Starting Over: My Journey as a Psychology Student

When I first started university, I thought I had it all figured out. Eighteen and naïve. I moved across the country for what I believed was my dream school, ready to dive into psychology and set myself up for success. But as time passed, I realized that the environment I was in wasn’t the right fit for me.

It wasn’t just about the academics—I was in a place that didn’t support my growth and mental health. The small-town setting made it difficult to get the hands-on experience that’s crucial for psychology students, especially for those aiming for grad school. On top of that, I wasn’t performing at my academic potential. Psychology is a competitive field, and I knew that my grades and experience would make or break my chances of getting into a graduate program. Two years had passed, and I felt like I had lost half of my university years with nothing to show for it.

So, I made the difficult decision to transfer.

Starting over at a new school was both exciting and intimidating. I was determined to do better; I had no choice but to do better. I managed to raise my grades, proving to myself that I was capable of more.

But don’t get me wrong—it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine.

Even with improved academics, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was behind. Many of my peers had already built strong connections with professors, secured research positions, and gotten on the radar of faculty members. Meanwhile, I was stepping into a new environment where no one knew me, and I had no prior experience.

Some people were less than confident in my ability to turn things around. I was told, more than once, that I should consider doing something else. That there was no point trying, because “the students who were always perfect will always get chosen over you.” Hearing things like that was disheartening. It made me question everything—my abilities, my future, and whether I’d ever be able to catch up. The pressure to be flawless in a field as competitive as psychology can feel overwhelming, and when others doubt you, it’s hard not to start doubting yourself too.

I felt stuck. And for a while, I even questioned if I should keep going. But deep down, I know what I want—I want to become a therapist. That goal was bigger than my self-doubt, so I refused to let my setbacks define me. Instead of dwelling on what I didn’t have, I focused on what I could do.

Without any existing connections, I pushed myself to seek out opportunities on my own. I started volunteering in mental health-related roles, gradually building my experience. I reached out, applied, and put myself out there, even when it felt uncomfortable. And now, after years of uncertainty, I’ve not only gained multiple experiences during the school year, but I’ve also secured a related job for the summer that will allow me to continue growing in the field.

Looking back, the journey wasn’t easy. There were moments when I felt like I had fallen too far behind to catch up. But what I’ve learned is that setbacks don’t have to be the end of the road. If you’re willing to put in the work, advocate for yourself, and take the initiative, you can carve out your own opportunities—even when it feels like the odds are against you.

For anyone else who feels stuck, behind, or uncertain, know this: your journey doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. What matters is where you’re going, not how long it takes to get there.