Stanford Prison Experiment

I used the controversial Stanford Prison Experiment in my IS thesis to illustrate how sociological/psychological experiments lack a sound positivistic character. The experiment was too much of a simulation that failed to match actual prison conditions where the behaviour of both prisoners and guards are heavily scrutinised and regulated.

The prisoners were so tormented that they fell into a state of 'learned helplessness', characterised by the absence of individual opinion while relying on others for answers, guidance or instructions. Two years of my own little 'prison' and the tedious, lonely studies that took place within the confines of home have reduced me to a similar state. I'm no longer the bubbly never-say-die fellow I once was. Where i once attributed any fault to external factors, I have begun to blame it on my disposition and character. Of course, I rationalise it away by telling myself that my circumstances were different and caused by random factors but it doesn't get rid of that nagging feeling of helplessness in the face of existential forces.

My recent search for part-time employment has made it more salient. They say they'll call but they never do; they forget to email you even though they said they would; every company wants experienced part-timers but we fresh school grads don't have it - and how are we expected to find any with this kind of criteria in place? The internship application dates are closed, my college conveniently forgot to tell me about legal attachments, and the government boards - the sector which holds some meaning beyond the next wage - is only roping in scholars headed for the likes of Harvard and Oxford.

I come from Nanyang Junior College, a mid-ranked college right below ACJC and AJC. My projected grades BBBD/ABBD are sufficient to earn a place in universities of good repute such as the majority of Australia's Top 8, and my shining (no kidding) CCA record attests to my active personality. So tell me, why can't I clinch the positions I apply for?

Does the HR sector only hire students from the top 5 JCs? Do they have an (unfounded) issue with my NS exemption? Is it my wardrobe $500 wardrobe overhaul calibrated to impress that's insufficient? Or perhaps it is their vague questions asking for my strengths and weaknesses when these issues are highly contextual? Perhaps it's the downturn that's discouraging them, or the simple lack of interest in interns/part-timers/temps.

In 2008-2009, I felt 'unemployed' because I could not attend school like any 'normal' JC student. I missed my friends, my teachers, my life and my youth. My spirit was shattered and scarred but little did I think that I would truly fail to find employment after JC, where I thought I could breathe and live at last. Don't mind the narrative; I'm barely keeping awake. I used to crave sleep so much; now I fear it. Give me something to look forward to every morning and I shall rest early, rest easy. Give it to me, because it seems to elude my efforts...

... what a shame.