Nemireth

So much of what you wrote applies exactly to my life to the point that it's eerie. I'm not great with advice, so I don't want to get lengthy with my response. I will say that the great thing about writing is that you can do it in the small moments of time between things. Every time you write, you're improving your ability at it. I think it's kind of an amazing time for writers because you can do all the writing and publishing yourself if you want to. You're limited only by your own dedication. Yeah, it can most definitely be difficult to make a living at it, but if you're passionate about it, it doesn't necessarily have to be the thing that pays the bills, you know?
Politics-wise, yeah, things are...not good. There's a lot of fear and hate being brought to the surface right now. I know it's not the most helpful thing to say, but hold on to the goodness you find. Things will change, even if it looks like things are backsliding at the moment. 

Hi! My heart goes out to you. I can see that you have been hurt and that you are hurting. I can also see that you have already accomplished a lot already - so good for you! Try to be kind to yourself even when others are not so kind. I think you are brave for reaching out to others. I also think that you have a good deal of insight, and that knowledge can be power for you, your current situation and the choices you make in the future.
You have been exposed to many toxic people, and it is great that you can see that they are toxic. The next step is to work on feeling strong about yourself. I don't know you, will probably never meet you, but I can tell that you are a good person and a wise person. I hope that you can begin to find others around you who are also good and kind, That will help to offset the negativity that the toxic people give you. Perhaps following those other interests you have : writing (see if there is a writing group - online or in person) reading (perhaps a book club that meets at you local library, bookstore or on campus) anthropology class/discussion group. One of my daughters has social anxiety and doing theatre actually helped her deal with it, when she had to give presentations in class, for example.
As for school/grad school/career: there are many paths to the same destination. You don't necessarily need to go right into grad school. It sounds as if you are a little ahead of others your age. Consider a year to work (really at any job) and/or volunteer - at a library, after school program at a community center, at a senior citizen facility, Peace Corps, Teach for America - there are a variety of options if you can open up your search. If your basic desire is to help others, there are many ways to do that, being a medical doctor is not the only option. Perhaps if you find a volunteer position that inspires you to help others, while gaining valuable experience, then your family may begin to see that as a viable alternative. Some volunteer situations involve doing work by yourself (organizing, writing, filing) or in small groups, so being an introvert isn't always a hindrance - it can be an asset, depending on the situation.
As for the political situation right now...yes, it is bad. It is so sad that now some people feel they can be vocal about their prejudices. But I also see more people joining protests and organizations that fight against all aspects of injustice. It may help if you seek out a group that speaks to your specific concerns ( and, no I can't tell which minority you belong to, but I know that too many people are being unjustly treated for too many "reasons").
You have reached out, and that is a wonderful step to take. Keep on going - you can do it, whatever it is!

I just created an account on this site after over 10 years of browsing just to tell you that it gets better.
I am 28 and it took me this long to finally feel like myself. I have struggled with depression, panic disorder, and PTSD.
I am a woman, a native american, a liberal, an atheist, and a humanist and I live in OKlahoma - the reddest (most conservative leaning) state in the country. The world is a scary place for minorities sometimes, but we get through together. You are never alone.
I was morbidly obese throughout school and constantly mocked. I also have a name that is easy to make fun of. We were poor and literally wore clothes we got in the dumpster after a community yard sale. 
At home, there was drug use, alcoholism, and mental abuse - I was belittled by step parents and told I was pathetic by a biological parent... It is damaging. 
 
I am so proud of you for reaching out for support. You are a strong person. We can not change our past, only learn from it. Whoever this person is that you feel you will never be able to escape needs to know how you feel. I don't know the details of the situation, but if it is a parent - I relate so much. If it is a sibling, I can also relate. You can not be prisoner to your relationships with others. I hope that you can become more empowered to express who you are and be proud of it. Please continue reaching out and seeking those who have been through what you have been through so you can get the support you need and deserve. It took courage to decide to make your own decisions regarding your studies and potential future careers. Don't forget your strength.

Hey, so I was a psych student (in Australia though), so I totally get where your concern is coming from regarding experience. Honestly, the thing I would do, and the thing I did do, was volunteer at my local community health centre. Now I don't really know if you have those in the US, but there would be something similar I imagine. We actually have three year degrees here, followed by an optional fourth year which is taught+research, so for the most part, I don't think any psych students here realllly start volunteering etc. until second year (so you still have time!). I don't know what your counsellor is on about with the 2-3 years of research experience prior to grad school - i mean that is the point of grad school???! You might also have some kind of psych centre on campus that you could look into helping out at? If it's too difficult to enquire about volunteering/interning in person, try emailing them first off. It's not necessarily as effective as calling, but it's better than nothing, and it's good to start somewhere. What is most important though, is that you try an accept the situation you feel you're in, and understand that it is okay to feel behind in grad school prep, and to then start tackling the problem one step at a time. Try not to allow it to overwhelm you. There are always alternative routes to get where you want to go. 
Perhaps you may want to consider seeing a psychologist or counsellor yourself for help with the social anxiety? It sounds as though it is quite debilitating for you, and it cannot be a pleasant way for you to live. You may already do this, but there are some breathing exercises, or you could practice mindfulness etc. to try and help you relax too. I absolutely understand your social anxiety, and for that matter your social experience at college. It's really tough, but try to not beat yourself up about it. Maybe just do something slightly out of your comfort zone every now and then and work up to increased communication with others. What someone said above is true, we do all get socially anxious, obviously to different degrees, but most people will understand if you are anxious, and if they don't they probably wouldn't be a good friend to have anyway. 
Feel free to message me too, if it would help :)

