We recently spoke to Astitva, a BSc Economics and Finance student, about their experiences studying within the School of Economics and Finance and their new social programme Humsafar (We are together).
I was born and bought up in New Delhi, India and went to The Scindia School (boarding school in the city of Gwalior). Economics was always my favourite subject which was complemented by my strong mathematical ability. Knowing about my family financial situation, I never thought to study abroad. I was motivated by my teachers to apply for Scindia – ISH undergraduate scholarship provided by International Students House (ISH) in London to 2 students each year. Given my strong academic background, social involvement and teacher’s recommendations, I received the scholarship to pursue any subject of my choice at any London based university.
Queen Mary was always my first choice because of the exceptional teaching fraternity, reputation and of course a beautiful campus! Being part of School of Economics and Finance at QMUL brought a lot of opportunities on my plate. For instance, I was selected for the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics exchange program in July 2019. Moreover, the best and most important part of my university are my professors.
Humsafar (We are together) is a social project to break free from stigma associated with mental health problems through starting a conversation amongst economically and socially deprived children at government schools in New Delhi, India. Through this project, we are string a conversation amongst socially and economically deprived communities and helping them cope with their problems.
As a student I have always struggled with mental health problems without even realising it. Anxiety and restlessness before an interview, sleepless night before an exam and getting breathless while talking to a stranger are a few very common things happening to me since I can remember. It took a pandemic and 6-months of lockdown for me to realise that all these issues arise because of poor mental health and not incompetency (as imposed by the society).
My mother is also a mental health expert and has played a very important role in implementing this project along with me. She encouraged me to address these issues and talk them out with my therapist. As I started journaling, meditating and OM chanting, I realised there is a lot I don’t know and do not even understand. Then I came across a book called ‘What happened to you’ by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry. The book talks about childhood traumas and how that shapes adult behaviour. Thinking about childhood traumas I realised that I might have been through a lot, there are children who are facing worst things than any one can even imagine. I wanted to target the students who are having a tough childhood and make them realise there potential.
This project is a success not when we reach a certain number but when each student, we work with has realised that mental and emotional wellbeing is as important as physical health. I want to make a generational change, which will give space to normalise conversations around mental health.
I am a scholar at International Students House (ISH), 229 Great Portland Street which is a charity helping international students (like myself) from all regions to study in UK. Davis Project for Peace grant is open to students who are connected to any of their member organisation. ISH is a member organisation and anyone living at ISH is eligible to apply for this grant.
As part of the application, I first had to build a project proposal entailing the impact, the target community and all the other necessary details including building a budget for the $10,000 award.
As part of the project, I have built a team of 8 mental health experts, and we are spending 1 - 2 weeks in each school. On the first day of the week, we ask the students to complete a projection sheet and a make a landscape drawing using colours. Then the team of experts analyse the drawings and projection sheets to build a student specific approach to address different problems in each student. Then during the next week, the experts interact with students on a one-on-one basis doing meditation, metaphor and talking therapies. On the final 2 days of the week, we conduct group activities which involved positive affirmations, meditations, dance and theatre activities.
At the end of the project, I interacted with the students in the presence of the school principal to learn what they have gained from the programme. The primary area where students felt they had benefitted from the programme resulted in clarity of thoughts. Talking to therapists helped them clarify and channel their thoughts in a better way. They had a better understand of managing anger, frustrations and negative feelings, which is very common for any teenager to have. Most importantly, the experts introduced coping techniques for anger management, time management, building focus and relaxing the mind which is being practiced by the students on a regular basis.
I have always aspired to become an entrepreneur, and this was the golden opportunity for me. Building my own idea, team and partnerships helped me learn a lot and gain skills. I had the creative freedom to work my own way and create a culture that I have always wanted to work in. It is a great feeling when I find likeminded people and who are willing to help me grow and develop my idea further. I was fortunate to find such people and get their support throughout.
The knowledge and skills gained during my studies at Queen Mary has immensely helped me. At university I had the opportunity to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds and regions. I enhanced my communication and social skills during my time as a student ambassador. Programs such as Qnomics and research assistantship at SEF helped me build a strong profile and be competent enough to win this grant.
This project has been very self-satisfactory for me. I felt a different energy and passion while working with students. I strongly believe this would be the right career path for me in the future.
To find out more about the BSc in Economics and Finance, visit our coursefinder.
Keep up to date about the Humsafar project via LinkedIn.