When I am asked why I decided to apply to the University of Anthropological Research at the age 33, my answer is that it took me a long time to finally admit what I wanted to do in life. Coming from a family of psychologists, I did not really have much of a choice when growing up. Just like my mother, my grandmother and my aunt, I studied personal psychology at Stanford. I would not say that choosing psychology was a mistake – I was fond of it and still am. It is a fascinating science and practical too. Even though I do not plan to practice as a personal therapist or psychologist in the future, I will most definitely make daily use of the knowledge and communication skills I have gained through studying this profession.

Nevertheless, having graduated with a Master’s in Personal Psychology at the age of 26, and then after two more years of working at my mother’s private practice, I decided that I could never be as proficient as a psychologist as my mother or my aunt, so I dedicated myself to my family. Five more years and two beautiful daughters later, I now finally know that my passion is anthropology and that I probably will never feel completely content and happy if I do not fully realize this passion. Of course, family is an important part of my life, and I love my family to bits. Nevertheless, it is not enough, and my husband and kids support my choice to give myself a second chance.

Just recently, while feeding my younger two-year-old at the kitchen counter, I saw a news report about a ninety-seven year old Australian man who was getting his third degree in Clinical Science this May. It may sound foolish, but this man inspired me to realize that I am not too old to be putting an end to my dream just yet. And my dream is to become an anthropologist. Ever since I was a little kid, I was fond of history. It was my favorite subject in middle and high school, and I used to read a lot of historical books and watch documentaries with my father. While on a maternity leave, I started reading a textbook in anthropology, then another. I did not notice how all I could talk about and all that really interested me was cultural evolution, different ethnic origins, how mankind was created…. Finally, it was my husband who told me that I should stop fooling myself and do what I really crave so much – study anthropology.

It would be difficult to describe how excited and nervous I feel right now. I finally made the first step towards what I should have done 25 years ago. But somehow, I believe it should have been that way – I chose a different profession then, I ripened my love for anthropology only to be 100% certain of my choice now. I have looked through hundreds of programs and I believe that the one that the University of Anthropological Research offers is the best selection of disciplines I could possibly dream about. I once heard this saying: “Talented is not he who has many talents; it is he who has found out his passions on time”. I hope that my time to follow my passion has come.