Why study psychology?
I have always been fascinated by the human mind—how people think, feel, and connect with the world around them. My interest in psychology was not something I consciously sought out; rather, it was a natural evolution shaped by my own life experiences, the intricate web of languages and cultures I navigated, and the resilience I learned in the face of constant change.
Growing up in a multilingual immigrant family, I was acutely aware of how people express themselves. At home, we spoke Russian, the language of my parents’ homeland, and at school, I was immersed in Hebrew, a language that connected me to my peers and the country where I spent my early years. Then, after moving to the United States during my kindergarten year, I was thrust into another linguistic and cultural environment, learning English while adapting to a new way of life.
This shifting landscape made me deeply attuned to the nuances of human interaction. I observed how people used language not just to communicate but to shape identity, express emotion, and bridge or widen gaps between cultures. It also made me keenly aware of how people experience the world differently depending on their background, upbringing, and environment. Each day was like piecing together a mosaic of behaviors, emotions, and connections—a living, breathing portrait of human complexity.
Adjusting to new cultures, schools, and social expectations required flexibility and resilience. The stress of being an outsider, of having to prove oneself in an unfamiliar world, was real. Yet, with that stress came growth. I learned how to observe and adapt, read social cues, and find common ground with people from different walks of life. These early experiences gave me a deep appreciation for how individuals navigate challenges and transitions.
Looking back, I can see how this foundation led me toward a career in psychology. From a young age, I learned about human behavior firsthand—from textbooks and lived experience. I was developing the ability to understand different perspectives, to empathize with the struggles of others, and to see both the resilience and vulnerability that define the human condition. The skills I honed through my life —adaptability, observation, and a deep curiosity about what makes people who they are—have become the building blocks of my professional path.
Psychology is not just a field of study. It is a lens through which I see the world, shaped by the multicultural, ever-changing landscape of my upbringing. It is a passion born from experience, a way of making sense of the richness and complexity of human life. And ultimately, it is a calling that allows me to help others navigate their paths, just as I learned to navigate mine.
