My PHP Journey 2018
PHP might not sound like the most glamorous MEP, and sure, the task of peer helping is neither easy nor fun, but we are taught invaluable skills and go through insightful experiences that come in handy not only in peer helping, but also in our everyday lives.
Personally, one of the most important lessons taught in PHP is how to talk to others. You might think, “Isn’t that really easy? Don’t we do that everyday?” While that is true, there are many nuances to talking to somebody else in the helping context, as it is crucial to create an open, non-judgemental environment to allow the other person to feel comfortable to share more about their troubles. The friendly school counsellors, Ms Woo and Ms Kah Hwee, will teach you more about these speaking skills, such as active listening and empathy, which will be helpful throughout your helping journey. I have found myself being more sensitive and understanding to things that others say, which opens your eyes to new perspectives that you might not have previously considered.
The great thing is that you will definitely get plenty of opportunities to practice the skills taught in class. Besides role-playing sessions during MEP time, you can also volunteer to man My Rest Space, a cozy room in the Underground where students can come to to seek out peer help, as well as find respite from the busy hustle of school life. These skills can also be applied in everyday conversations with friends and family, and help to foster stronger and closer relationships.
PHP offers many learning journeys, such as to the Samaritans of Singapore and other social enterprises, as well as the Institute of Mental Health, where we get to see first-hand the hardships of those with mental illnesses. These trips have opened my eyes, and I gained newfound respect and admiration for these people for continuing to fight their way through these illnesses. Furthermore, these trips have also allowed us to interact with the social workers and learn more about helping others. The social workers also told us more about their jobs, such as the reason they chose social work and the hardships that come with the job.
PHP also provides other opportunities for us to learn about the industry and the different professions, if we wished to pursue a helping career. One session, we had an open Q&A session with a psychologist, a therapist, a social worker and an ex-school counsellor, to learn more about how one can join the helping network and things that we should consider before potentially pursuing a helping career.
If you wish to help others or just simply be a better friend, PHP is definitely something you should take into consideration. There is much that you can learn, and these skills can be useful throughout your life if you choose to hone them. 🙂
RAFFLES PHP 