So, I'm not sure I can help much but, I can say you're not in a dire position for grad school. It's February. Go to your college career center, in person or online, and see what internships are available. There might not be any for spring left but, there will definitely be summer one's up there. I hire all the interns for my business and now is when I start looking for new candidates for summer. Use the resources of the center, that's what they are there for.
If there are spring ones, send your resume off to all of them. Don't worry about not having a lot of prior experience - put what classes you're taking, your gpa, etc. We don't hire interns expecting they already know what they're doing. If you can string a sentence together in a cover letter or writing sample, and have a decent gpa, it's usually enough for me. If there aren't any spring internships available, look for volunteer opportunities in the community. Shelters, soup kitchens, reading to under privileged kids - all of that is great. Tutoring also looks good on a resume and technically is considered work experience. 
As far as the anxiety, you're not alone. College is an extremely stressful time for most people. Doing it in three years and feeling pressure from your family is just going to add to that. You're in the psych program at your school - do they or the school medical center (if there is one) offer the students sessions? It may be as simple as having an unbiased person to talk through your issues or vent. Or it could be you might need a bit more assistance. I suffer from serious depression and social anxiety so I get it. If you want to talk privately, I'm around.

Others can give better advice, but a couple quick points.  You're still dealing with issues from middle school, and you have to be at least 19 or 20 now.  Those people are long out of your life, but you're still letting them affect you.  Sounds like you need to talk to a counselor or someone to process this and get help with  your anxiety and OCD so you can move on.  By the way, EVERYONE feels socially anxious lots of the time, even extroverts.  If it's seriously affecting your life, then get help.  It sounds like you have a lot of love to share...there are others who are lonely too who would enjoy your friendship.
On the other topic,   Psychologists aren't medical Drs. (that's psychiatrists) , but still require advanced degree training.  You are worried about not getting in, but haven't even applied yet.  Sounds like your grades are strong. If you had a bunch of premed classes, I'm sure you have a good shot.  Talk to the career center and find out what the schools really are looking for; I suspect it isn't what you  believe.  Do what you can to improve your chances, volunteer or whatever, but worrying about what hasn't happened yet isn't helpful.  There's no reason to think you WON'T get in. Even better, you can have a plan B (writing).  
If writing is really your passion, talk to a counselor at the college about career paths in that area.  I'm sure they can make suggestions.  Also, if you stick with clin. psych, try joining one of the writing clubs that I'm sure are on your campus.  If not, start one!  Hang flyers and find a place to meet.  You'll meet like-minded individuals and have a great time, plus encourage each other. 
As for politics, well, there are some scary things going on, but the best way to feel better is to get involved and work toward change.  I personally was very unhappy with the results of the current election.  Some may love him...I don't.  But I attended the women's march the next day and found it was encouraging and inspirational. Part of democracy involves working toward your goals.  You won't regret it.
 
 
 
 

Yay! I really needed this  :laughingsmiley: I've been saving up so I hope I can give out a bunch this year!
 
Here's my own wishlist
 
Happy holidays!  :)
 
Gifts sent so far: 
Musical_Shoyru; ranga_muffin; decchild; just4dailies; Spritzie; .Brianna.; nicolelouise; beenblessed40; singittome; Teganrose1; alexinwonderland; S_A; charelan; DolphinDreams; Snowbell; midnight_spell360; Mouseykins; firaplays; rntracy1; 
delshnya; bangbangxviki; chknlimbosthe1; junegal; flcoastallife; Songbirdsara; twilight790; Nielo; paperdoll66; mirandaell; Zafie
 
(If I listed you but there was no gift please let me know!)
 
<3 Thank you so much to: 
singittome, Teganrose1, Musical_Shoyru, alexinwonderland, S_A, nicolelouise, .Brianna., charelan, ranga_muffin, DolphinDreams, Snowbell, bangbangxviki, decchild, rntracy1, delshnya
just4dailies, midnight_spell360, chknlimbosthe1, junegal, Spritzie, funkydragondiva78, virusus, twilight790, Mirandaell; firaplays; Zafie
 
(I apologize to anyone I have left out in my thanks, I accidentally missed at least one or two names  :()

Thanks you so so much for the Evening Kougra Set! It's one of my favorites for the Kougra, so adorable  :laughingsmiley:

I had lots of fun doing this back in December! I'll get to scouring all the wishlists soon! I'll link my wishlist right here.
 
Edit: Thank you so much to everyone who's gifted me! I'm sorry I haven't had the time to gift everyone back yet, but I'm just about to start.
 
 
Gifts sent to (so far): Musical_Shoyru; S_A; Nielo; pulpfreeoj; just4dailies; ranga_muffin; Songbirdsara; decchild; Je3jennika; nicolelouise; paperdoll66
 
If your name is on this list but you didn't get a gift from me please let me know!

Finally have time to be back on here again! I made an account over break and couldn't return since classes started, so I've barely been around. It's been a bit of a rough year, so I'm excited to get back to Neopets!

Currently listening to 2Cellos' cover of "They Don't Care About Us." I love their music/covers!