Working in a care-giving role over the last few years triggered my determination

to retrain and change career. I have found the work to be a source of great enj
oyment and interest. I particulary appreciate the direct communication with serv
ice users and being in a position to assist them immediately with their needs. I
t has given me an insight into what are the most crucial things that clients wan
t, and also how the system itself is organised and managed.
My degree was in Languages and I then studied for my Masters in Linguistics at S
OAS in London. Linguistics looks at, among other things, the architecture of the
brain and the mechanics of communication itself, breaking down discourse into s
maller and smaller chunks of language that can be analysed semantically, pragma
tically and syntactically. As well as the overall structure of discourse itself.
This analytical approach to communication has, I think, aided my own ability to
communicate with others, something which I have found to be critical when worki
ng as a carer.
I also work as a language teacher. This is a constant test of one's communicatio
n skills. Working with learners at different levels requires using a wide range
of communication techniques. Sooner or later every language teacher wonders what
is the 'best' and most efficient way to teach someone a language, a question wh
ich touches on how the mind is organised, cognition, behaviour and memory: areas
which could be useful in discussing mental health.
Running a busy language school in central London for 5 years has given me a real
istic insight into my strengths and limitations. There is an intensely practical
side to running a school: the administration and organising; but also a creativ
e, human side, devising teaching materials and giving effective classes. I have
found that the satisfaction in the work comes from the feeling that one has help
ed students to progress. To have equipped someone with a skill that will benefit
them in the future is a wonderful feeling.
There is a common thread between working as a carer and as a teacher: it is the
same nurturing role, assisting people to be all that they can be, making a real
and positive difference to peoples' lives. This is what I have found to be my mo
st enduring source of motivation. In the same way I hope to have the opportunity
one day to make a positive difference to people's mental health.
In recent years I have become interested in all aspects of health. I am excited
by the opportunity to study mental health nursing as it offers a look at the lat
est thinking in this increasingly relevant field. I like the versatility of the
course, and the range of outcomes that it offers, whether it be psychotherapy, c
ounselling, nursing or research. I very much hope to get the opportunity to lea
rn about mental health nursing in order to dedicate myself to a new and challeng
ing career.
jbuxton7
Yasmin12
123-186-9307
kcl b760