Xin Jie Hoh

• Asian
• International/immigrant students or workers
• Bilingual/multilingual
• Individuals from a socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., individuals who were or are currently homeless or in the foster care system; were eligible for federal food and nutrition programs [for 2 or more years]; were eligible for Pell grants; received WIC; have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor's degree; grew up in a rural or low-income area)

• Student/Trainee Assistant
• Student/Trainee Scholarship

• Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Afternoon)
• Thursday, June 12, 2025 (Morning)
• Thursday, June 12, 2025 (Afternoon)
• Friday, June 13, 2025 (Morning)
• Friday, June 13, 2025 (Afternoon)
• Saturday, June 14, 2025 (Morning)

My commitment to service is deeply rooted in my passion for advancing the field of psychology through collaborative initiatives and community engagement. One of the most significant examples of this dedication is my involvement in organizing psychology conferences as a psychology undergraduate student in my home country, Malaysia. As the Vice President of the Psychology Student Union for one of the largest psychology programs in Malaysia, I played a pivotal role in organizing events in psychology, including Malaysia’s first International Conference of Existential Humanistic Psychology (2016) and the Malaysian Psychology Student Assembly (2016), a research conference for undergraduate and postgraduate scholars across the country. These events provided opportunities to collaborate with speakers from around the world, including esteemed professionals from the United States, enhancing the global exchange of knowledge. Through these experiences, I gained valuable expertise in organizing logistics, facilitating speaker arrangements, and ensuring seamless communication among committee members. Additionally, prior to pursuing my PhD in Yeshiva University, New York, I worked in the Health Psychology Clinic at the National University of Malaysia, where I contributed to the organization of an international conference on cognitive aging and preserving cognitive function. These experiences reinforced my ability to handle complex organizational tasks and highlighted the importance of teamwork in achieving shared goals. It also deepened my appreciation for the intersection of clinical practice and research. Beyond conferences, my service-oriented mindset is evident in other facets of my professional journey. I have conducted mental health literacy workshops for secondary school students, aiming to increase awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health. This direct engagement with the community underscored my commitment to making psychological knowledge accessible and impactful. Furthermore, my role as a Helping Volunteer at The Listening Place in London where I did my masters in health psychology, involved supporting individuals with suicidal ideation, which required not only empathy and active listening but also a profound dedication to serving vulnerable populations. My leadership skills are further demonstrated through my current role as Treasurer for the Asian American Psychological Association Division of Students, where I manage financial operations to support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in psychology. This position, along with my earlier student leadership roles, reflects my consistent drive to contribute to the growth and development of the communities I am part of. My ongoing efforts in the past decade reflect a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, and advocacy in psychology. By combining my passion for service with my professional expertise, I strive to leave a positive and lasting impact on the field and the individuals it serves.

During my second year of graduate school, I faced one of the most challenging periods of my life following the sudden passing of my father. This tragedy not only brought immense grief but also significant financial strain as a dependent international student, forcing me to navigate unexpected responsibilities while balancing the rigorous demands of my doctoral program. That year was particularly taxing, as it marked my first experience providing therapy services as a psychology extern. At the same time, I was managing a full course load and contributing to ongoing research projects. The compounded stress took a toll on my mental health and temporarily impacted my academic performance. However, I drew upon the very skills I was cultivating as a mental health provider to find ways to cope and function effectively. Attending therapy, prioritizing healthy habits, and the support of my community became essential tools in rebuilding my resilience. I am especially grateful for the understanding of my research mentor, who provided me with the flexibility to take additional time on my neuroimaging study of psychological resilience. This project became deeply personal and ironically transformative, as it allowed me to explore resilience not just in an academic context but as a lived experience. Over time, I was able to complete my academic and clinical responsibilities while prioritizing family responsibilities and healing from grief, reestablishing a balance that felt sustainable. This experience taught me not only the importance of self-compassion but also the value of seeking help and adapting to life’s unforeseen challenges. It reinforced my commitment to fostering resilience in myself and in the patients I serve, particularly those facing their own adversities. Additionally, as the only member of the family who is pursuing a graduate degree, I now feel more determined to succeed in my professional and personal endeavors to honor my father's memory.

Attending the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology conference presents a valuable opportunity to enhance both my personal professional development and contribute to the broader neuropsychology community. As a clinical psychology doctoral student with a minor in neuropsychology, the conference would allow me to deepen my understanding of cutting-edge research, innovative assessment techniques, and advanced therapeutic interventions directly relevant to my clinical and research interests. Engaging with leading experts and fellow attendees would not only help refine my knowledge but also foster meaningful connections for future collaborations. Furthermore, I am excited to share the knowledge I gain at the conference by sharing key insights with my peers and supervisors during lab meetings, coursework discussions, and clinical case conferences. This dissemination can enrich our collective understanding and improve the quality of services we provide to our patients. Overall, attending this conference would not only help me bridge the gap between research and practice but also allow me to contribute to the growth and development of the neuropsychology community.