Lauren+Etu

While filling out college applications with my mom, I asked about my college savings....because doesn't every parent set up a college savings account for their child? Much to my surprise, there was nothing set aside for me. I was shocked and horrified at the thought of having no money for school. I immediately went to the Counseling Center to flip through their file of scholarship applications (no internet yet). I applied for any scholarship for which I seemed to meet the qualifications. I decided not to apply to any out of town schools for financial reasons....plus I wasn't sure I really wanted to leave home just yet. I was accepted into Canisius and they interviewed me for a scholarship. I still remember that day in spring. I got called out of lunch to the main office of my high school. I was so scared that something horrible had happened to someone in my family. Instead, the secretary handed me the phone and it was someone from Canisius telling me I had gotten a full scholarship. It was a life changing moment that is forever burned in my memory. I am so thankful to all my teachers and family for their encouragement and instruction over the years that led me to a full ride at Canisius. I met wonderful friends and professors there, with whom I am still in contact.

At Canisius, I was in the pre-med program and majored in psychology. I got a job as a research assistant in the Psychology Department which was fabulous because I got to know the professors really well and it fit my school schedule. Over the summers, I worked part time for a temp agency working in medical offices. I worked in a toy store one year. Through my contacts in the Psych Department, my statistical and research skills became known to other agencies and departments and I got contracts to work with Children's Hospital, the VA hospital, and other departments within Canisius.

I had originally thought I wanted to go to med school to become a child psychiatrist. As the years went on and I began to learn more about different careers within psychology, I discovered I didn't really want to go the med school route and decided on school psychology.

Upon graduating from Canisius, I went to RIT for school psychology and deafness. I attended an intensive summer program to become fluent in sign language. I stayed at the dorms and all day long we were not allowed to speak, only sign. It was hard work and difficult being away from home for the first time. I rented an apartment in the fall with a girl I met that summer and we wound up not getting along. That was a hard time, having to live with someone with whom you clash. After that first year, I met other friends through my program and made much happier living arrangements.

College was a wonderful time in my life. It was fun, but hard work too. I had to learn to speak up for myself, as well as how to deal with possible awkward situations with bosses, coworkers, and roommates. It goes by very quickly, so enjoy that time in your life if that is the path you choose.

By the way, I had to get a loan for graduate school and life went on. More people than not wind up having school loans.