week 6

INSTRUCTIONS: Read and Respond to the three discussion posts (Ashley, Diamond and Travis.

· 6.2 Final Program Reflection-The Last Discussion

Contains unread posts

Ashley Bloom posted Apr 10, 2025 9:22 PM

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Three Good Things

1) Stamina and Overcoming Doubt-

        At the beginning of 2021, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I was treated very aggressively for almost three years before starting the MA in Psychology. I was beginning to feel better, have more energy, and less pain by the time I started the program. Had I not been treated so aggressively prior, I don’t think I would have made it through the program. I was worried about accomplishing a program like this while working full-time and juggling family responsibilities. I am so grateful for finding a fantastic doctor who thought outside the box and was willing to try anything. I would not be where I am without the help and guidance of my Lyme doctor. I am now nearing the end of this program, and I am so thankful I made it! I have been running on adrenaline for the last year, and it is starting to catch up with me.

        I think the program's format, being online, and having a predictable sequence of assignments every week helped ground me in my studies. It gave me a structure and routine. I also had some very positive and encouraging Professors early on who were instrumental in giving me confidence, especially Dr. Dunn, who was such a blessing. His faith in me—the thoughtful comments and feedback made a difference and gave me the strength to continue. It had been a long time since I was in school, and I had doubts about my ability and stamina, but Dr. Dunn had no doubts about me, and I am forever grateful for his kind soul.

 Mark 9:23, "Jesus said to him, If you can? Everything is possible for the one who believes" (Bible Gateway, n.d.).

 2) Outstanding Classmates and New Perspectives-

        When I started the program, I did not know how the cohort would be structured, whether I would be with the same students throughout the program, or whether every class would be different. How would interacting with other online students feel? Would it be like in-person schooling? Would I feel too disconnected? For the first ten months of the program, I was with many of the same students and developed a fondness for them. We had to post videos of ourselves doing mock life coaching sessions, and it was so touching to see my classmate’s videos. I was stunned by the quality of responses in our weekly discussion posts and knew I had to step up my game to compete. It motivated me to do better. I also learned more about Christianity from my classmates, as I did not grow up in religion. Most students seemed to be from the Midwest (I live in California), and I appreciated the different perspectives that people from other regions of the country bring. I loved my classmates' different ideas and viewpoints and am grateful to have been in this program. Their kind words, insightful comments, and perceptive feedback encouraged me. 

 3) Appreciation and Reflection-

        I didn’t know much about positive psychology, but it sounded cool. I knew I wanted to learn about Psychology, but I also knew I didn’t want to take years and years to get my Master’s degree. I wanted something tangible, applicable to real life, and incorporating life coaching skills. I couldn’t have asked for a better program. Learning the principles of positive psychology along with biblical principles blended well together. I would say that I have a newfound appreciation for what makes for the good life and how to flourish. This program gave us the keys to the kingdom of happiness, which most people learn too late, if at all. Reflecting in a measured way was pivotal in shaping my mind and spirit in appreciation and living in gratitude for all that I’ve been through, all that I have, and all that is still left to experience. Reflecting on biblical principles gave me a new appreciation for how similar the words of Jesus are to the principles of positive psychology. I don’t think this is the end of my study of positive psychology. I am a lifelong learner and have always been a reader. I do admit that I need to rest and relax for a time. This is also the time to take pride in our accomplishments and savor the delicious feeling of a job well done.

As Emerson wrote, "The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it" (The Walden Woods Project, 2025).

                                        References

Bible Gateway. (n.d.).  Mark 9:22-24 Christian Standard Bible. biblegateway.com. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%209%3A22-24&version=CSB

The Walden Woods Project. (2025).  Fifty Quotations by Ralph Waldo Emerson. walden.org.  https://www.walden.org/50-quotations-by-ralph-waldo-emerson/

I feel such a mix of emotions: gratitude, contentment, relief, pride, and a small amount of sadness as this program is coming to a close, and this is the last discussion. I wish everyone all the best, and may God continue to bless and keep you safe.

