Clark University

Date: Aug 12 2011
Major: Psychology (This Major's Salary over time)
It has been many years since I attended Clark University, but I am sure that a lot has not changed in many respects. Originally created as a graduate insitution, and the undergraduate division added later, Clark has always benefitted from hands-on research to an extent not normally seen at other small schools. Because of this, there has always been a lot of innovation and forward thinking, which is reflected by students and their academics, as well as their personal lives.

I came from a homogenous public high school in Upstate New York and yearned to attend a college where I could develop as my own person. Clark allowed me to do this. I found it to be a diverse school, in comparison with what I was used to, with many international students for a school such as small size. I developed some very close friends until today, and in further reflection, many of my classmates who I knew, went on to do very interesting things. Many are accomplished professionals and unique people. I did not experience the pressures to conform here to the extent I did in my high school, which I largely appreciated.

My major was Psychology, and although I found it academically challenged and did not perform as well academically as I would have hoped, value the high level education I received in this area, as well as other departments. At Clark, I was able to participate in many research projects, within the Sociology and Psychology Departments, which were valuable experiences and influenced me as a professional today. For example, I participated in child abuse research as well as aggression research for a Neuroscience class at nearby UMASS Medical Center, and today, work as forensic psychologist in Family Court, conducting Court ordered delinquency and child protective evaluations. When I think about the other projects I participated in, I can see to the extent that having a top notch education influenced who I am as a psychologist today. Clark is above and beyond what anyone would get from most undergraduate programs in Psychology elsewhere, both in terms of academic quality and research opportunities.

Since I attended Clark, the university has done a lot to improve the community around them, and has collaborated in projects which truly benefit the community. Whereas other schools of it's calibre may not have great relationships with their locale, Clark is not snobby or pretentious, and looks to address concerns in their surroundings. Clark's global focus predates most other schools in regards to their internationalism. They invented it. Other schools are carbon copies. Strong departments in Geography, International Development, and History, students who are interested in learning about the world, whether through academics, study or research abroad, or from friendships with other students, will benefit.

I have a great wealth of knowledge regarding many schools and have to say, there are not to many Clarks. If you want a school that will assist you in becoming your own person, are serious about academics and your own journey, than Clark might be the one for you. If you want a cookie cutter school, then go somewhere else. I thought it was great and if I did it all over again, I would still go to Clark. Clark is in my blood.