Jessica Luo

“I wanted to attend the University of Auckland because of its global reputation for research and academia. The University offers a diverse selection of programmes and degrees, which allowed me to study exactly what I was passionate about. I chose a Bachelor of Arts because it focused on developing strong critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are helpful both in academia and in the workplace. The Bachelor of Arts programme also offers a broad spectrum of subjects; from humanities to social sciences and languages, allowing me to explore the many different fields that I personally find interesting.

“I chose Psychology because, in high school, I had a keen interest in human behaviour and mental health. I was curious about why people think and act the way they do, and how this impacts their mental health. I was especially interested in learning about what tools and mechanisms are available to help people cope with mental health challenges, manage stress, or improve their overall wellbeing. Additionally, the Psychology cohort is incredibly welcoming, and I've made some great friends through attending classes and labs. It’s a supportive and engaging environment that makes the learning experience even more enjoyable.

“My favourite paper was probably PSYCH204 Social Psychology, which explored topics such as relationships, belonging, social emotions, self-esteem, and personal development. I found it really interesting because it was directly applicable to my own life, and it prompted me to reassess many of my previous ideas about social cognition and the ways I interact with others.

“I really enjoy doing a conjoint degree because it allows me to connect and apply knowledge from both fields. For instance, when I study perpetrator behaviour in Criminal Law, I can draw on similar concepts from my Psychology courses, which helps me see the bigger picture and fill in the gaps in my understanding. It’s a great way to integrate what I learn across different subjects!

“The student lifestyle in Auckland is lively and full of different events. There’s always something happening, from social events to cultural activities. Even though it gets busy with assignments and exams, there are always things happening that you can attend to meet new people, make friends or just to relax!

“Currently, I serve as the co-president of the Arts and Education Student Association, treasurer for the University of Auckland Psychology Student Association, and as a marketing officer for SpaceHub. Being involved in these clubs has truly impacted my university experience. I was drawn to join these clubs because I wanted to connect with others, host engaging events for students, and foster a sense of community within these diverse groups. I've made some of my closest friends through these clubs, and it's helped me develop my organisational and communication skills, and the ability to juggle lots of different responsibilities.

“I would tell my 18-year-old self that it's okay to not know what you want to do, the purpose of going to university is to help you figure that out. The most important part is to work hard, no matter what you do. I'd also tell myself to join student clubs earlier, not just those related to my field of study, but any that sparks my interest!

“My degree has already had a significant impact on me in numerous ways, shaping both my personal and academic growth. I hope that as I continue to learn and develop through my studies, that this will have a positive impact on my future by learning new skills and transforming the ways I think about global issues.”