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In the pretext of
addressing my Personal Development Plan (PDP) for the next two years, I have
managed to establish the main timeline with the relevant goals that I hope to
achieve with the main focus being directionally aimed at achieving my career
goal that is, to become a clinical or counseling psychologist. Initially, my childhood ambition
(which followed me years into my life till I was in Secondary School) was to
join the Police Force and become a Police Officer. When I was in the last year
back in Secondary School, I was in a fix on what exactly I wanted to become. I
thought of considering taking up a Diploma in Mass Communication as at that
point of time, I felt that I had developed the interest to be a producer on
television. But never did I think I would have switched to the psychological
path, thanks to my mum’s guidance. I was utterly fascinated with the theories
used in psychology, especially with the applied usage of it. Only then did I
realise where my hidden interest lies: in the field of psychology. I was
fascinated with psychology for three main reasons; firstly, I have always
been fascinated with people's behaviour, the way they think and the way
they react as their cognition, social, behavioural and developmental schemas
differ from us. Secondly, I believe that everybody deserves to be moulded and guided into a person of good
character and be nurtured well thus, I want to help the people who face difficulty in this area who deserve
psychological attention by being playing a part in guiding them. Thirdly, I would like to give back to the
society in the means of what I have learnt in my psychology courses that is, to
put my knowledge to use. These, gives me a sense of self-satisfaction. With
what I have learnt in these few years, I am positive that it would help me in
the long run towards my future.
Timeline for the next two years:
Ø Current -> Completion of my Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) undergraduate course at SMF Institute of Higher Learning; off-shore programme offered by Edith Cowan University (ECU). Start of job hunt.
Ø By End of December 2013 -> Resume my course at Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) to obtain my Class 2B (bike) license.
Ø By January 2014-> Obtaining a job in assisting a superior/experienced personnel in the psychological field.
Ø By August 2014 -> Brush up on my Mandarin speaking skills, complete my Salsa medal test (Advanced level- Goldstar) & Latin Cha Cha (Advanced level - Gold), enroll for my Indian classical dance lessons at Apsaras Arts Dance School, successful attainment of my Class 2B (bike) license
Ø March 2015 -> Enrollment at James Cook University (JCU), Singapore, to obtain my Bachelor of Psychology (Pass or Honours) degree.
Ø July 2016 -> Completion of my Honours degree & preparation to apply for enrollment in the February intake (2017) at James Cook University (JCU), Singapore, to obtain my Master of Psychology (Clinical) postgraduate degree.
------------------------------------------------------- GOALS & THE PATH TO ACHIEVE THEM.
Ø Assistant in a Psychological Field
Actions and Strategies to achieve goal:
-> Work at a sector which requires me to assist a superior/experienced personnel. -> Look up in newspapers as well as online resources (job websites such as www.jobstreet.com.sg, for example) or peers. -> Update my resume wherever and whenever necessary. -> Preparation for interviews as well as anticipated questions during the interview.
Expected Result(s)
-> Experience gained from working in a psychological field as it would be an added advantage in broadening my job opportunities when I be a clinical or counseling psychologist in future. -> Informal observatory studies of people’s cognition, social, behavioural and developmental; an insight -.> Savings for the future increases ->Betterment in the understanding of people as well as people who are in need of psychological assistance as well as handling them.
Competency addressed:
->Psychological awareness, knowledge enhancement, communication, skill development
Competency Assessment Date -> December 2014
Ø To master the art of Salsa & Latin Cha Cha
Actions and Strategies to achieve goal:
-> Completion at A & J Creative Danceworld (www.anjcreative.com.sg) where I am already currently enrolled at & have completed the Salsa Advanced level (awaiting my medal test in April 2014) & Latin Cha Cha Advanced level (awaiting the medal test in April 2014 too). -> Salsa lessons are conducted by Jessie; every Tuesday from 8.15PM-9.15PM; Latin Cha Cha lessons are conducted by her husband Allan; every Tuesday from 9.15PM-10.15PM. -> Enquire with Allan & Jessie on the revision lessons fees for the medal tests. -> Speak to Allan & Jessie on how can I improve on my Salsa & Latin Cha Cha skills; if there is something that can be corrected and be improved on. -> Look up Youtube on Salsa & Latin Cha Cha dance videos, competitions, etc. to use that as a guide to polish up on my framework. -> Prepration for upcoming UKA Medal Tests (April 2014)
Expected Result(s)
-> A vast knowledge about Salsa & Latin Cha Cha is gained. -> A much better dancer than before, I hope to be. -> Take part in dance competitions in the near future or be experienced enough to even be able to teach Salsa & Latin Cha Cha (with the student-teacher certificate obtained thereafter). -> Passion for dance is fuelled and put to good use as dance is a form of not only enjoyment but exercise as well. -> Dance (here of which, Salsa & Latin Cha Cha is referred to) skills are improved. -> A boost of confidence from reducing my stage fright via performances in front of others. -> A more healthier me
Competency addressed:
-> Physical and emotional development, skill development and, social and communication development
Competency Assessment Date: April 2014
Ø Obtain my Class 2B (bike) license
Actions and Strategies to achieve goal:
-> Enroll at Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC); www.ssdcl.com.sg; $74.90(Enrollment + 4 Theory Lessons) -> Thereafter, 3 practice sessions + 1 trial test ($5.35/session) -> Before booking the Riding Theory Test (RTT) for $6, undergo Orientation (100 minutes) -> Upon passing RTT, apply for Provisional Driving License (PDL) for $25. -) After applying for the PDL, I have to take approx. a minimum of 7 practical lessons; Lesson 1-4 inside-circuit practicals and Lessons 5-7 outside-circuit practical; Inside-circuit practicals: Off-peak->$25-$27 and Peak->$27/$28; Outside-circuit practial->$36-$38 [Lesson 7: Off-Peak-> $54.57 and Peak->$56.71] ->After the practicals, I have to take up Defensive Lessons 5,6,7 ($21.40) after which, I can book for my Traffic Police Test (TP Test) for $41.40.