In gratitude and love,

Ashley 

·

Final Program Reflection

Diamond

Over the past 15 months in the MA in Psychology program there have been so many challenges, lessons, and moments of growth, but three things really stand out as major wins for me. The first was completing my Capstone Project. It felt like the most meaningful way to wrap up everything I’ve learned, and I poured my heart into it. What made it go well was the amount of support I had both from classmates and the professor. I also think it helped that I chose a topic I deeply care about which was helping recent college graduates transition into the workforce using positive psychology tools. Having a real sense of purpose behind the work kept me motivated and gave me clarity even when things felt overwhelming.

The second thing that went well was finding my voice as a future psychologist. Early in the program, I was unsure about what direction I wanted to take with my career. I had an idea, but not a clear path. Through the different classes, reflections, and projects, I realized that I’m passionate about working with adolescents and helping them find their way through life using strengths-based interventions. What made this go well was being able to connect with my professors and peers, who asked the right questions and challenged me to think deeper. The feedback I received throughout the program gave me the confidence to stand firm in my goals.

Lastly, I’m grateful for the community I found along the way. Being in an online program, I was a little nervous about feeling isolated. But that wasn’t the case at all. There were so many moments where someone’s discussion post, encouragement, or shared story made me feel seen and supported. What helped this go well was simply showing up as my authentic self. I didn’t try to overthink things I just tried to stay open and present. Because of that, I’ve built connections that I hope to carry with me beyond this program.

Another thing that went well was rediscovering the strength of my faith throughout the program. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally drained, but anchoring myself in Scripture and prayer helped me push through. Several assignments gave me space to reflect on how biblical principles align with positive psychology, and that connection deepened my spirituality. What made this go well was giving myself permission to integrate my faith into my academic journey, rather than separating the two. It made the experience more meaningful and personal.

Finally, I would say my personal growth outside of the courses was just as important as what I learned academically. Over the course of the program, I became more intentional about boundaries, rest, and self-compassion. I learned to give myself grace and recognize the progress I was making, even if it didn’t always feel big in the moment. This went well because I began to apply the very tools we studied like gratitude, mindfulness, and resilience into my daily life. That’s something I’ll take with me forever.

· No Hindsight Bias - Final Program Reflection

Travis

Learning to Help myself and others This program has taught me so much. It's shown me, things that I was already doing well in terms of positive psychology that I didn't even know existed or that their was a term for it, like having a growth mindset and being resilient etc. Quitting My Job The decision to leave my six-figure job was one of the most liberating choices I've ever made. It wasn't without hesitation or fear—I grappled with the risks and uncertainties that come with stepping away from financial security. However, the prospect of freedom and dedicating myself fully to my education ultimately outweighed those concerns. Leaving my job allowed me to shift my focus from merely "getting by" academically to truly immersing myself in the MA program. With fewer distractions and obligations, I could engage deeply with the material and push myself to excel in ways that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. This milestone was a testament to the importance of prioritizing growth over comfort—a choice that led to personal fulfillment and academic success. Not Giving Up The past 15 months have been a rollercoaster, filled with moments where quitting seemed like the easier path. However, I found strength in the very principles of positive psychology that I was studying. Concepts like resilience, optimism, and grit became more than academic theories; they became tools I used in real time to navigate challenges and persist in my studies. It's almost poetic how the very subject matter of the program contributed to my ability to complete it. Reflecting on this milestone, I realized that perseverance is not just about pushing through hard times; it's about finding meaning and hope in the journey itself. Learning to Help Myself and Others One of the most profound aspects of the program was the opportunity to learn about myself while gaining the tools to help others. I discovered that I had unknowingly been practicing positive psychology in my own life, with habits like maintaining a growth mindset and demonstrating resilience. Learning the formal concepts behind these practices gave me a greater appreciation for their impact and inspired me to apply them with more intention. Beyond personal growth, the program taught me how to effectively support others in their journeys toward mental and emotional well-being. This milestone represents the dual transformation of self-improvement and the ability to contribute positively to the lives of those around me.

