My name is David James Tompkins, Son of Jim, and Teresa Tompkins. I am 23 years old and currently attending Columbus State University to obtain an Associate of Science degree in Psychology. I would like to humbly accept this award by sharing my testimony and path unto receiving this gracious gift. First and foremost, I must give all the glory to God who has directed my steps in light, through Him I have grown beyond my own reasoning, and am able to be recognized for my efforts.
I could dedicate the rest of this passage to everyone who has had positive impact on my life up to this point being, family, loved ones, friends, and loving neighbors. For the sake of this format, I must emphasize that all those who have had a lasting impact on me have shared one important aspect and consideration being how I can spread love and truth. I attended a well-respected high school at Bishop Watterson where I have strong familial roots. During my time there I unfortunately did not have a similar experience to my family members before me. Battling pre-existing anxiety, depression, and identity issues, being mixed-race at a majority race school, I often found myself seeking negative influences and distractions. It wasn’t until I dedicated myself to my faith, and by the help of my own psychologist Dr. Joseph Smedley, that I was able to believe in the opportunity to go back to school to pursue a degree.
I am currently attending Columbus state full-time, as well as working full-time as a front desk agent at the Hilton Hotel. I am wholeheartedly intent on growing in my faith through daily devotion so that I can inspire growth and share that understanding with others. One example of this work is takingpiano lessons to find new ways to express myself and to inspire creativity. It is at Columbus State where I was directed to Dr. Devon Carter’s Intro to Psychology class. Through taking his class this semester, I was invited into an environment that was judge-free, caring, and genuinely interested in my overall well-being and growth. Dr. Carter is someone I look to as a leader and a person who has greatly inspired me to continue my path. As a young Dr. who can relate to me and continuously seeks growth himself.
My goals are to grow in my faith, to continue my program at Columbus state, and to eventually move onto a four-year program that will best enhance my abilities so that I can offer the best services unto others. I have the overall goal of gaining my Psy D in counseling psychology in pursuit of becoming a faith-based psychologist, at an inspiring practice that seeks humanistic approaches to enhance the well-being of others. I hope that everyone this reaches will be reminded of the power love and self-control that is within them, 2 Tim 1:7.
Recognize Education And Learning 