A common definition of fieldwork includes visiting communities, observing circumstances, and interacting with individuals face-to-face. But my fieldwork experience with a non-governmental organization (NGO) showed me that fieldwork is about more than just being present in the lives of others; it's also about what activates the listener. Being with fieldwork practitioners and hearing about their personal issues brought to light how highly challenging this work can be, particularly when one's...

From the moment we are born, society begins to condition us. It shapes us to fit predefined, gendered roles that uphold rigid systems and long-standing norms. What troubles us most isn’t what we inherit, but how we are taught to adapt instead of question. People treat inherited practices as sacred, even when they no longer serve anyone. We follow systems without asking who they benefit or whether they still make sense in the world we live in today. Society trains men to become providers and...

When we talk about mental health, we often imagine therapy rooms, clinical settings, and professionals trained to listen and intervene. While these spaces are important and often life changing, they are not always where people begin their healing journey. In my experience, both as a psychology student and as someone involved in church and youth ministry, I have seen how emotional support often starts in places that are informal, familiar, and rooted in community. Some of the most honest...