My path has been vibrant and revolutionary in the fields of education and mental health.

I gained a
profound understanding of the complex interactions between the human body and mind while pursuing
a bachelor's degree in pharmacy in Bangladesh. Yet developing young minds and assisting kids in
navigating the complexity of mental health is what I'm most passionate about. As a result, I decided to
work with children as a mental health supervisor and primary school teacher, where I received essential
expertise in promoting kids' emotional and social well-being. So I decided to get a master's in social work
because I wanted to have a bigger influence in the area of children's mental health. I think that taking
this new direction will enable me to hone my abilities and make me a better child mental health
counselor.

As a student of pharmacy, I was determined to succeed in my studies and pursue a career in the field.
However, the biases and norms prevalent in my study environment made it challenging to fully engage
in my studies and excel in my coursework. Throughout my studies, I often noticed that male students
were given more opportunities to participate in research projects and gain hands-on experience in the
field. Meanwhile, female students were often relegated to the sidelines, with our contributions and
ideas not given the same level of attention or consideration. Additionally, gender stereotypes and biases
were pervasive, with male students often receiving more attention and encouragement from professors
and staff. One incident that stands out in my memory is when I approached a professor for help with a
particularly challenging assignment. Instead of offering assistance, he belittled my abilities and
suggested that I drop the course entirely. This experience left me feeling discouraged and unsupported,
and I realized that I would need to work twice as hard to overcome the biases and challenges I faced as a
female student of pharmacy. Despite these challenges, I refused to be discouraged and persevered in
my studies. I sought out additional resources and support from mentors and fellow students, and I was
eventually able to graduate with honors. Looking back, I realize that my experience has taught me the
importance of advocating for oneself and challenging biases to create a more inclusive and equitable
society.

In Australia, paraphrasing is essential as it helps to demonstrate an understanding of the material, and

plagiarism is not tolerated. In addition, proper in-text referencing is crucial to give credit to the original
source and avoid plagiarism. Critical thinking and analysis are also highly valued in Australian
assessments as they are key skills that students need to develop to succeed in their chosen careers. The
Australian higher education system emphasizes assessment and reflection, which means that students
are expected to engage actively with the material, think critically, and reflect on their learning
experiences. In contrast, the Bangladeshi education system appears to be exam and memorization-
based, which focuses on recalling information rather than on developing analytical skills and engaging
with the material.

As a teacher, I always believed that every student has the potential to excel in their studies. However, I
faced a challenging situation with one of my students when I was a teacher in my country, a little girl
named Sabina in my class 1 science. She was struggling to get good grades in all subjects, and her self-
esteem was very low. She was convinced that she would not be able to make her parents proud. I knew
that I had to help Sabina gain self-confidence and motivate her to achieve better grades. So, I started
working with her one-on-one, giving her extra attention and support during and after class. First, I asked
her to write down her goals and encouraged her to focus on small achievable targets rather than
worrying about achieving top grades in every subject. I also praised her for the progress she had made
so far and celebrated small successes with her. Secondly, I tried to make learning more fun and
interactive for her by using different teaching techniques. I introduced educational games and activities,
such as quizzes and group projects, that made learning more enjoyable for her. I also gave her
constructive feedback on her work and encouraged her to ask questions and clarify doubts. Finally, I
tried to motivate Sabina by sharing stories of successful people who had faced similar challenges but
overcame them through hard work and determination. I also reminded her that it's okay to make
mistakes, and failure is just another step toward success. As a result of my efforts, Sabina gradually
regained her confidence and began to perform better in her studies. She started to believe in herself
and her abilities, and her grades improved significantly. She even started participating more in class and
became more engaged with her peers. In the end, I realized that helping a struggling student like Sabina
was not just about teaching her academic subjects, but also about supporting her emotional well-being
and helping her develop self-confidence. As a teacher, I felt proud to have made a positive impact on
her life and academic journey. It was a reminder to me that every student has the potential to succeed,
and it is our responsibility as educators to create a supportive and encouraging environment that fosters
their growth and development.

Reflecting on my journey as a former pharmacy student in Bangladesh, a primary year’s teacher, and a
mental health supervisor, I came to realize my passion for mental health. This realization led me to
pursue a Master of Social Work degree in Australia, where I could deepen my knowledge and skills in
this field. The experience of studying in a new country will be challenging yet enriching. I hope to gain a
broader perspective on mental health and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. The
Australian education system's emphasis on critical thinking, analysis, and reflection will help me to
develop a deeper understanding of mental health issues and the complex social factors that contribute
to them. As I will continue my journey in the social work field, I am grateful for the opportunities that
studying in Australia is providing me. The knowledge and skills I will gain will help me to provide better
support and care for individuals and communities struggling with mental health and other challenges.