I started this BSc in 2009 with one psychology paper which I loved immensely. I was 37, married with three kids and came from Christchurch, my beloved and now 'munted' hometown. Little did I know that 7 years later I would still be doing this degree, albeit (hopefully) my last paper towards that degree. I wanted to study psychology because I wanted to make a difference. I feel a great empathy toward the oppressed and the broken, the underdogs that no-one wants to know about. I want to make a difference in people's lives and ideally, make the world a better place for my children. Idealism at its greatest aye?
I've never been a particularly good scholar, I'm not particularly eloquent, nor do I have an extensive vocabulary. For these reasons, I am scared witless about doing this paper. I do not want to let anyone down and I will do my utmost not to. I'm full of good ideas, or maybe it's full of something else... Who knows, I might not get rated as a disaster from my team members but rather a valuable member of the group.
When I have finished this degree, I would like to work with those who have experienced domestic violence. I was witness to it as a child and would like to help lessen the emotional burden these families, particularly the children, experience. As a similar alternative, I would like to work with suicidal youth in some capacity. I think our world is letting our children down and there has to be some real person-centred policies put into place so there can be some accountability for youth mental well-being.
To be perfectly honest, I probably would not have taken this paper had it not been compulsory, and I know that I am likely to gain the skills I should have acquired at the beginning of my degree. It will definitely bring me out of my comfort zone and push me to learn more about myself and my capabilities. I am a neither weak nor strong communicator generally but can actively debate if I know my audience and my topic, my husband might use the word - argue but if I know what is expected of me and I am well organised I can usually nut it out okay.
I look forward to working with you, my team members and am grateful we found our team so early in the piece.
Marina :)
4 comments:
Hi Marina,
I also found the topic for Week 1 challenging because, like you, I also tend to stick to the background. It actually took me a really long time to write because I find it difficult to write about myself or draw attention to myself.
Studying with children, and in a foreign country, can be very challenging. It takes a lot of courage to do any of those things, so well done for taking those steps towards the life you are working to build!
It sounds like you have a wonderful vision of what you want to give to society. This course may be a much-needed push for those of us with big dreams we hope to achieve despite being unaccustomed to making our voices heard.
I look forward to working with you in our group.
Cheers,
Michelle
Hi Marina,
That was a great read, I really appreciate the honesty and ability to acknowledge being out of your comfort zone.
I found your blog to be one of the most "real" in the sense that it came from a person and was spoken as a conversation would. Definitely something I'll be trying to add to my writing throughout the paper. Keep it up!
See you Tuesday
Floyd
Hi Marina,
I definitely understand your nervousness about working with others. I have a similar tendency to blend into the background, so it’s good to know I’m not the only one a bit out of my comfort zone with this course.
Your goals after your degree are so important. I wish more people cared as much as you do about those that are suffering from mental health issues.
Your blog post was written in a different style that I really enjoyed. It seemed more personal and captured my attention really well.
Alicia
Hi Marina, i really like the way you have put your blog together, which is really relateable and relaxed. It is terrific that you want to work with those who have experienced domestic violence and also with youth. This is an area that definitely needs caring and committed people as we know it is such a huge issue. I think your own experiences will help you to be able to relate and give you a depth of empathy and understanding that will only assist you in your field. It is great to be able to work in something we are passionate about that is so beneficial and needed. I too have the same aspiration albeit in a different area, but aspects of family violence or state violence could well come into my work too, it's about making positive changes for people from policy levels right down to the household. I'm happy you have this desire and wish you well on your road to more learning and growth. See you in our group meeting. Jess
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