Living my dream!
After finishing my undergraduate degrees in sociology and politics, I felt lost, confused, and without a clue as to what to do afterwards. I decided to try out different career options like working as a study abroad advisor for my previous university, a barista at Starbucks, and even a production assistant in Hollywood, but nothing stuck until I tagged along a family member’s work holiday in a big city. My experience in such a bustling and diverse environment rekindled my passion to travel for the purpose of learning from and helping others, and I was reminded that more possibilities for positive change existed outside of my stagnant hometown. Of all the cities to settle in, I chose London merely because I’ve always had an inexplicable fascination with the city when I first visited at the young age of ten. Growing up and learning more about it just increased my desire to live here more.
MY UNIVERSITY OF ROEHAMPTON EXPERIENCE
After the long and arduous process of applying to different London universities, I was surprised to receive an offer letter to study an MSc in Psychology and a scholarship for academic excellence from the University of Roehampton! Such a proposition was too enticing for me to pass up, so I took it, ran, and still haven’t looked back. And after accepting the university’s offer, I have received invaluable support from everyone in my expatriation to the UK from even before my arrival to now. Amanda from the USA Roehampton Team has worked above and beyond by helping me navigate the chaotic labyrinth that was the visa application process through an innumerable amount of email correspondence and calls; meeting up with us in person soon after our arrival to make sure we were adjusting well; and even making us aware of this opportunity to submit our student experiences to Across the Pond!
Additionally, the Roehampton Student Wellbeing Team as a whole has been extremely supportive in my venture towards becoming a psychotherapist in the UK. Donny has been an extraordinarily flexible and understanding line manager in helping me receive a uniquely tailored experience by encouraging candour and honesty from me about my interests and goals. Jo shared with me the path she took to receive her recent psychotherapy licence and even helped me map out from scratch the different paths I can take towards becoming a psychotherapist while simultaneously funding this endeavour. And Jen has been able to provide an empathetic safe space for me to share with her any extraneous concerns I may face when I feel like others are unable to understand or relate. Moreover, Maxina from the Accommodation Office has fully become my legal counsel for flat hunting to continue my stay here in London even after I finish my course. She made it her personal mission to pull strings looking for any leads on suitable accommodation in addition to having helped me weed out a handful of shady rental agreements. To top everything off, Maxina has shown genuine passion for my wellbeing as I’ve observed from her visible upset at landlords trying to take advantage of my situation as an international student. Overall, these anecdotes are only a few examples of the sincere care and support I’ve received from the University of Roehampton, and I’ve never before felt so prepared for the future.
- Alexander