Sanah’s Journey from Psychology Major to Advocating for Mental Wellbeing: How the Interdisciplinary Education at FLAME Helped Her Push Boundaries

“During my sociology course at FLAME, we had the opportunity to design our own curriculum, which influenced my interest in education and creating courses for young people. The Brain Science Club, which is an extracurricular club for students based on neuroscience and cognitive psychology, was designed based on my knowledge in both psychology and the education system.”
 
Sanah Thakur, an alumna of FLAME University, has carved a unique path for herself. Her story transcends qualifications and accolades. It is a testament to the transformative power of education and self-discovery.
 
FLAME’s philosophy of interdisciplinary learning played a pivotal role in Sanah’s growth. Majoring in Psychology while exploring subjects like Sociology, Film Studies, Advertising, and Media equipped her with diverse skill sets. These seemingly disparate courses came together beautifully, enriching her academic experience and proving invaluable during her initial job search and internships. More importantly, this exposure fostered a sense of self-sufficiency and the empowering belief that she could navigate any challenge.
 
Sanah's current career path as the Head of the Department for Sociology and teacher of Psychology at Doha College directly aligns with her FLAME education. A specific course in sociology left a lasting impression, fueling her passion for designing curricula and shaping young minds. This passion further materialized in the creation of the Brain Science Club, a program that melded her knowledge of psychology with her understanding of the education system.
 
However, Sanah’s true calling lies in mental well-being advocacy. Her vision stems from a period of personal struggle, due to which she realized the importance of developing strategies to cope with life’s detours. Learning to differentiate between emotions and feelings, stress and anxiety, jealousy and envy-these fundamental concepts became turning points in her perspective. Empowered by this knowledge, Sanah felt compelled to share it with others.
 
As part of 'The Fear Project', a program accredited in psychology, she worked to help people positively and productively re-engineer their minds. The program is designed to reduce the mental discomfort and confusion that individuals experience daily. Through her work, she deepened her understanding of mental resilience. The core message of The Fear Project involves embracing discomfort to build resilience, which resonated deeply with her. Over the course of five years, Sanah engaged in self-exploration and discovered her own patterns and insecurities, which significantly shaped her experiences. This journey led her to a deep understanding of what resilience truly means—the ability to persevere through emotional, mental, and physical challenges.
 
As the founder of "Sanation,” Sanah champions mental health awareness in educational institutions. Her flagship initiative, the Brain Science Club, is a stimulating program introducing fundamental concepts of neuroscience and psychology to underprivileged students. Witnessing the program’s growth from a pilot project with 20 students to one that now reaches over 100 students is a testament to its impact. Sanah’s commitment extends beyond clubs; she conducts workshops and awareness programs and hosts engaging “Mental Wellness Coffeeshops” that blend psychology with casual coffee shop interactions.
 
Balancing the roles of educator, writer, and advocate might seem daunting, but Sanah integrates them seamlessly into her life. She emphasizes the importance of daily practices of mental well-being, similar to how exercise becomes a natural habit. The interconnectedness of her passions further streamlines this balance.
 
For those grappling with mental health challenges, especially students burdened by academic pressures, Sanah’s message is powerful: “Invest in your mind as much as you invest in your academics." True transformation comes from addressing the root cause of issues, not just seeking temporary relief. 
 
Sanah’s journey is an inspiration, a testament to the power of self-discovery and the unwavering decision to prioritize mental well-being.