SIM: A dynamic learning environment and a steppingstone for my career ambitions

As an older sibling, Jamie enjoys taking care of and developing people. With an innate desire to nurture others, she set her sights on Human Resources as her career path. To achieve this goal, she decided to study psychology. “Having a Psychology major will help me in my HR career because of the foundation in cognitive psychology, stress management, health psychology, and more,” Jamie explained.

“I will understand and connect with people better, be an excellent communicator and spokesperson, and help my colleagues to the best of my ability.” While researching universities she could apply to, Jamie chose University at Buffalo (UB) because of its impressive history and reputation. "Moreover, the learning outcomes caught my eye,” she elaborated. “I was excited to seize the opportunity to immerse myself in different types of Psychology!”

Her decision proved to be right as she spent the next two years studying in a dynamic learning environment.

AN EDUCATION THAT TRANSFORMS AVERSION INTO ENTHUSIASM

As part of UB’s curriculum, Jamie was exposed to various subjects that gave her a holistic education. Diving into neuroscience was especially a highlight for Jamie as Biology is one of her favourite topics. “It was an incredible experience taught by an equally incredible professor, Dr Scott Wersinger,” she expressed. “Some memorable moments include when he taught us in-depth about the structures of the brain.

“I have always been fascinated by the supercomputer in our heads that lets us internalise and experience our world.” Although the module was tough, Jamie poured out her curiosity and excitement to fuel her determination to succeed. She ended up with an A. While Jamie enjoys Biology, she could not say the same for Mathematics. As such, she was worried when she had to take a class on Psychological Statistics class.



However, Dr Kim Sunfa, Professor of Instruction under the Department of Psychology, changed her mindset. “With Dr Kim, she made it a point to call on all students to answer questions in every class. This pushed me to always be prepared and fully understand the material,” Jamie recounted. “Once, I gave my answer and I was correct! Everyone went ‘Oh!’ in unison, and Dr Kim exclaimed, ‘Yes!’” “It was exhilarating,” Jamie enthused. “I was stoked to build my confidence in a subject I once feared. It made me even more motivated to continue learning and striving to succeed.”

Another subject Jamie was fearful about was History. “I was terrified because History was another subject I wasn't confident in and my test scores reflected that,” she admitted. This forced her to apply different studying techniques and the courage to ask for extra support. That was when she discovered the importance of asking for help.



Together with her study buddy, Varsha, they adhered to a study guide and schedule. With consistent discussions and practice, they were finally rewarded with the fruits of their labor, scoring an A for the module. “It was very enriching to learn and study these subjects,” Jamie concluded. “They challenged me to think more deeply about the world around me, to appreciate the little things in life - and realise they aren't little at all - and to stay engaged and excited about learning.”

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOMS
 
A month into her first semester, Jamie joined SIM Psychology Society. Shared Jamie, “I wanted to join a club related to my field of study to further my learning and deepen my knowledge. Moreover, I could connect and network with new friends with the same passion for Psychology.”
 
Through the club, Jamie was introduced to the different mental health topics and did research to create fun informative content for their readers. Some examples include creating online collaterals in collaboration with Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and SGPsychStuff. This helped to raise awareness about mental disorders and discuss the importance of self-care.
 
Jamie also had opportunities to work on offline activations. “I was also part of the planning committee for the Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) event, where we planned and facilitated event booths, interacted with the student body,” she articulated.



She also volunteered for the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and CareCorner where they would host Zoom presentations and engage in activities with the beneficiaries. These have made Jamie's campus life very fulfilling. So passionate was Jamie that she rose up to become the Director of Publicity for SIM Psychology Society within a month of joining the club.
 
Speaking about her experience, she described: “It has allowed me to boost my people skills, teamwork, confidence in my abilities and knowledge, research and digital marketing skills, and interpersonal communication. I believe these will carry me through my career and personal projects.”

A LAUNCHPAD FOR HER CAREER
 
Summarising her two years at SIM-UB, Jamie affirmed that her education at SIM has prepared her well for the working world.
“Because of my rigorous curriculum and holistic development, I have gained so much psychological knowledge,” she concluded. “I also gained soft skills like excellent time management, diligence, discipline, meticulousness, and more.”
 
To her juniors, Jamie encouraged them to never shy away from seeking support when needed. “Asking for help is never a weakness. It takes guts for someone to admit they don't know something. “Even the most difficult things can be overcome with constant effort and never giving up.”