Bottom of Form

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INSTRUCTIONS: Read and Respond to the three discussion posts (Ashley, Diamond and Travis.

· 6.2 Final Program Reflection-The Last Discussion

Contains unread posts

Ashley Bloom posted Apr 10, 2025 9:22 PM

Subscribe

Three Good Things

1) Stamina and Overcoming Doubt-

        At the beginning of 2021, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I was treated very aggressively for almost three years before starting the MA in Psychology. I was beginning to feel better, have more energy, and less pain by the time I started the program. Had I not been treated so aggressively prior, I don’t think I would have made it through the program. I was worried about accomplishing a program like this while working full-time and juggling family responsibilities. I am so grateful for finding a fantastic doctor who thought outside the box and was willing to try anything. I would not be where I am without the help and guidance of my Lyme doctor. I am now nearing the end of this program, and I am so thankful I made it! I have been running on adrenaline for the last year, and it is starting to catch up with me.

        I think the program's format, being online, and having a predictable sequence of assignments every week helped ground me in my studies. It gave me a structure and routine. I also had some very positive and encouraging Professors early on who were instrumental in giving me confidence, especially Dr. Dunn, who was such a blessing. His faith in me—the thoughtful comments and feedback made a difference and gave me the strength to continue. It had been a long time since I was in school, and I had doubts about my ability and stamina, but Dr. Dunn had no doubts about me, and I am forever grateful for his kind soul.

 Mark 9:23, "Jesus said to him, If you can? Everything is possible for the one who believes" (Bible Gateway, n.d.).

 2) Outstanding Classmates and New Perspectives-

        When I started the program, I did not know how the cohort would be structured, whether I would be with the same students throughout the program, or whether every class would be different. How would interacting with other online students feel? Would it be like in-person schooling? Would I feel too disconnected? For the first ten months of the program, I was with many of the same students and developed a fondness for them. We had to post videos of ourselves doing mock life coaching sessions, and it was so touching to see my classmate’s videos. I was stunned by the quality of responses in our weekly discussion posts and knew I had to step up my game to compete. It motivated me to do better. I also learned more about Christianity from my classmates, as I did not grow up in religion. Most students seemed to be from the Midwest (I live in California), and I appreciated the different perspectives that people from other regions of the country bring. I loved my classmates' different ideas and viewpoints and am grateful to have been in this program. Their kind words, insightful comments, and perceptive feedback encouraged me. 

 3) Appreciation and Reflection-

        I didn’t know much about positive psychology, but it sounded cool. I knew I wanted to learn about Psychology, but I also knew I didn’t want to take years and years to get my Master’s degree. I wanted something tangible, applicable to real life, and incorporating life coaching skills. I couldn’t have asked for a better program. Learning the principles of positive psychology along with biblical principles blended well together. I would say that I have a newfound appreciation for what makes for the good life and how to flourish. This program gave us the keys to the kingdom of happiness, which most people learn too late, if at all. Reflecting in a measured way was pivotal in shaping my mind and spirit in appreciation and living in gratitude for all that I’ve been through, all that I have, and all that is still left to experience. Reflecting on biblical principles gave me a new appreciation for how similar the words of Jesus are to the principles of positive psychology. I don’t think this is the end of my study of positive psychology. I am a lifelong learner and have always been a reader. I do admit that I need to rest and relax for a time. This is also the time to take pride in our accomplishments and savor the delicious feeling of a job well done.

As Emerson wrote, "The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it" (The Walden Woods Project, 2025).

                                        References

Bible Gateway. (n.d.).  Mark 9:22-24 Christian Standard Bible. biblegateway.com. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%209%3A22-24&version=CSB

The Walden Woods Project. (2025).  Fifty Quotations by Ralph Waldo Emerson. walden.org.  https://www.walden.org/50-quotations-by-ralph-waldo-emerson/

I feel such a mix of emotions: gratitude, contentment, relief, pride, and a small amount of sadness as this program is coming to a close, and this is the last discussion. I wish everyone all the best, and may God continue to bless and keep you safe.

