You’re Not Behind – You’re on Your Own Timeline

By: Des Russell

As a third-year, switching my major from biology to psychology last minute made me feel like I was behind. I had close to no experience in the field of psychology, didn’t have an internship, never even stepped foot in a lab, it was like jumping into the deep end of a pool and not knowing how to swim. 

One day, I was having lunch with my friend who is also a psychology major, and he was talking about how he’s a member of multiple labs, and it's a great way to gain experience and figure out your interests in the field. Prior to this conversation I hadn't even thought about joining a lab or what exactly it entailed, so I did some research. I realized I really needed to join a lab but I didn't quite know where to begin. 

Then one day I was randomly checking my emails and saw an opportunity to join the REACH lab. My first thought was, given my experience… or the lack there of, there's no way I was going to become a member of this lab, but it wouldn’t hurt to try, right. I mean, there’s no reward without some risk, so, I did some research on what the REACH lab valued, I looked at the application, and it really resonated with the topics that Dr. Yang and her team were researching. As a Black and Asian woman, I really admired that Dr. Yang focused on minority groups, particularly Kenyan and Zambian women who’ve experienced sexual violence, and anti-asian racism during Covid. Being of both African and Asian descent, these are topics that were personal and something I am passionate about, therefore there was no way I could pass up an opportunity like this, so I filled out the application. 

After a few days of not hearing back I thought I didn’t get into the lab, until I received a second email asking to conduct an interview. I was elated that I actually got the interview, so I prepped like crazy to do well and make a lasting impression. Doing so worked out in my favor, because I actually got chosen to become one of the research assistants for the lab. 

Joining REACH taught me more than I could’ve imagined, like qualitative coding for the first time, presenting at multiple conferences, and even now, the team is currently in the process of writing a paper. It’s amazing seeing myself and the team’s hard work and efforts coming to fruition. I never would’ve experienced this if I maintained the mindset that I was too behind and if I didn't take that risk. 

Long story short, even if it seems like you're behind or something seems unreachable, just know that taking that risk and trying anyways even if there's a possibility that it doesn't work out, will always be better than not trying at all.