I am 50 years of age, originally from Glasgow in Scotland and left school in 1989, with 8 O' Grades (GCSE’s) and 5 Higher (A Levels). Desperate for a new adventure and to start working and earning, I applied for a job in Television Production in London.
I successfully worked for an independent company in Soho, initially as a Production Runner, progressing finally to Production Manager. I returned to Glasgow for a year, to work for BBC Scotland as Production Manager, before taking time out to travel in 1999.
I travelled throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and America for 2 years.
On return, I moved to Brighton, East Sussex where I worked for American Express, a lifestyle magazine called Venus, and as a volunteer for the Brighton Unemployed Family project, between 2001 and 2012.
Brighton is where I met my husband and went on to have two children, a girl, and a boy. Ava who is now 15 years old and Lochlan who is 13.
8 years ago, my Husbands job transferred to their other site near Leamington, bringing the family to the midlands. We now live in the village of Weedon, a half-hour drive, west of Northampton.
Since living in Weedon I have completed 7 years working in primary education. I began working in Special Needs as a 1:1 and in my 5th year at Weedon Primary, I completed an HLTA course through Northampton University, qualifying me to teach years 1 to 6 in primary school.
I have trained in Autism, Attachment Disorder, Dyslexia, Speech, and language among others. I ran nurture groups and introduced a kinaesthetic approach to a lot of my teaching, after researching its efficacy in primary schools.
During my school career, I have been fascinated by how children learn. Some by doing, others by seeing. I have come to love the continual questions from children and the challenge and adventure of not always knowing the answers.
Throughout my working life, I have loved interacting with people, obsessing over human behaviour and how the mind works and influences decisions. My favourite literature often tackles aspects of psychology and I find it an extremely exciting and alluring subject.
Throughout the lockdown period, it became apparent that I was not fully satisfied with my career and felt I was ready to learn and take on a new challenge.
My initial thought was to go into Educational Psychology but with more investigation, I decided it was time to move away from education and start something new. My next thought was counselling, which I am still very much keen on exploring and could see a possible future career. As a volunteer in Brighton Unemployed Centre Family Project, I assisted low-income families and homeless people, realising my ability to listen sensitively and offer solace.
Completing a course for the British College of Journalism a few years ago, I gained skills in reporting and analysing as well as fuelling my curiosity in psychology. I wrote articles on social, biological, and cognitive psychology. From a piece on music and memory to another on psychology in pain management.
Having completed a year of the single honours psychology course I now feel the career direction I want to go into is counselling psychology. I have recently secured a part-time job locally with the group of Northampton psychiatric hospitals (NHFT) and ideally, would love to complete my master's within the NHS but if not I will probably stay at the University of Northampton to complete my master's in counselling.
Joshua
University of Suffolk
BSc (Hons) Psychology
For my future plans I hope to complete and receive my bachelors degree in psychology and counselling with the aim to open my own counselling office. In terms of past experience not a lot comes to mind except I have two siblings and I was really excited to start uni life.
Kaitlyn
University of Glasgow
Psychology [BSc/MA/MA(SocSci)]
I am from a very small town in Ohio where nothing interesting happened, so traveling across the world to study in Glasgow has been a huge transition, yet the best thing I have ever done. I love the amazing people and the opportunity to explore Scotland as well as the rest of the world.
After university, I am planning on becoming an inpatient psychotherapist where I will work in hospitals to help adolescents and young adults who are struggling with mental health or are in crisis. My main goal in life is to help those in need around me the best I can.
Khiara Beryl
Coventry University
Criminology and Psychology BA (Hons)
Hey there! I'm currently a student combining criminology and psychology, and I'm really passionate about understanding why people behave the way they do. My ultimate goal is to work with young offenders, helping them get the support they need to make positive changes in their lives.
University has been an amazing opportunity to explore these areas, not just through lectures but through discussions, research, and placements that give real-world experience. If you're curious about studying these subjects or have any questions about university life, feel free to reach out!
