Changemakers: Leading For A Lasting Impact

By Diyanah Syafiqah

No one changes the world by sticking to the status quo. Whether it's a single social media post or an exchange you have with your friends, never underestimate the ripple effect these seemingly small yet thoughtful acts have on the world. In this two-part series, we share stories of four SIM students and special interest clubs who are driving positive changes in their communities.
After a volunteering at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and an internship stint at Pathlight School, Rachel Wong, President of the SIM Pscyhology Society, endeavours to break the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and those with special needs.

What do you enjoy about being a part of the Psychology Society?
Besides the friendships and bonds that I've forged, it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to see the impact that I've made! For example, when someone lets you know that the social media posts or publications that the Society has put out has helped them in different areas of their lives. It could be something as simple as steering them towards a right career path or learning about a certain area of Psychology.


Dr Scott (left) conducting an eye-opening neuroanatomy workshop during Psychology Week 2019!

Tell us about a notable initiative that the Club has undertaken.
At our past Psychology Week in 2019, we had Dr Scott, a Professor from SIM-University at Buffalo (SIM-UB) to teach about the human brain by bringing along an actual specimen for a Neuroanatomy workshop! It was definitely an eye-opening introduction session to Psychology for the attendees.


Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Society still organises events online to engage with current members and SIM students.

Although we did not manage to conduct a similar workshop this year, we had many other professors from SIM-UB conduct talks on the benefits of bilingualism, interpersonal relationships and more.  Many attendees walked away with a better understanding of how the human mind is moulded by different factors. They also learned how it is beneficial for our personal growth. By using this knowledge to improve ourselves, it will leave a positive effect on our personal circles and in turn, the society at large.

How has being in this Society shaped you?
Being in the Society has shaped me to be more confident, adaptable and creative. These three skills are important for school, the future workplace and even our mental health. I am now capable of so much more like emceeing for events in front of a large crowd and making the most of available resources to ensure the our club's events run smoothly. Exercising my creativity has also improved my problem-solving skills.

What are your goals in the long run? 
By raising awareness on Psychology, I hope that more individuals are able to use the knowledge to treat others with more patience, understanding and mutual respect; especially toward those with mental illnesses and special needs.

I would like to continue inspiring the people close to me through my actions and decisions. My internship stint at Pathlight School and my past volunteering experience at IMH have already helped to change the mindsets and debunk the stigma that my family members have toward those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and mental illnesses. I hope that this small ripple effect will not stop here, but it will continue to spread to others as well.