Hey Everyone! As you've probably read, my name is Arielle Newman and I am a 1st year Psy.D. student here at Fuller. I'm really excited to be a part of this blog and am here to share a little of my perspective of Fuller, as well as being a resource to any of you who may have questions or concerns that you may not be able to quench from the published information on Fuller, or even from the staff. One of the thing that I LOVE about Fuller is the embrace of community. Though there are such diversity here, (in our life goals, personalities, biblical perspectives, etc) I think we all make a huge effort to help each other to grow and progress through this season of all of our lives-- not just as fellow students, but as brothers and sisters in Christ. I am so excited to make myself available to extend this embrace to YOU! So feel free to leave me messages and I'll do my best to get back to you ASAP!

My journey to Fuller was a very exciting experience that truly tested the level of my trust in the Lord. I grew up in the Church and have enjoyed a close relationship with the Lord since even my earliest memories, but seminary was never really somewhere that I ever though I'd end up straight out of Undergrad. To be honest, I really didn't realize that it was an option. In High School I became seriously interested in Psychology. Attending a Medical Magnet High school in Compton, CA, I was blessed to be exposed to a wide range of opportunities in the medical field and had a chance to interact with many patients, both mentally and physically ill. At this time I developed a heart for easing mental and emotional pain of those who were suffering, even if it was simply by showing that I truly cared and was willing to listen to their stories. Here, the Lord began to develop what I know now is the career path on which he has placed me. I went on to study at the ILLUSTRIOUS University of Southern California-- (GO TROJANS! FIGHT ON!) I graduated this past May (2006) majoring in Psychology and minoring in Communications, receiving several honors. Going into my senior year, I began to intensely pray for guidance as to what my next steps should be. I knew that Grad school was for me, but as I researched Psychology programs at the major universities, I was much less than inspired. In a (not so random) mention of Fuller from one of the Pastors at my church (Faithful Central Bible Church, in Inglewood, CA) I was encouraged to look into this Psychology program (of which I had never before heard) and I FELL IN LOVE. Everything that the Lord had deposited in my spirit about integrating my Faith with Psychology was ALREADY combined in their program. After lots of prayer and a huge leap of faith I applied ONLY to Fuller's Psy.D. Program and GOT IN! The Lord is so faithful!

Now, in this second quarter of my 1st year, I am still getting used to this new way of life. Unlike some of my cohort, I came straight from undergrad, so I was still in an educational mindset; however, this is DEFINITELY taking it to the next level. Not only is it a Doctoral program, but the Psy.D. program is actually combined 2 Masters degrees with the Doctorate, in it's 5 year course. When I was researching about the program it was definitely a little confusing. There are things that I am still learning even now about the nuances of the program, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask me! One other interesting aspect is that we take our Psychology and Theology classes simultaneously, which really helps in being able to integrate the two (Which is the GOAL!).

There is so much more I could talk about, and hopefully over time, Ill get to much more: including school, church, community and even social stuff. And remember, I'm here to give YOU perspective, so if there's something you'd like to hear about, let me know. Know that I am PRAYING FOR YOU! Seriously, I am! And if you are considering Fuller, or seminary, in general, I pray that the Lord grant you wisdom, guidance and discernment and that you are open to being obedient to WHATEVER the Lord has in store for you! Whatever it is, get ready to be amazed! God Bless you!