Lucy
University of Plymouth
MSc Clinical Psychology
My dream is to become a clinical psychologist. I have spent lots of time in Sierra Leone and I would love to move out there for a while in the future. I have experience working with children and adults with disabilities. I would love to continue into the future.
Luke
University of Lincoln
Psychology - BSc (Hons)
Hi! My name is Luke and I'm a masters student in psychology who has also completed their undergraduate degree in psychology as well here at the university of Lincoln. I attended the university through clearing and am happy to talk to anyone about my experience with this process. I'm particularly interested in academic dishonesty and the reasoning behind why people engage in dishonest behaviours and the risk factors which surround this behaviour. After completing my masters degree I'm planning on pursuing a career researching academic dishonesty in university settings.
Max
University of Westminster
Psychology BSc Honours
Hi, I am Max and I am currently studying Psychology at the University of Westminster. I like to think of myself as a generalist. I love loads of things such as music, rocket science, psychology, politics and much more. I am not sure what I want to do with my degree, but I do have a particular interest in the biology and stats part of psychology. If you have any questions, be sure to message me :)
Natasha
University of Glasgow
Psychology [BSc/MA/MA(SocSci)]
Hello! My name is Natasha and I'm currently a third year studying psychology. I'm currently thinking about going into educational psychology. I adore Glasgow as a city and a University and am really confident with my decision to study here :)
Oliwia
Leeds Trinity University
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Hello! I’m Oliwia and I’m a psychology student. Once I’m done with university I want to be an educational mental health practitioner. I try to relax and have fun using creative outlets. If you have any questions or music suggestions let me know!! ❤️
Rory
Staffordshire University
Psychology and Counselling
Hey, I'm Rory, currently studying Psychology and counselling at the University of Staffordshire. As I am going into my final year I hope to progress onto the post graduate masters degree in psychotherapeutic counselling and once complete, hope to become an academic in my subject area and open a private practice.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Samantha
University of Suffolk
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Hello everyone I'm Sam (She/Her), a Part-Time student from Ipswich currently studying Psychology at the University of Suffolk. My journey into higher education started at Suffolk New College, completing a BTEC in Health and Social Care (Health Sciences). In 2013 I went on to graduate from the University Campus Suffolk as an Operating Department Practitioner. I am also a wheelchair (Powerchair) user with multiple long-term conditions. Whilst at the university I have been involved with the Students' Union and held various roles in societies, and I am the current Social Sciences and Humanities School Officer. In my spare time, I love to watch films, crochet and hang out with friends. I also have a passion for travelling and photography.
Sanzida
City, University of London
Sociology with Psychology BSc (Hons)
Hi, I'm Sanzida, and I’m studying Sociology with Psychology and Data Analytics. I’m also learning to use SPSS software as part of my studies. In my spare time, I completed a Business Analysis module on Pluralsight to explore different areas and deepen my understanding. If you have any questions about my course or university life, don’t hesitate to ask! 😊
Sophie
Liverpool John Moores University
Psychology, BSc (Hons)
Hi, my name is Sophie and I'm a Home student. I am currently studying Psychology BSc at an undergraduate level. Hoping to work in either a clinical or counselling setting. I am involed in a range of opportunities as a scholarship recipient and being a member of multiple societies. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions regarding the psychology course, scholarships or life as a student at LJMU. Don't hesitate to message. I will try to reply as soon as possible!
Taylor
Abertay University
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Hi! Im hoping to become a forensic psychologist in the future. In my free time I'm usually either out with friends, walking my 3 dogs, reading books or playing some sort video game which is current Baldurs gate 3.
Wendy
Swansea University
Psychology, BSc (Hons)
I aspire to be a clinical psychologist and I have a strong interest in child psychology and a passion for helping others. I am dedicated to developing my skills and knowledge to support the well-being and mental health of young people, and I look forward to making a positive impact in the field!
Yasmin
Southampton Solent University
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Hello I'm Yaz, a second-year BSc (Hons) Psychology student! I'm an aspiring clinical psychologist passionate about mental health and helping others as a result of struggling with my own mental health issues. I'm from Cornwall with a springer spaniel. Back in January, I raised money for Mind, and now volunteer at Solent Mind.