Path to Healing, Student Perspective - Ayotorimide Ariyo
Over the next couple of months, we will explore the often asked question, “Why did you choose this field?” For many people, it is fascinating to understand the road less traveled in choosing to become a mental health provider. It is also beneficial for prospective students to hear from clinicians on what to expect and why this field is incredible important. With a shortage of mental health providers, it is imperative that those of us in the field reach back to guide the students behind us. This month we will hear from Ayotorimide Ariyo, the current graduate student at Optimal Moments completing her assessment practicum, to explore the student perspective.
My name is Ayotorimide, for short people call me Kiki. When I was 16, I took the Advanced Placement General Psychology course in high school (aka AP Psych). It fascinated me how psychology blends science with everyday life. Science was a passion of mine as a child.
As a student at Georgia State University, I changed my major three times! Computer science to neuroscience to pre-nursing. I enjoyed taking the nursing pre-requisite courses because I love science. However, after applying to the nursing program two times, and even transferring to another school in hopes of getting in, I was not accepted. Fortunately, this led me to become a psychology major in my junior year. This is probably where I should have started given my interest after the AP Psych course.
After achieving my BS in Psychology, I felt defeated realizing I needed to go to graduate school, especially after paying off my student loans. Higher education has taken a toll on me; it is not for the weak. After thoughtful consideration, I knew I wanted to become the therapist that I wish I had growing up.
Personal growth solidified the direction I was going in my career. I took a risk by applying to some master's level counseling programs along with two PsyD programs. The process of identifying schools was based on attending an APA-accredited school and a school with an intimate, diverse program that cares about their students. The program director of my school knows my name which is exactly what I wanted.
Initially, I began my post-graduate journey with the dream of helping people work through their challenges as a therapist. Throughout my first year of training, I had so many hard days. Interestingly, when I began seeing patients at Optimal Moments under the training and supervision of Dr. Sheriece Sadberry, my excitement to continue my journey toward becoming a psychologist was re-lit. I always look forward to meeting new patients each week and helping them understand themselves a little more.
Since administering psychological evaluations, I had no idea that I would find so much joy in it. Psychological evaluations fascinate me because it helps paint a picture of the individual, shining light on hidden corners of the mind. There are many assessments I have not encountered yet, but the ones of which I have been trained help me verbalize their struggles. I get to be creative and help these individuals come up with tools to help with their struggles. My interests are growing beyond child and adolescent psychology and development as I am learning to dip my feet in all types of pools before I settle into one specialization. I am excited to continue this journey so that I can continue to grow as a professional and help others along the way.
Written by Ayotorimide K Ariyo, B.S.