In gratitude and love,

Ashley 

·

Final Program Reflection

Diamond

Over the past 15 months in the MA in Psychology program there have been so many challenges, lessons, and moments of growth, but three things really stand out as major wins for me. The first was completing my Capstone Project. It felt like the most meaningful way to wrap up everything I’ve learned, and I poured my heart into it. What made it go well was the amount of support I had both from classmates and the professor. I also think it helped that I chose a topic I deeply care about which was helping recent college graduates transition into the workforce using positive psychology tools. Having a real sense of purpose behind the work kept me motivated and gave me clarity even when things felt overwhelming.

The second thing that went well was finding my voice as a future psychologist. Early in the program, I was unsure about what direction I wanted to take with my career. I had an idea, but not a clear path. Through the different classes, reflections, and projects, I realized that I’m passionate about working with adolescents and helping them find their way through life using strengths-based interventions. What made this go well was being able to connect with my professors and peers, who asked the right questions and challenged me to think deeper. The feedback I received throughout the program gave me the confidence to stand firm in my goals.

Lastly, I’m grateful for the community I found along the way. Being in an online program, I was a little nervous about feeling isolated. But that wasn’t the case at all. There were so many moments where someone’s discussion post, encouragement, or shared story made me feel seen and supported. What helped this go well was simply showing up as my authentic self. I didn’t try to overthink things I just tried to stay open and present. Because of that, I’ve built connections that I hope to carry with me beyond this program.

Another thing that went well was rediscovering the strength of my faith throughout the program. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally drained, but anchoring myself in Scripture and prayer helped me push through. Several assignments gave me space to reflect on how biblical principles align with positive psychology, and that connection deepened my spirituality. What made this go well was giving myself permission to integrate my faith into my academic journey, rather than separating the two. It made the experience more meaningful and personal.

Finally, I would say my personal growth outside of the courses was just as important as what I learned academically. Over the course of the program, I became more intentional about boundaries, rest, and self-compassion. I learned to give myself grace and recognize the progress I was making, even if it didn’t always feel big in the moment. This went well because I began to apply the very tools we studied like gratitude, mindfulness, and resilience into my daily life. That’s something I’ll take with me forever.

· No Hindsight Bias - Final Program Reflection

Travis

Learning to Help myself and others This program has taught me so much. It's shown me, things that I was already doing well in terms of positive psychology that I didn't even know existed or that their was a term for it, like having a growth mindset and being resilient etc. Quitting My Job The decision to leave my six-figure job was one of the most liberating choices I've ever made. It wasn't without hesitation or fear—I grappled with the risks and uncertainties that come with stepping away from financial security. However, the prospect of freedom and dedicating myself fully to my education ultimately outweighed those concerns. Leaving my job allowed me to shift my focus from merely "getting by" academically to truly immersing myself in the MA program. With fewer distractions and obligations, I could engage deeply with the material and push myself to excel in ways that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. This milestone was a testament to the importance of prioritizing growth over comfort—a choice that led to personal fulfillment and academic success. Not Giving Up The past 15 months have been a rollercoaster, filled with moments where quitting seemed like the easier path. However, I found strength in the very principles of positive psychology that I was studying. Concepts like resilience, optimism, and grit became more than academic theories; they became tools I used in real time to navigate challenges and persist in my studies. It's almost poetic how the very subject matter of the program contributed to my ability to complete it. Reflecting on this milestone, I realized that perseverance is not just about pushing through hard times; it's about finding meaning and hope in the journey itself. Learning to Help Myself and Others One of the most profound aspects of the program was the opportunity to learn about myself while gaining the tools to help others. I discovered that I had unknowingly been practicing positive psychology in my own life, with habits like maintaining a growth mindset and demonstrating resilience. Learning the formal concepts behind these practices gave me a greater appreciation for their impact and inspired me to apply them with more intention. Beyond personal growth, the program taught me how to effectively support others in their journeys toward mental and emotional well-being. This milestone represents the dual transformation of self-improvement and the ability to contribute positively to the lives of those around me.

Bottom of Form

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