Kelly Priest
Kelly Priest & Associates
"Once I'd realized I could make a real difference in people's lives, I knew that the rest would take care of itself."
Career Roadmap
Kelly's work combines: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Randolph School
Bachelor's Degree
Organizational Communication, General
The University of Alabama
Graduate Degree
Clinical Psychology
Alabama A & M University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Child, Family, and School Social Workers:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Organizational Communication, General
Graduate Degree: Clinical Psychology
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
In college, the Strong Interest Inventory suggested I be a lawyer, reporter, psychologist, or clergy.
2.
I majored in journalism and worked as a copy editor. I thought that was safer than going into psych.
3.
I didn't love it.
4.
I started volunteering in juvenile court and thought law school might be a good path for me.
5.
I left after my first week of law school and decided to pursue a master's degree instead.
6.
After completing my degree, I spent some time working in the child maltreatment field.
7.
When my child was diagnosed with autism, I saw an opportunity to help.
8.
I created a job that combines my unique perspective and my clinical knowledge.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
To get a job in psychology you'll have to get your Ph.D., which is practically impossible. If you don't get a PhD, you'll make no money and you'll be changing bedpans in a psych ward.
How I responded:
Trying different things and being honest with myself that they were not my passion eventually steered me into psychology. Having ADHD and a low boredom tolerance also kind of forced me to pursue my passion! Knowing that I could actually make a difference in this field, that I was talented in this area, and figuring out that I didn't have to follow a traditional path also helped. Once I'd realized I could make a real difference in people's lives, I knew that the rest would take care of itself.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
As I became more attuned to the subtleties of attention issues, I realized that I might have ADHD. I was formally diagnosed in my early 40s. I've worked with professionals to learn how ADHD affects me & my work, and to adapt. Medication also helps!