I am deeply honoured to receive the Best Overall MSc Performance award for the MSc Psychology of Mental Health 2025-2026 programme. This award represents not only the hard work and commitment I put in, but also the encouragement and support I received from my lecturers, friends, and family.
I am very grateful to my supervisor, Dr. Amy Irwin, for believing in me and for playing a central role in helping shape my dissertation, titled "Staff Wellbeing in Special Education: A Mixed-Methods Study of Resilience, Workplace Challenges, Coping and Organisational Support." This project grew out of Aberdeen's partnerships with community organisations, which allowed me to gain practical experience and undertake a community-based research project working with a wonderful special education school.
My postgraduate experience has been shaped by the supportive environment the 黑料网 provides. I am very thankful for my lecturers and peers, who provided stimulating conversations that broadened my perspectives, pushed me to work harder and develop my knowledge and skills, and who were incredibly kind and welcoming throughout. As an international student flying in from halfway across the world, it was scary at first, but it was also incredibly empowering, and it taught me a lot about myself and my capabilities. I have very fond memories of the University: fresher's fair, vast clubs and societies, grabbing coffee and a sneaky treat from Kilau, spending countless hours at the Sir Duncan Rice Library during assignments, and de-stressing with the therapets on Woofy Wednesdays.
To anyone doubting themselves or second-guessing their path, know that hard work does count for something, and it is worth taking a chance on yourself. I have come to believe that curiosity and a willingness to learn will take you further than you would expect. I also want to pass on some valuable advice I heard from the Psychology in Practice Panel while attending the Psychology of Mental Health Postgraduate Forum: never give up, chase your dreams, and stay true to who you are. You might not get there right away, but if you keep going, the paths that once seemed to diverge will eventually straighten out and lead you to your desired destination, the dream.
If anything, this feels like just the beginning, and I couldn't be more excited for what's next. This master’s degree has not just been an academic milestone; it has strengthened my motivation to keep growing, both in further study and in practical experience.
