Applied psychology graduate teaching psychology and social sciences in the most easy to grasp way.

Find out more about Ishani

• 1. Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  Psychology, the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, has always fascinated me. As a child, I was intrigued by human behavior, wondering why people acted in certain ways, and what drove their thoughts and emotions. This curiosity led me to pursue psychology as my subject of interest.
  
  During my undergraduate studies, I was exposed to various branches of psychology, including clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. I was particularly drawn to the complexities of human behavior, the intricacies of the human mind, and the various factors that influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
  
  As I delved deeper into the subject, I realized the significance of psychology in understanding individual and collective behavior, improving mental health, and enhancing overall well-being. My interest in psychology grew, and I became determined to contribute to the field through research, teaching, and practice.

• 2. What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  My motivation for choosing to teach psychology stems from my passion for the subject and my desire to share this knowledge with others. I believe that teaching is not only about imparting information but also about inspiring and mentoring students to become critical thinkers, empathetic individuals, and responsible citizens.
  
  My role model, Dr. Mary Ainsworth, a renowned psychologist known for her work on attachment theory, has been a significant inspiration for me. Her dedication to research, teaching, and mentoring has always motivated me to strive for excellence in my own academic and professional pursuits.
  
  I also draw motivation from my students, who bring unique perspectives, experiences, and enthusiasm to the classroom. Witnessing their growth, development, and accomplishments is incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces my commitment to teaching and mentoring.

• 3. How does your work help society?

  As a psychology educator, my work contributes to society in several ways:
  
  - Developing an interest for the subject withing my students: I strive to teach in a manner which will make my students like the subject. I feel this subject is one which will be crucial irrespective of the field one chooses. The moment my students say they like the subject or find it interesting I feel like I've done justice to my role.
  - Promoting mental health awareness: By teaching psychology, I help students understand the importance of mental health, recognize signs of mental illness, and develop empathy for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
  - Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Psychology teaches students to think critically, analyze complex information, and develop well-informed opinions. These skills are essential for addressing various social issues and making informed decisions.
  - Fostering empathy and understanding: Through the study of psychology, students gain insight into human behavior, motivations, and emotions. This understanding promotes empathy, tolerance, and compassion, essential for building harmonious relationships and communities.
  - Informing policy and practice: Psychological research and theories inform policies, programs, and practices in various fields, such as education, healthcare, criminal rehabilitation and social welfare. By teaching psychology, I contribute to the development of informed, evidence-based practices that benefit society.

• 4. If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  As I mentioned earlier, Dr. Mary Ainsworth is a significant role model for me. Her groundbreaking research on attachment theory has had a lasting impact on our understanding of human development, relationships, and mental health.
  
  I admire Dr. Ainsworth's:
  
  - Commitment to rigorous research: Her meticulous approach to research and her dedication to understanding complex human phenomena inspire me to strive for excellence in my own research and teaching.
  - Passion for teaching and mentoring: Dr. Ainsworth's ability to convey complex ideas in an accessible, engaging manner has influenced my own teaching style. I aspire to create a supportive, inclusive learning environment that fosters students' growth and development.

• 5. Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  Outside of teaching, I enjoy:
  
  - Reading: I devour books in my free time. Reading helps me relax, feel entertained and expand my knowledge, and gain new perspectives.
  - Travelling : I love exploring nature and new places. Hiking in new trails, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Helps me clear my mind, recharge, and connect with the natural world.
  - Playing music: I'm an avid music lover and I enjoy trying to play the guitar in my free time (keyword trying). Music helps me express myself creatively, relax, and tap into my emotions.
  - Art and craft: It is my hobby but I do teach art and craft also. I feel like it makes people relax and tune in to themselves. People enter a state of flow during such activities more often than not without realising. It is the best way to manage emotions. Again I feel art goes hand in hand with psychology as a form of therapy.

• 6. Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  All of my students were and are special in some ways and thus I recall many such instances but there's one moment which still makes me feel amused to this day is one of my students asking me how I manage to remember so much stuff and that is when I realised that it's the teaching that makes me a better learner. The only advice I could give her was read and try explaining it to your friends or the mirror and it will help.
  I know it's not that amusing or funny but for me this realisation was like an surprising eureka moment a fact which was so trite and yet I failed to known had it not been for my student.