A Tender Garden

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m 22 this year and am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s in Psychology and Criminology at Murdoch University. That said, my hobbies include modelling and drawing—more artsy stuff that doesn’t really align with what I’m studying (laughs).

What made you choose to study Psychology and Criminology?
I’m actually thinking of going down the medical route for psychology. I grew up with very traditional parents who didn’t really understand the importance of mental health, so I want to learn more about it and spread more awareness about it. I want to start with clinical psychology and hopefully become a psychiatrist, but first I’ll study neuroscience for my masters and then PhD.

At this point, criminology is just a backup for me. If all else fails, I’ll be a forensic criminologist.

Your passions and interests are so multi-dimensional! How then would you describe yourself to people who don’t know you?
I would say I come off as intimidating because of the way I look, but I’m actually very introverted and shy. I don’t usually approach people first, but if I can definitely talk if I’m required to.

What are three things that make you happy?
My mum, my grandma, and reading.

I like to sit by the river at Marina Bay with a bottle of soju and a book. I usually go there around 4-5PM and read until sunset. After that, I’ll just stare into the water, listen to music, and reflect on how my day has been.

I’m currently reading Looking For Alaska by John Green—it’s my fourth time reading it. I keep going back to it because it’s the first book to actually make me cry. I remember when I first read it, I was still in secondary school. I picked it up from the school library and sat there for the rest of the day and finished the book in one sitting, so it has sentimental value to me.

What advice would you give to someone struggling with their mental health?
Honestly, the only advice I can give is to choose to do what makes you happy, because at the end of the day, this is my life motto. I read somewhere that at the end of the day, all you have is yourself, and that has to be enough; if it’s not enough, something is wrong, so figure it out, work on it, and focus on yourself.

What are you looking forward to this year?
Oh, I’m looking forward to getting signed by an agency, and finding love within myself, as I’ve recently started on a journey of self-love.

There’s this phrase that came to mind last December—the guilt that comes with learning your worth—that I’ve been trying to come to terms with. I’ve lacked self-love for quite a while now, and I’ve been on a journey of healing, so I’m excited for what the year has in store for me, and to see how I will handle it.