Sometimes life can feel like a series of random events, each unfolding without a clear purpose or direction. However, in retrospect, these seemingly disparate moments often reveal a deeper narrative, an invisible pathway that was being woven all along.
Meet Emily, a third-year Psychology student who knew from high school what her future career would be one day – ‘Psychologist’ was written under career aspirations in her graduating yearbook. After Emily’s gap year from high school, she moved to Perth from regional WA and began studying psychology, however, found the balance of academics, independent living, and the transition to a new environment too much, which led her to defer her studies temporarily. Emily’s life then took a beautiful turn with the arrival of a child, she quickly embraced the role of motherhood and took the responsibilities that came with it in her stride.
Emily’s innate qualities, which initially sparked her interest in psychology, have led her to pivotal opportunities in life, such as volunteering at Lifeline, where she provided support and counselling to individuals in crisis. This role exposed her to the raw realities of mental health challenges, allowing her to develop crucial skills in crisis intervention, active listening, and empathy.
Today, Emily finds herself back in the academic world, feeling connected once again to the invisible string that pulled her right from the beginning. Emily remarks how grateful she is that she knew what her future career was with no doubt. This mindset led her to her current role as an allied health assistant, where she currently works with young people in the mental health ward at Perth Children’s hospital. This role has provided her with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing her to directly apply her academic knowledge in a real-world setting and making Emily feel like she is in the right place again, “It’s been nice to arrive at work and go, this is where I belong”. Emily’s moment has arrived, her passion yearning to be expressed finally has space to do so. The once uncertain path now reveals itself as the right one.
Last year, in her second year of Psychology another unique experience presented itself, which was the On Country Learning Unit. The Listening to Country Experience aims to provide students with a hands-on experience of Aboriginal traditions, customs, and ways of life. This unique program took Emily on a 5-day excursion to Nowanup, where Traditional Owners of the land are Goreng Noongar People. Here the students were off grid, in a remote location, sleeping in tents, surrounded by the tranquillity of nature and the rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture.
Arriving on the trip, Emily felt she was welcomed and treated not as a visitor, but as family. The trip provided an opportunity for students to engage with local Elders, who generously shared their knowledge, stories, and wisdom. Through yarning circles and shared experiences, Emily gained insights into the deep-rooted connections between the land, the people, and their traditions.
One of the most impactful aspects of the On Country Learning Unit for Emily was the emphasis on learning through doing. Instead of passively absorbing information from textbooks, she was encouraged to actively participate in cultural activities, such as bushwalking, traditional crafts, and storytelling sessions. Emily reflects on how the On Country Learning Unit was not just an educational excursion; it was a profound journey of cultural immersion and personal growth, “You can’t just learn it from a book, you have to go and experience it”. By stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing a new way of learning, she gained a perspective that transcended academic knowledge, “I definitely would recommend it, for all disciplines.”
It reaffirmed her belief that sometimes, the most profound lessons come from immersing oneself in real-world experiences. “We have so much to learn from Aboriginal culture if we just took the time to listen…. We are so focused on rushing forward and achieving things, but when you pare it back, things that Aboriginal people hold true is actually the core of everything.”
At times, the path we expect to follow isn’t necessarily the one that leads us to where we need to be. Emily’s journey teaches us the importance of trusting the unexpected detours and intermissions in life. By listening to her instincts and embracing the opportunities that came her way, Emily has gained invaluable experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today and will undoubtedly contribute to her becoming an incredibly knowledgeable and empathetic psychologist.
