Scholarship submission: My Journey into Mental Health Counselling by Mirza

Scholarship submission: My Journey into Mental Health Counselling by Mirza - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My journey through the first year of graduate school at Bradley University has been both rewarding and challenging, especially as a student majoring in Mental Health. One of the most significant academic challenges I faced was during my first semester, when I was tasked with writing a comprehensive research paper on the intersection of mental health and cultural identity. As a person of Middle Eastern and Asian descent, and someone who identifies as non-binary and gender-fluid, this topic was not only academically demanding but also personally meaningful.

Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the scope of the research required. The topic was vast, and I wanted to do justice to the many complexities involved. I needed to explore how cultural backgrounds influence mental health experiences and the ways in which identity shapes one's mental health journey. With a college GPA of 3.3, I knew I had to push myself to maintain and improve my academic standing while producing quality work that reflected both scholarly rigor and personal insight.

The first hurdle was narrowing down my focus. I started by conducting a broad literature review, but the sheer volume of information made it difficult to decide which aspects to concentrate on. I realized that I needed a strategy to manage the workload and organize my thoughts. I sought advice from my professors and mentors, who encouraged me to focus on a specific cultural group and a particular mental health issue to make the research more manageable. This guidance was invaluable and helped me refine my thesis to explore the mental health challenges faced by Middle Eastern immigrants in the context of acculturation stress.

Once I had a clear focus, the next challenge was gathering relevant data and sources. As a graduate student, I had access to numerous academic databases, but finding studies that specifically addressed the intersection of culture, identity, and mental health was not easy. I spent countless hours in the library, often feeling frustrated by dead ends and irrelevant results. To overcome this, I learned to use advanced search techniques and reached out to librarians for assistance. Their expertise helped me locate key studies and articles that formed the backbone of my research.

Writing the paper itself was another significant challenge. I struggled with synthesizing the information I had gathered and presenting it in a coherent and engaging manner. My first draft was far from perfect, and I received constructive criticism from my peers and professors. Instead of feeling discouraged, I took their feedback seriously and used it to improve my work. I dedicated time to revising and rewriting, focusing on clarity and depth of analysis. This iterative process taught me the value of persistence and the importance of viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth.

Throughout this experience, I also had to manage my time effectively to balance my coursework, research, and personal commitments. As someone who values both academic success and personal well-being, I knew I had to establish a routine that allowed for both productivity and self-care. I created a schedule that included regular breaks, exercise, and time for reflection, which helped me maintain my focus and motivation.

In the end, I successfully completed the research paper and received positive feedback from my professors, which was incredibly rewarding. This experience taught me several important lessons. First, it reinforced the importance of seeking guidance and support when faced with challenges. Whether it was advice from mentors or assistance from librarians, I learned that collaboration and asking for help are crucial components of academic success.

Second, I realized the significance of perseverance and resilience. There were moments when I doubted my abilities and considered changing my topic to something less complex. However, by staying committed to my original goal and working through the obstacles, I gained confidence in my research skills and academic capabilities.

Finally, this experience deepened my understanding of the interplay between cultural identity and mental health, a topic I am passionate about. It has inspired me to continue exploring this field in greater depth, with the hope of contributing to more inclusive and culturally sensitive mental health practices.

In conclusion, facing the challenge of writing a research paper on a complex and personal topic was a transformative experience for me. It not only tested my academic abilities but also strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in mental health where I can advocate for diverse communities. This journey has prepared me to tackle future challenges with determination and an open mind, qualities that I believe will serve me well in my continued studies and professional life.