Expected Result(s)
-> Attainment of my Class 2B (bike) license which, had been a long-term goal, since the age of 7. -> Able to add on to my current Class 3 license -> Experience of bike riding gained ->Motorcycle riding skills established -> A safe rider who have grasped the riding theory as well as practicals well and is able to apply it successfully while on the roads.
Competency addressed:
-> Extreme self-satisfaction, skill and knowledge improvement, androad awareness
Competency Assessment Date -> August 2014
Ø Brush up on my Mandarin speaking skills
Actions and Strategies to achieve goal:
-> Re-read the reading materials that was given to me when I enrolled as a student to learn Mandarin at Britannia School of Education. -> Invest in English-Mandarin books as an additional resource. -> Use the help of the Internet (e.g. a translator) to enhance the knowledge of the Mandarin language. -> Get tips from Mandarin-speaking friends or acquaintances, -> Practice via frequent communication -> If possible, be officially enrolled in a language class providing Mandarin.
Expected Result(s)
-> Well-versed in Mandarin -> A shorter period of time taken to be enrolled in a job. > Fluent communication with peers. -> Upgrade to a bi-linguistic person to a tri-linguistic person.
Competency addressed:
-> Communication skills and personal development such as attaining knowledge of a third language, confidence, and self-esteem. Social development as well as social awareness is also addressed.
Competency Assessment Date -> August 2014
Ø Mastering the art of Indian Classical Dance (Bharathanaatiyam)
Actions and Strategies to achieve goal:
-> Enroll at Apsaras Arts Dance School. -> Practice frequently and attend classes regularly. -> Aim to finish learning the art of Bharathanaatiyam and to do my official dance recital in the years to come.
Expected Result(s)
->Bharathanaatiyam dance skills and knowledge about the dance is improved. -> Enrichment of the soul and body in terms of good health and fitness of the body. -> Opportunities to perform arises.
Competency addressed:
-> Physical and emotional development, skill development and, social and communication development
Competency Assessment Date -> August 2014
Ø Attainment of my Bachelor of Psychology (Pass or Honours) degree
Actions and Strategies to achieve goal:
-> Enroll at James Cook University (JCU), Singapore; www.jcu.edu.sg -> One semester (approx. 3 to 4 months) is needed to complete the four modules required for the Honours programme. However, I may have to do bridging units which are subjective to approval by JCU. Thus, this might take me approx. 1 year or slight more to complete my course.
Expected Result(s)
-> A Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) undergraduate degree obtained -> Career options broadened and thus, a shorter span of time to get a job in a psychological-related field. -> Knowledge of psychology expanded.
Competency addressed:
-> Communication skills and personal development such as attaining knowledge of a psychology, confidence and self-esteem. Social development as well as social awareness is also addressed.
Competency Assessment Date -> July 2016
Ø Enrollment for my Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Actions and Strategies to achieve goal:
-> Enroll at James Cook University (JCU), Singapore; www.jcu.edu.sg -> Duration: 2 years full time (up to 4 years, part time); Course fees: $39018; 3 main components to successfully complete to attain the degree: 9 coursework subjects; supervised practica. 1 research thesis -> I will consider taking the part-time course so that I can work and study at the same time.
Expected Result(s)
-> A Master of Psychology (Clinical) postgraduate degree obtained -> Career options broadened and thus, a shorter span of time to get a job in a psychological-related field. -> Knowledge of psychology expanded.
Competency addressed:
-> Communication skills and personal development such as attaining knowledge of a psychology, confidence and self-esteem. Social development as well as social awareness is also addressed. Competency Assessment Date -> December 2021