Introducing Myself :)

[Demi1]

Hi everyone 🙂

My name is Demi, I am 18 years old and currently on Study Vacation before commencing my HSC Examinations. I love reading in my free time, and spending time with friends; usually on an unusual adventure such as going on bushwalking or getting up at 4:30am to watch the sunrise.

If you asked me six months ago what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer would constantly change. It varied from artist, to photographer, to teacher, journalist; even author. But, recently I experienced a series of events that allowed me to recognise my strength is listening/ supporting others. Due to this I have decided to strive for a ridiculously high ATAR and hopefully study Psychology at University next year. The events leading to this decision, although confronting and traumatic, have allowed me to adapt my lifestyle and mindset into one that is purely positive. I am lucky, that with medication and the constant support from my psychologist/GP and friends that I can reflect upon what happened and seek out the positives. It is difficult at times but being able to do that has kept me going through the challenging days.

I hope that through this chatroom I am able to help others reflect on their own experiences and develop a mindset that will give them comfort when times are tough, and everything around them seems negative. I hope that I can help you find light in the darkness, and provide you with the support you deserve.

I know we've never met but I am so thankful for all of you, taking the step to sign up and create an amazing support network for everyone here/ every future member in BB 🙂

It was nice to meet you guys.

Demi

P.S more than happy to talk about my experiences in detail- just wanted to keep this introduction short and sweet 🙂

[Demi1]

Hi Dotti 🙂

Thank you so much for the advice! I will definitely follow up with that. Although I am not too concerned as I merely selected the double degree as a pathway into my honours (as I believe, realistically, I will not get the ATAR required the first time around. I don't mind if it isn't recognised as a double degree, I merely requested BA-Psyc/BA ECE as it would be a fun/ interesting selection of subjects that I can complete to the level required to transfer into my honours 🙂

Thank you though, for making sure I know every aspect of it, I really appreciate it 🙂

Demi

[james1]

Hey Demi,

The only forewarning I'd have about going down that path and doing a BA instead of B.Psyc is that you need to be careful in your course selection for your Psyc Major in the BA. Depending on the uni, there is often a requirement to do the necessary statistics courses for honours.

I also have no doubt that you'd have the aptitude, but there is a very heavy focus on research and statistics in honours and you have to do really well to get into the clinical masters. Given the BA sits outside the Science Faculty and Psych school, they may judge BA applicants a bit more harshly - but this is just my own speculation. I simply noticed that when my ex did the honours program, and when a friend did clinical, they were all BSc or BPsyc students.

Just food for thought, and it could be something worth asking the School of Psychology about when it comes to putting in your UAC application.

Still, I loved the BA component of my degree. I was doing BEc (economics)/BA (politics) but then got a grad job and dropped down to BEc (Economics) with a really heavy arts component covering politics, philosophy, psychology and international relations, haha.

James

[MsPurple]

Hey Demi

Good luck with your exams. Just remember to not stress too much and to not put too much pressure on yourself. Getting a high ATAR is hard, if it wasn't everyone would get a high ATAR. There is always a way to do the course you want, even if you have to do the back way like me. Also I just want to let you know when you do go to university they have services to help people like us who have mental illnesses. I joined disability services and its was a great help. They can help releive stress. Just letting you know for future reference.

You sound really determined and know what you want. That is something to commend at your age. I'm still not completely sure what I want to do. I want to work in nutrition but not sure in which area I'll end up in. But I'm cool with it I'm just running with it 🙂

Nice to meet you Demi. I'm also reading everyone elses posts to find places to meet people here

[Guest_322]

No worries at all, Demi 😊

Just wanted to make sure that you weren't shocked in your 4th year if you transferred to honours.

All the best with everything. Just do your best (as I'm sure you will). I've faith that you will make the most of every opportunity no matter which degree or pathway.

Dottie x

[Demi1]

Aww thank you so much Dotti, that is incredibly sweet of you to say xx

[Demi1]

Hello again James 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences, it is greatly appreciated! I have quadruple checked with my year advisor, as well as emailing the University and they say as long as I get an average of 70, 70 and 75% over the 3 years of my BA-Psychology, transferring to Honours will not be an issue 🙂 I'm glad you enjoyed your BA, I cannot wait to see what it entails 🙂

Demi

[Demi1]

Hey Steph 🙂 Thank you so much for the advice about the support available to me at university, I will definitely look into it! I'm glad you find it helpful 🙂 I'm not too concerned about the ATAR because I know there are MANY ways I can get to where I want to be and receiving the ATAR straight up will just be lucky. I am more than happy to transfer or even take a few years off and join as a mature age student 🙂

How has your day been?

[james1]

Brilliant. I wish I was as on top of things as you back when I was 18, haha. I'm pretty sure I struggled to boil water - "help! I don't know what to do with the tap and pot and stove!"

Yeah, the BA is great fun. Lots of fascinating subjects - you'll love it.

[Zeal]

Hey Demi,

I just posted back to you on the Friend's Café, but decided to read through this thread too. I'm glad I did, as this is a really great conversation. I hope you hear back about your Champ request. I started as a volunteer here in January 2015. I was the youngest volunteer then, but now there are Youth Champions too 🙂

It's great that you're striving to study psychology at uni, and are considering double degree options. Dottie and James are right in saying that research is a big part of Honours. I have decided to do postgrad counselling next year, after I finish undergrad this November.

It's fantastic that supporting others is a strength and a passion of yours.

I look forward to talking more with you on the forum 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Demi1]

Hey James, I'm sure you were more organised than you give yourself credit for 🙂 I guess I've just grown up unusually independent from such a young age haha