Meet Isabelle Khamsone: CLAN NCP Scholarship Holder
Interview from 16th October, 2023
What are you studying and at which institution?
Psychology at Griffith University.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Isabelle and I just graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science, I grew up in Queensland and am passionate about advocating for mental health.
What motivates you to work hard and to do what you do?
What motivates me to work hard and do what I do is being able to make a contribution to the community at hand, no matter how small, as small progress is still progress. By completing my studies, I am motivated by the potential to make a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole through my knowledge. Psychology can enhance people's lives, whether by helping individuals overcome mental health challenges, improving communities, or advancing our understanding of human behaviour in various contexts.
How and when did you (or will you) start working with CLAN, and what motivated you to do so?
I started working with CLAN on September 18th and found out about the internship via the New Colombo Plan Internship website, and what motivated me was seeing how much amazing impact they were having in multiple countries across the world. I wanted to contribute and help by interning for them in the Philippines.
What is your role (or will be your role) within CLAN and what projects are you currently working on (or will be working on)?
My role is Community Development Officer, I am currently working with the Philippines General Hospital (PGH) learning about Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients. What problems and difficulties the patients and caregivers encounter, such as financial stress to access the needed medication. I am also working with another intern to research about Newborn Screening within PGH, and multiple hospitals around the Philippines. I am also working with the Childhood Warriors Foundation (CWF) to help create psychosocial support resources for children with cancer.
What advice would you provide to people who want to get involved with CLAN?
I would advise people to just apply and get involved with CLAN, you never know where it may lead, whether it be the Philippines, Indonesia or Fiji! Although ask yourself whether you are okay with seeing distressed children in poverty, and communities that need a lot of help, the wealth disparity in the Philippines was something that shocked me. But never-the-less I believe by working with CLAN, whether you are on-site or at home, any bit of help will be appreciated.
What are you most excited about working on with CLAN?
I am most excited about contributing to the research on patients living with CAH within the Philippines. I would also like to contribute to a literature review that will show evidence for psychological support for children and adolescents with CAH, perhaps even the caregivers too. We would also like to start a fundraiser for CAH patients who are financially struggling to pay for the medicine within PGH.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself with a Masters of Professional Psychology working in a psychological workplace, contributing to Asian-Australian mental health advocacy. I may also work with international organisations, governments, or local NGOs to develop mental health policies, programs, and services in countries that lack adequate mental health infrastructure which could involve capacity building and sharing expertise to improve mental health care globally.
What are you studying and at which institution?
Psychology at Griffith University.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Isabelle and I just graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science, I grew up in Queensland and am passionate about advocating for mental health.
What motivates you to work hard and to do what you do?
What motivates me to work hard and do what I do is being able to make a contribution to the community at hand, no matter how small, as small progress is still progress. By completing my studies, I am motivated by the potential to make a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole through my knowledge. Psychology can enhance people's lives, whether by helping individuals overcome mental health challenges, improving communities, or advancing our understanding of human behaviour in various contexts.
How and when did you (or will you) start working with CLAN, and what motivated you to do so?
I started working with CLAN on September 18th and found out about the internship via the New Colombo Plan Internship website, and what motivated me was seeing how much amazing impact they were having in multiple countries across the world. I wanted to contribute and help by interning for them in the Philippines.
What is your role (or will be your role) within CLAN and what projects are you currently working on (or will be working on)?
My role is Community Development Officer, I am currently working with the Philippines General Hospital (PGH) learning about Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients. What problems and difficulties the patients and caregivers encounter, such as financial stress to access the needed medication. I am also working with another intern to research about Newborn Screening within PGH, and multiple hospitals around the Philippines. I am also working with the Childhood Warriors Foundation (CWF) to help create psychosocial support resources for children with cancer.
What advice would you provide to people who want to get involved with CLAN?
I would advise people to just apply and get involved with CLAN, you never know where it may lead, whether it be the Philippines, Indonesia or Fiji! Although ask yourself whether you are okay with seeing distressed children in poverty, and communities that need a lot of help, the wealth disparity in the Philippines was something that shocked me. But never-the-less I believe by working with CLAN, whether you are on-site or at home, any bit of help will be appreciated.
What are you most excited about working on with CLAN?
I am most excited about contributing to the research on patients living with CAH within the Philippines. I would also like to contribute to a literature review that will show evidence for psychological support for children and adolescents with CAH, perhaps even the caregivers too. We would also like to start a fundraiser for CAH patients who are financially struggling to pay for the medicine within PGH.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself with a Masters of Professional Psychology working in a psychological workplace, contributing to Asian-Australian mental health advocacy. I may also work with international organisations, governments, or local NGOs to develop mental health policies, programs, and services in countries that lack adequate mental health infrastructure which could involve capacity building and sharing expertise to improve mental health care globally.
