So here's my deal... I am sure some of you are interested ...
I started out with the dream of being a doctor. I wanted to heal people and make things better for them. In addition, I wanted the respect and prestige that came along with that career... and I had heard that the money wasn't bad either. So all throughout high school I spent time trying to make the dream happen. I decided that I wanted to attend UB since it was a research institution where I could hopefully study with a faculty member (who would one day write me a glowing recommendation letter...), I would be able to access all the big pre-health classes and just make my mark. So in the fall of 2004, I started out as a Medical Technology major (This major would also fulfill all of the prehealth requirements).
The first semester that I was here was overwhelming. I was living with a bunch of a new and interesting people in the dorms, I have developed a love interest in one of the boys in an adjoining suite, and I had to deal with roommate issues. Classes were not number one on my priority list... Needless to say, my first semester (where I was taking Chemistry, Calculus, and Biology all at the same time...) did not have the highest GPA. I didn't like all the labs and recitations that were required for the sciences and I didn't care for the constant struggle that I was dealing with in calculus. Part of my issues may have been that I was just in a new environment or perhaps that my study skills just weren't up to par at the time... Needless to say, the second semester I decided to be UNDECIDED!
I spent that entire second semester recovering my GPA by attending office hours, taking courses that I actually liked and wanted to take, and setting clear goals for myself. These were all things that I hadn't done before..... I was also taking the time to explore what UB had to offer me. At first I tossed around the idea of being an English major since I liked to read books... then I thought about being a psychology major since I liked to read about issues and was interested in counseling in some capacity... I also thought about going back to premed... maybe I hadn't given it a fair chance.. maybe I would do better now.
After much thought and consideration, I decided to major in psychology. Most people aren't aware that there are things that you can do with a psych degree...as well as things that you can do with an english, philosophy, or language degree. I could even go to med school if I wanted... I would just need to complete the Prehealth requirements and then finish with a major that I liked. Graduate school was the same way... you could have a major in one field, but go to graduate school for something completely different.
So, I finished up my psychology degree in the fall of 2006. I wasn't quite ready to graduate though, so I pursued an honors research project through the department of psychology which dealt with health belief patterns. I never did finish the project, but it was a valuble experience nonetheless. I would recommend that everyone get involved in undergraduate research if possible. If you have questions about it, feel free to ask anytime. I then graduated in the spring of 2007 with a BA in psychology...
So your wondering... how did Jillian end up being an academic advisor?
Well...
While I was working on my BA I got a part time job working for the Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education here at UB. The job was initially meant as a way to pay the bills... but it turned out to be my life's passion. I loved interacting with students and believe it or not... policy issues excite me! It was gratifying to help students find the answers to the questions that they were looking for or just to be someone who would listen to them. After much thought and consideration, I decided that I wanted to work in Higher Education. UB offer's a master's degree in the field, as well as a master's degree with a concentration in student affairs (e.g., Residential life, Greek affairs, Diversity, Leadership). Personally, I like to deal more with academics so I choose to pursue just the master's degree. In addition, I applied for the position as a graduate assistant in Student Advising Services and got the job that I currently have.
Working with students day in and day out has solidified my career choice and I know that what I am doing is the right choice. However, if you would have told me 5 years ago that I would be in higher education rather than medicine... I would have laughed at you.
So.. the take home message (if you're still reading...) is that you might not know today or tomorrow exactly what you want to "be when you grow up." But take a few minutes and look at the things around you that you are doing and maybe some of them will get your mind going... Avoid pigeon-holing yourself into a career and instead look for a passion.
And in 10 years... I hope to be doing the same thing. Working with students and helping to shape policy so that more students are served and assisted in the best ways possible.
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