Menelaos Gavriel followed in his sister’s footsteps and brought his twin brother along too! Now in the final year of his Psychology BSc degree, he tell us about his journey and where he wants his career to take him.
What attracted you to studying at Kent?
The biggest reason that I chose to study at Kent was because my older sister was already studying there, and it seemed like the best choice for me and my twin brother that we came along at the same time to get settled down more easily in this different type of lifestyle. While there were other reasons as well though, like the fact that the University campus looked extremely beautiful and since Canterbury seemed like a lovely little city.
My brother finished an undergrad in BSc (Hons) Computer Science last year and he is currently doing a year in Television and Online Broadcasting.
My sister finished an undergrad in Digital Arts with a Year in Industry and a Masters Degree in Visual Effects (VFX) MSc, Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects. She now works as a compositor in London.
The Gavriel siblings in Whitstable.
What made you choose Psychology out of all the available courses?
Before I started my Psychology degree, I was doing a degree in Computer Science which even though I finished my first year of that degree with a Distinction; I had no passion in any area of this degree, and I could not imagine myself working for anything of these sorts. After a summer where I was thinking about my future and who I want to be and what I want to accomplish I realised how intrigued I was to learn more about the psychology of everything, the society, the self and even the human brain, while I also wanted to go in a working environment where I felt that I could make a positive change hence I thought what better way to do that by actively thriving towards solving the world’s mental health problems.
Can you recall one of your favourite memories from Kent?
That is a difficult question to answer because there were a lot of good memories and to be fair a few bad memories as well which I think is how most students would remember their university days. Overall, I made a lot of good friends and met some amazingly kind and open-minded people but if I had to choose one memory as my favourite it would have to be between the two trips I made with family and friends towards the north coast of Kent and specifically in Whitstable and Margate. With Margate maybe edging it a bit because I preferred the seaside there and it was a bit of a nicer area to explore and walk to.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your first year self?
If I needed to give one piece of advice to my first year self, be more open to meeting new people and having new experiences most people are not going to judge you all the time and they can even be very friendly towards you, just make sure to engage in conversation, put some effort and just do not expect that everyone is going to want to be friends with you.
“The people that are meant to be your friends will find a way into your life or you will find a way into their lives.”
What has it been like studying in Canterbury?
Studying in Canterbury has been fun and peaceful in general. It is weird because in Canterbury you get some streets that are more loud or more packed with students therefore, they have more parties going on all year long, but you can also get streets that are quieter with not a lot of students living in them. Personally, I have lived for the most of my time studying here in the quieter streets with small exceptions here and there depending on the people neighbouring me where I lived.
Where do you hope to go next with your career?
When it comes to my goals and what sort of jobs I want to get into when I am finished with this degree, I am aiming to get the training that is necessary to become a counsellor or even better a psychotherapist but either way I would be happy.
“The most important target for me is to work in an area where I can actively listen to people’s mental health problems and help them in any way possible. That is what would give me satisfaction and fulfilment in my life.”
Can you describe studying Psychology at Kent in 3 words?
Interesting, challenging and thought-provoking.
Menelaos Gavriel is studying for a BSc (Hons) in Psychology.