Three years ago, I joined the Psychology Association in Guangdong Experimental High School merely out of curiosity. Surprisingly, this decision turned out to be the turning point of my life for fueling my enthusiasm in exploring the world of Psychology. In my second year at this association, I was elected the President and successfully held more than twenty events to promote knowledge about Psychology among my fellow students: carrying out workshops such as student mentoring for roughly 20% of all Grade 11 students; inviting professors to give lectures about sensory memory, childhood amnesia, and cognition for all psychology enthusiasts; holding discussion groups to analyze Psychology related movies or books such as 'The Interpretation of Dreams' and so on. Holding a variety of Psychology-related activities has not only helped develop my organizational and time management skills, but has also equipped me with an initial understanding of human nature and behaviors. Gradually, I started to consider choosing Psychology as my major at university.
Since then, I have been seeking knowledge about Psychology whenever and wherever possible. Research about issues in Psychology has extended my exposure. In my daily life, I have been following news and updates on the Internet or in magazines on a monthly basis, and I am always keen on speaking to experienced professionals or supervisors who are already engaged in Psychology. They all have given me good advice about insightful perspectives about applying Psychology in a career, and these discussions later inspired my aspiration of undertaking Music Therapy as the extension of my undergraduate programme. Furthermore, taking subjects in International Baccalaureate diploma also constitutes a solid foundation of academic skills for my future research and study in Psychology: Mathematics and Economics implement my data analytic skills; Working through different Chemistry experiments and systematic observation has helped improve my concentration and persistence in the research. More importantly, due to my past experiences of taking the IB higher level music course as well as playing in various orchestras—either as the main violist or violinist, my accumulated knowledge of music theory may also be beneficial when carrying out the concrete practice for my blueprint of combining Psychology and music in the future.
In July, 2013, I volunteered for a charitable activity intended to provide assistance to disadvantaged children in an orphanage in China. Most orphans there were traumatized by incidences that had occurred in their earlier years, and some were even suffering from autism. I was deeply moved by the children's innocent smiles every time we cheered them up with fun games and stories. What's more, we chatted with them, listened patiently to their concerns, or even fears, and then we gave them advice or help. The bond between these children and volunteers was increasingly stronger as time passed by. This inductive experience dealing with the psychologically troubled has helped affirm my decision of pursuing Psychology as a career. In addition, my sympathetic nature enables me to sense people's needs or concerns easily, and my qualities of being patient, mature and warmhearted also may indicate my potential to be a good listener and Psychological councilor. I would surely gain a great sense of achievement and self-actualisation if I could make a difference to others’ life.
Being confident in my suitability as a candidate of undergraduate studies in Psychology, I would have appreciated the opportunity to study at your university and eventually advance my personal, academic and professional life through such chance.