‘ACFA allowed me to pursue psychology and music and not give up either’

Interested in both psychology and vocal music, Gurleen Singh wanted a college that would help him pursue both. That is where Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, turned out to be ideal for him. In an interview, the third-year student of psychology and his mother Gurbachan Kaur, a homemaker, share how the college has helped him evolve, his interest in social work, and his future plans. Edited excerpts:

How did you decide to pursue graduation from Apeejay College of Fine Arts?

Gurbachan: Apeejay is a well-known group. I had also heard good reviews about ACFA and the quality of education. My son wanted to pursue graduation in psychology, and he found the college to be suitable.

Gurleen: ACFA is known to be one of the top colleges in Punjab. Apart from checking the website and reviews online, I also visited the campus twice prior to admission to see the infrastructure first-hand and the academic environment. I joined the college in 2019.

When and how did you develop an interest in psychology?

Gurleen: After completing school, I took a break for a year. I used that time to look up different courses to find out what interested me. While exploring options, I also started playing badminton and joined vocal music classes. Finally, I decided to opt for psychology. ACFA was the only institute where I could opt for vocal music along with psychology honours, which further encouraged me to choose the college.

Gurabachan: My son has been interested in psychology since school. He kept reading about the subject. So, when he decided to pursue the same at ACFA, he had my full support.

How helpful is the college faculty?

Gurleen: My teachers are very supportive. They always help me, whether I need some information or advice. My music teacher also offers me extra classes. As far as psychology classes are concerned, the teachers make sure to simplify every complex concept through day-to-day examples or stories for better understanding. Overall, the experience has been great.

Are you involved in any of the clubs in college?

Gurleen: I was the treasurer of the National Service Scheme (NSS) in my first year and became the Vice President the following year. In my third year now, I am the General Secretary of the Student Welfare Association (SWA). I am also the President of the Economics forum. Overall personality development has been my motive right from the start and these important positions in college helped me achieve that. I have learned a lot.

Are you also interested in social work?

Gurleen: Yes, I have done some charity work even outside the college. I am associated with a foundation that works to uplift the underprivileged in the city. As part of the initiative, I have taught slum children, organised blood donation camps, and so on.

Gurbachan: I am very blessed and happy that my son is not just thinking about empowering himself but also helping so many people in the process. I am hopeful that someday, he will be very successful in whatever he does. Gurleen’s late father Ranjit Singh was also actively involved in social work and aided many people, and my son is following in his father’s footsteps.

What are your plans for the future?

Gurbachan: Like every parent, I want my son to achieve greater heights, get a good job, and be well-established.

Gurleen: I am planning to pursue a course in clinical psychology, preferably from abroad. Initially, I would like to work at some hospital to gain experience after which I think I will opt for private practice.