school - my mother was an assistant principal and my father was a teacher - and they took this very seriously.
I knew I wanted considerable education so that I wouldn't have to work as hard as my parents.
When I was in school, my mother stressed education. I am so glad she did. I graduated from Yale College and Yale University with my master's and I didn't do it by missing school.
I spent a lot of time in the school psychologist's office. I didn't apply myself. My mother thought I had learning disabilities.