When I left eating disorder treatment, I knew I wanted to be a
therapist. At first, I was ashamed to share this desire with anyone. Even
though I knew the journey to become a surgeon (my original plan) was no longer
in line with the balanced life in which I am committed to live, part of me was
scared to let go because I had attached so much of my worth to that goal.
Another part of me feared judgement. I viewed becoming a therapist as cliché,
and I worried that people would think that I merely want to be a therapist for
my own personal gain – to figure out my own issues or to deny my own struggles
by focusing on other people. However, as a gained self-confidence and let go of
what other people think, I began embracing my story and my desire to become a
therapist.
Currently I am
applying to social work and clinical psychology (MFT) graduate programs.
Writing my personal statements has encouraged me to reflect on the past, evaluate
the present, and plan for the future. I want to share short excerpts of my
personal statement with you because I believe it fully integrates how the past
and present come together to influence my decision to become a therapist.
Enjoy!
From the time I
could talk, I always said I was going to be a doctor, a pediatric surgeon to be
precise. At Baylor, I dove head first into intense pre-medical coursework and
quickly got involved in every campus organization and volunteer opportunity I
could get my hands on to appear the best candidate for medical school. From the
outside looking in, I was the ideal candidate. I maintained straight A’s, held
leadership positions in campus clubs, volunteered at a local hospital, and
actively participated in my sorority. It seemed like I had it all together. However,
on the inside, I was miserable. The pressure to present as perfect to the world
morphed into an eating disorder that was literally killing me. Before I knew
it, I had abandoned everything I value for a secret life riddled with lies
stemming from the shame that I could not meet the absurdly high expectations I
set for myself.
Coming to the
realization that this lifestyle was unfulfilling, not to mention unsustainable,
I decided to take a leap of faith and admitted myself to eating disorder treatment.
As I began forming my new identity as a woman of integrity, strength, and compassion,
I came to realize that I want to be a therapist and a source of hope for women
struggling to fight the prejudices that stand against them.
… As
a future therapist, I seek to advocate for and promote social justice. More
specifically, I want to spark change in the way society views and treats women,
and I believe that change starts with how women view and treat themselves. Years
ago, I entered into an abusive relationship. It was during that toxic relationship
that I first internalized the voice that told me I was worthless and should be
ashamed
of being a woman. For years, I remained silent because I believed I deserved
the pain he caused me. Being an abuse survivor, it is my hope that I can
partner with teens and young women who feel similar shame around their bodies
and gender identity in order to help them discover their true worth in the
world.
… I
am passionate about working with teens because it is a such critical time for
making important life decisions and identity formation. Adults often discredit
teenage girl’s thoughts, feelings, and struggles. I aspire to advocate for
young women’s wishes and needs, believing in them so they can believe in
themselves. When I was experiencing so much pain because of my abusive
relationship, I wish I had felt comfortable enough to confide in someone who
would have advocated
for my needs. I hope to be that person for young women in the future.
… Taking
pride in my story instead of hiding in the disgrace of my so-called “failures”,
I now live with dignity and integrity. I respect the progress I have made and
hold space for the challenges I have yet to conquer, allowing for future
growth. As a therapist, I will treat my clients with the same dignity and
respect to inspire them to overcome the obstacles that stand in the path of
realizing their dreams and aspirations.
I am so excited to
take the next step in my journey to become a therapist, and I can’t wait until my
dreams become my reality!
