Is it just me or did January have 365 days? At least it finally ended!
My February kicked off with an eye-opening experience at the Queen's Commerce Mental Health Summit this past Saturday. As a soon-to-be Psychology Major (fingers crossed!), attending this summit proved to be not only insightful but what I hope will be a big step in my academic and personal journey.
The summit was a great way to connect with professionals who are committed to mental health, both at work and in school. For someone like me, who wants to study Psychology and who has struggled with mental health, talking to experts was really valuable. Conversations with these professionals gave me real-world insights into the importance of mental health in different places.
One of the highlights of the summit was hearing from recognized professionals who also struggled with mental health and who want to encourage us—future leaders—to address the stigma that is still out there regarding mental health. I also had the opportunity to chat with a diverse group of students who are interested in mental health issues in Canada. It was great to see other students care about this too. We discussed the many problems Canada is facing in this area, especially with the high numbers of youth who experience mental health issues. The summit made me realize how our knowledge can help make things better in the future.
The event emphasized that, as future leaders, we have the power to influence and improve mental health outcomes. It widened my perspective, strengthened my interest in psychology, and connected me with people who are also committed to mental health.
Now, why should you, as a student, participate in similar conferences and events at Queen's or other institutions? Here are some reasons:
- Networking Opportunities: You meet people who can help you in your future career as mentors or collaborators.
- Knowledge Exchange: You learn things beyond your regular classes. It's a good way to get practical insights.
- Professional Development: It's an investment in your skills. You see how things work in the real world.
- Exposure to Different Perspectives: You hear different points of view, which makes you think more broadly.
- Inspiration and Motivation: Most importantly, you might just be inspired by others’ success stories and passion, keeping you motivated!
So, fellow students, expose yourselves to what Queen's University has to offer. Don’t be afraid, whoever you are, to attend these sorts of events—you might, like I did, meet some likeminded people. Attending these sorts of events is not just about being a student or making strides in your future career—it's about actively growing as a person and making an impact in the world!
See you soon,
Maria