2018 will be a good year

I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this fact, because last year I couldn’t wait for it to be over, but now I just kind of want to stay here for a while and just have some more fun. Over this year already quite a few new projects have come my way and I cannot wait to be able to share it with the world.

Here is one of the new interesting projects of 2018 I can already share with all of you. The most important and first on my agenda is my three months long placement as a research assistant at the University of Oxford. It’s a requirement to do at least 80 hours of placement in your field in one of our psychology modules. I work in the John Radcliff hospital in Oxford and my main job is to conduct the experimental session with participants. I communicate with each participant and then proceed with the actual experiment in the lab in the hospital. The study that I am involved with involves the process of learning associated with painful stimuli. Most people would say that it does not sound like the most exciting topics, so I won’t go into detail, but if anyone has any questions, feel free to email me at any time. In this experience so far, I have gained so much knowledge about how a proper psychological experiment must be conducted and how strict the rules are. So far it has been a very enriching experience and I am so grateful for it. It will also give me useful skills for my future and give me the valuable knowledge needed.

Another exciting project I have begun is that I am now a part of the “MeeTwo” team. No, this has not got anything to do with the recent “Me Too” internet trend, although it does share a theme. MeeTwo is a relatively new project started in 2016 that helps young people get help with their psychological issues. Its done in a form an app for your phone that is free to download. Everyone choses an anonymous name and is free to post anything about their personal issues, without anyone being able to find out who they are. All the users can also freely comment on the posts of other people, all either supportive or giving advice. This creates a friendly environment where people can vent about their problems and others can help and advise them. I am a member of the “super peers” who moderate the comments given by others (each comment must be checked to make sure there is no negative content) and help improve the app experience. This for far is an amazing project, because it is exactly in the field that I want to concentrate on when I will be looking for an actual job. Another reason why I love it is because it is so rewarding to see positive feedback of how much this app has helped people who are using it. It feels great to find a way that young people find accessible and helpful. This project has a big future!

Everything else in my life is still steady. I did well in my exams in December and don’t have any problems with my current housemates. It’s a very friendly house that I enjoy living in. In my job everything is still going very smoothly, and I enjoy the cocktail making more than before. Thanks very much for checking in with me and see you next time!