'What makes you, you?' Is it down to our genotype that is innate and within us all? Or do we owe everything to our environment and the unique phenotypes we acquire over our lifetime? I believe, the answer lies within our psychology. I am a product of interacting factors and experiences which are ever evolving and continue to mould me into the person I am today. Psychology is all around us. It gives us insight into the arts of language, persuasion and cognition. Psychologists have been able to explain how we acquire language from infancy when we do not yet know the entirety of it. My passion for language developed at a young age and still thrives today. From publishing my first piece of poetry to delivering my year 11 leavers speech, my writing has become an extension of my most pressing thoughts and feelings - it defines my place in the world and is a small fraction of the complex system that makes "me" - "me". The continuous development of psychology as a discipline can provide us with knowledge into the study of behaviour and ourselves, as well as being part of a society.The study of Psychology captured me from my very first lesson in year 9 and I am now embarking on my 5th year of study. It is safe to say that the subject has become a part of my life from an academic and personal perspective. The complexity of the human mind and its constant evolvement means that with a wealth of content, there is always something new to explore and question.The historical debates brought to light in psychology are iconic, my interest further peaked by watching live debates on controversial topics at the Royal College of Psychiatrists. To see where a career in this field would take me, I read 'The man who mistook his wife for a hat' and 'The mind's eye' by Oliver Sacks.The concepts in the books were challenging and hard to grasp at first but they eventually gave me a deeper insight into the world of neuropsychology. I would like to pursue a career as a neuropsychologist and contribute swell as develop my unique perspective to the field. Psychologists have shared with us the breakthrough treatment for depression (CBT). As a recipient of this therapy I will be able to bring personal and practical experience to the course which would enrich my theoretical understanding. Psychology has helped me emotionally - as a professional I would like to contribute to many psychological personal and global problems and I look forward to utilising developing technologies to find newer applications for the science. I strongly believe studying psychology has both aided and influenced me in my personal endeavours. I have been an army cadet for 5 years and worked my way up the ladder to achieve the rank of Sergeant. My superiors acknowledge my dedication and flexibility as there were many times I took on unexpected roles including teaching those younger and less advanced. This enabled me to be more aware of aspects in developmental psychology. I have completed the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and improved presentation and communication skills, vital for university life. I have also volunteered at a Peckham Youth Club since September 2015, a community arts project that brings youth together to share and craft ideas. Through this I have developed and explored my creative side, a passion I hope to continue at university. A further personal milestone I aim to reach during my academic journey is to create an anthology.
Embarking on the journey of becoming a psychology undergraduate will help me reach my end goal of becoming a well rounded individual with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the subject. I believe that the continuation of society relies on its members giving back to their community, by helping and supporting people in any way possible. More importantly, studying psychology will enable me to continue on my path of self exploration and further my understanding between the intricacy of humanity and the nature of the world around me.