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SOP

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
69 views2 pages

SOP

Uploaded by

neha bhola
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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"She is getting a panic attack", said my P.T. teacher.

When we saw Amina pulling out her hair and shaking very violently in the middle of the game,
we cleared the ground in a minute. The next day when Amina came to school, we all avoided
her for fear of becoming like her, for fear of being called insane. Five years later, when I think
about that incident, I remember this one thing my teacher told us that day, 'What mental health
needs is more sunlight, more candor and more unashamed conversations.'

In my high school, I became completely engrossed in learning about different schools of


psychology. From structuralism to Gestalt psychology, I noticed that decoding a human mind
completely is not possible. It was soon that I learned about the injustices mentally unhealthy
people had to deal with - the fear of being criticized as it was considered a taboo. But as I
reflected on their sufferings, I realized that their suffering has not come to an end even now.
Psychology is a subject least understood worldwide. We boast the importance of mental well-
being and a positive mindset yet its understanding is rife with superstitions. I seek a
psychological education that will lend me the understanding of mental well-being and the
capability to spread it. There is no better place to further my education than the University of
Reading. University of Reading's commitment to approach psychology in a holistic manner is
evident in the wide range of psychology courses offered by the university. Specifically, I am
drawn to clinical psychology that focuses on emotional, mental and behavioral disorders and
issues I deeply care about. After witnessing the stigma related to mental health problems that
plague my community, I see that our society is facing a mental health phoebe. The psychology
honors course will help me develop my knowledge of mental health problems and enable me to
make this world a better place for the mentally ailing people.

With a greater understanding of mental disorders, I want to pursue my career as a clinical


psychologist, aiding people overcome hardships and challenges. I want to begin my career in
psychology by learning from Dr. Tan Kok Wei. Dr. Wei's research experience regarding decision
making specifically based on social perception will help me to consider the problems a mentally
ill person has to face and how to help them. I am energized by the course's goal that not only
focuses on the theoretical part but also on the practicality of the subject. I am excited to study
psychology through a career-oriented lens that will enable me to apply my academic knowledge
in the field of psychology. Also, the professional placement offered by University of Reading will
help me to gain experience, which will ascertain to be helpful in breaking the stigma attached to
mental ailment.

Among the mental health issues, that people face, I am motivated to learn more about
depression. Ever, since my uncle committed suicide because of depression, I am determined
not to lose anyone else to this disorder. While being a part of psych.kashmir, as a researcher, I
realized that depression is spreading like wildfire. The results of my research were appalling.
Around 80% of the population is vulnerable to acute stress and anxiety leading to depression.
While many people are afraid to seek expert help, many are unaware of their condition. When
my uncle started seeing a therapist, he kept it a secret. He was worried if anyone would know
about it, he would be alienated. So, I aim to spread awareness about depression and the ways
to fight it so that we don't lose more people to it.

Having lived in a conflict zone, I had limited exposure. Irrespective of the situation around me, I
have always given my best. I was among the top 5 in my 10th board exam with 98.8%
(494/500). Despite the political turmoil, due to the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019, I
scored 94.1% (471/500) in 11th grade without having attended classes at all. I struggled to get
notes and information regarding exams as telephone and internet services were snapped. It
was impossible to contact my teachers and friends to seek help. When the pandemic hit, we
transitioned to online classes, however, the connection was poor which made them inefficient.
We didn't have access to 4G internet and had to settle with 2G services which were of no help. I
had to teach myself. I ranked third in my 12th board exams with 99% (495/500) because of my
determination and love for education. My yearning for a better education has led me to get an
admission at the University of Reading. However, I cannot afford university without financial aid.
The Provost Award as offered by the university is a savior to the academically excellent but
financially humble students like me.This award can help me live my dream of studying in a
community that will make me grow and learn about the world. I don't plan to settle for the world as it
is but aim to work towards making it better and university is going to be my first step towards
making this dream a reality.

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