Sonam Tsomo graduated from Earlham College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Following her graduation, she dedicated three months to serving with the Tibet Corp Volunteer program under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). She considers this opportunity a privilege, as it allowed her personal growth and learning and enabled her to make meaningful contributions to her community, a fact for which she is profoundly grateful.
Commencing her volunteer service on January 2nd and concluding on April 5th, 2024, Sonam was stationed at the Department of Health, where she assumed the role of a Mental Health Project Assistant. Under the guidance of Ngawang Tenzin, the Head of the North East Zone, she undertook various initiatives aimed at promoting mental well-being within the community.
In January, Sonam, in collaboration with her supervisor who presented on Sexual and Reproductive Health, delivered an awareness talk on Mental Health to students at Sarah College. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in developing educational resources covering topics such as Body Positivity, Positive Relationships for Adolescents, and crafting lesson plans to aid school counsellors in teaching students effective emotional navigation techniques. Furthermore, Sonam actively engaged with the Department of Health staff, delivering presentations on stress regulation and job burnout.
In her final month, she focused on creating a pamphlet highlighting the significance of Maternal Mental Health during pregnancy. She hopes for these resources to be distributed widely across schools and communities, facilitating greater awareness and understanding of these crucial topics.
Sonam’s commitment to her work and her belief in the value of her contributions reflect her unwavering dedication to the betterment of her community. She remains hopeful that her efforts will continue to positively impact individuals’ lives, fostering a culture of mental well-being and support within Tibetan society.