Introducing: The Brain by Annalie

Introducing: The Brain by Annalie - November 2021 Scholarship Essay

As everyone probably knows, the most emphasized subjects in school are math, science, English, and history. Although they all serve an importance in developing our basic understanding of the world and build on more complex subjects, emphasis on other smaller subjects, such as psychology, can help provide a strong foundation on our daily living habits.
Psychology focuses on the human mind and our behavior. Several varying branches, like developmental and cognitive psychology, help go into a deeper knowledge of why we as humans act the way we do. If this subject was more enforced in school, students would likely have a greater understanding and respect toward their peers. Self-help books as well as traditional psychology standards teach students the way the mind works and how it changes throughout their lives. Teaching this to students could increase their own understanding of themselves and how to fix unhealthy habits.
In relation to their peers, learning why people’s minds react and process things the way they do could lead students to be more understanding toward one another. The book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” has a focused section on interacting with others. The author, Stephen Covey, demonstrates how listening to others instead of just reacting can increase outcomes. Learning how to hear both sides and create a “win/win” mindset can strengthen relationships as well as trust. When students interact they tend to think “win/lose”. Understanding the point-of-view of their peers and how to consider others can work to increase both their social skills and their mindset towards building connections.
Building healthy internal habits is also important to instill at a young age. Understanding both developmental and cognitive psychology can aid students in effectively developing as an adult. Developmental psychology deals with our morals and self-concept. Having psychology facts and studies to access can aid students in gaining a healthy mindset. They can control their weaknesses and gain strengths through the use of a psychology course. This would increase their mental state as well as their relationships with their peers.
Introducing psychology to children sooner works to increase their own individual concept as well as becoming more understanding of other people around them. Having this, with a balance of core subjects, builds a foundation of the mind and teaches children to create a well-functioning mindset.