A Heart for the Elderly

“Why did you do the Bachelor of Psychology?”

This is the question I was asked many times. However, it didn’t annoy or irritate me as the logic was obvious. I had a Diploma in Pharmacy and worked as a pharmacy assistant. A Bachelor of Pharmacy would have been the right choice for me to excel further in my career. It could have enabled me to become a professional in government service, climbing from grades 29 to 41.

But I had another aim in mind – self-fulfilment.

Working at a government clinic in Penang, my daily routine involves mainly preparing, labelling and dispensing medicines to outpatients, most of whom are elderly. They like to share their stories with me when they come to pick up their pills.

I don’t mind it at all; in fact, I like listening to them. Each person has a different tale to share and if time allows it, I offer a bit of counselling. When that’s not possible, I just lend a helpful ear. By being an active listener, I make them feel heard, which I think helps them feel better too.

After a while, it occurred to me that I could do better if I had a more formal knowledge of human nature and behaviour, so I decided to study psychology.

I believe I made the right choice. The syllabus was very relevant to my work, as I learnt about the psychology of people at different stages of their lives – childhood, adolescence, adulthood and especially, old age. I also learnt about health psychology, which revealed to me the link between our mind and health.

To be honest, it wasn’t easy to work and study at the same time. I chose OUM because it provided the flexibility I needed to learn at my own pace.

I appreciate all the support and encouragement I got – from family members, colleagues, classmates, and lecturers. They consistently encouraged and motivated me to push beyond my comfort zone. My research supervisor was especially helpful, tirelessly guiding me with the project paper that was crucial for completion of studies.

If you decide to work and study like I did, let me caution you that it’s not going to be easy. You will need to arrange your time well. But hang in there and you will learn many interesting facts that might help you later in life.

For those considering Bachelor of Psychology, you won’t regret it. This programme will help you to understand yourself better and improve your communication and relationship with others.

Once you start, don’t give up. You will love this journey and for sure you will bring home something. And after graduating, you will thank yourself for choosing this programme. Good luck!

Chew Yvonne, 31
Bachelor of Psychology
Alor Setar, Kedah & Perlis Learning Centre
Graduated at 26th Convocation, 1-4 October 2022