Siked for Psych by Simran

Siked for Psych by Simran - June 2018 Scholarship Essay

I am fascinated with the mind and have always wondered how memory works and what purpose it serves. How is the mind able to dictate so much of human nature while maintaining nature's diversity? Can a better understanding of the mind improve our understanding of each other? Will this understanding facilitate empathy or apathy towards the human condition?
When I found out I got into AP Psychology, I literally jumped out of my chair in excitement. Walking into class everyday evokes that same excitement because I love learning about the biological and chemical bases of the brain as well as abstract understandings of the mind. To supplement my classroom learning, I have shamelessly watched hours of Crash Course videos, listened to psychology podcasts, and watched my favorite show: Brain Games. AP Psychology was the first class where I felt an intrinsic motivation to find out all I could and apply that learning to my other classes and interests. I have used what I learned about metacognition and information retention when studying for other classes, I employ the knowledge I have gained about heuristics and the fragility of recollection as a lawyer in Mock Trial, I apply insights on attention and sensory processing and integrate them into all performances to better engage the audience, and I take what I have learned about mental health and prejudice to treat people with empathy, understanding that our mind works in ways beyond our control.
I recommend this class as a required class because it teaches students about themselves and the world in a scientific way, gingerly balancing the line of confirmed fact and the plethora of discoveries yet to be made. For any student who loves inquiry, isn't a major STEM person but enjoys a healthy challenge, wants to form a deep, empathetic understanding of human kind, or simply wants to feel grateful about the multitude of things that could go wrong with brains but haven't, I highly recommend this course.