Class of 2024
MSc Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development
Mental Health Transport Support Worker – Secure Ambulance Service
IF YOU STUDIED YOUR UNDERGRADIATE PROGRAMME AT YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES, DID YOU GO ON TO POSTGRADUATE STUDY?
Yes, at York St John University
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN THIS PHOTO AS YOUR YSJ SNAPSHOT?
The reason behind my choice of image is that it symbolises the positive influence the academics had on me (these are just some of many) who made my university experience worthwhile. The support, encouragement and their time was more than a person could have asked for. The staff here clearly want to see their students thrive not just survive. Together we succeeded, as we came together to celebrate my dedication and commitment. No one succeeds on their own, human connection is at the heart of all successes.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YSJ TO SOMEONE?
If you’re searching for a place that values community, YSJ is the one for you. The campus is small and easy to navigate, but don’t stress if you find yourself lost, there is always someone available to seek advice and guidance from. The staff are friendly and approachable, providing a welcoming atmosphere. This is the place where dreams can come true. With resilience and perseverance, anything can be achievable.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES?
If I’m being honest, someone with my background never dreamt of attending university. It was not something I thought would be possible for someone like me. After being permanently excluded from school my future seemed hopeless. The reason I chose YSJ was due to how open they were to accepting others from a wide range of backgrounds and not excluding those who don’t follow the usual trajectory into further education. I have always been fascinated by the human experience and how our brain and mind contribute to our experience of others, ourselves and the world. Psychology was the path for me.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES?
After graduation, I have been building up my confidence and experience by seeking out various opportunities to better position myself to achieve my career goals. I am currently a Shout (crisis text-based service) volunteer supporting others who are in crisis situations. I have been in my role for 18months and thoroughly enjoy it. It has provided me with so much knowledge around mental health, and the challenges people encounter during their lives. I volunteer for Open Country taking part in tandem cycling with individuals who live with visual impairments so they can access the great outdoors and stay active. I’m proud to be part of such a wonderful community. I went to volunteer in Poland for a week as an English mentor, something different from my usual activities, but I learnt so much from the young people I was mentoring.
I currently work for a secure ambulance service as a mental health transport support worker. I have found the role interesting, and it’s opened me up to a new perspective on the different routes into mental health. I look forward to seeing where this experience takes me. All preparation to tackle a PhD later in life. I also had the opportunity to be a Guest Speaker at York St John University delivering a talk to second-year students on their mental health module. Shared personal experiences, challenges, and strategies for academic success, as well as research interests and work related to mental health.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC COURSE?
My decision behind studying Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development was made on the basis that I wanted to understand how my own development and upbringing shaped who I had become. The only way I could change was becoming aware and implementing actions to improve my own situation and circumstances from the knowledge I had gained. Turning my misfortunes into wisdom.
WHAT WERE THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR COURSE?
I was fascinated by the different theories and perspectives around development and how this has shaped our understanding as a collective. It was great to see how inspiring and motivating the lecturers were about the topics they taught.
HOW DID STUDYING AT YSJ HELP IN YOUR CAREER SEARCH/SUCCESS/CURRENT ROLE?
I came to university as a lost soul, not knowing where I belonged in the world and if anything, a broken person. However, studying at YSJ changed my entire life for the better, providing me with opportunities to grow as an individual. The confidence I gained allowed me to see the value in my own strengths and how I could utilise these in the workplace.
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CURRENT STUDENT, OR ONE ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
Manage your expectations! Building a life is not a straight line, the direction is constantly changing as we grow and develop. Persevere through the difficult times and follow what your heart desires.