Mind the Gap
- Belinda Fox
- Sep 16, 2023
- 2 min read
September 16, 2023
Jason and I toured King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience back in May, the day before King Charles III’s coronation. To commemorate the occasion, His Majesty’s voice was recorded and played as a safety message to “mind the gap” on all the above and below ground trains that weekend. I’ve chosen that theme as a figurative expression to capture my foray into the mature world of post-secondary education abroad.
From the moment I submitted an application for the Master of Science in Addictions program last February, I’ve been “minding” gaps. The first was overcoming the basic program qualifications by writing an honest, heartfelt letter of intent that would (hopefully) appeal to the decision makers and make up for my lack of undergrad credentials in health sciences. It worked. My second challenge was securing rental accommodation (without a domestic credit history) in a city of nine million people. Mission accomplished. So here I am, three trips to the UK later, preparing for day one.
Leading up to my official orientation day, I’ve attended a virtual welcome session (one of two students out of 30 in my program who participated, putting me in a very competitive position for teacher’s pet), met a couple of professors and even managed to set-up my KCL email account (a major accomplishment).
Before qualifying for a student identification card, I was required to complete three, twenty minute modules on informed consent. UK laws on this matter are strict and I don’t fancy a stint in Brixton prison for sharing a well-intentioned but unwelcome compliment or hug! I’ve long admired the British approach to social marketing — sobering, graphic and effective — and this candid virtual training did not disappoint. At times, the content made me blush.
After passing these gritty training modules, I am now fully informed on what constitutes “yes” and what my obligations are to help others I witness in potentially vulnerable situations. And, as a bonus, I get to collect my student ID card on the first day. So, in the (bloody unlikely) event I am propositioned for a three-way by fellow classmates, my key messages are ready! It’s unfortunate that Spanish soccer president, Luis Rubiales, missed this critical training on what constitutes wanted versus unwanted sexual advances and how easily coercion can turn into criminal charges.
