The road from volunteer Lifeline crisis support operator to becoming a registered psychologist
Aidan O’Young has always had a strong desire to work in a career where he could connect and help others on an interpersonal level.
Studying philosophy as his first degree taught him a lot of valuable skills such as critical thinking and how to formulate arguments.
However, he wanted a more definite pathway towards working with people and enrolled in the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Western Sydney University.
“I have always been so fascinated by the human condition – so what better subject to study than psychology.”
“It is quite a long road to becoming registered as a psychologist in Australia but studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Western Sydney University provides me that first step towards achieving my goal.”
Aidan chose to study at Western Sydney University because of the supportive environment, the high quality, APAC-accredited course, and the opportunity to study at a campus close to where he lived.
“I really wanted to feel like I was in a supportive environment, and I belonged to the community.”
“I'd heard Western Sydney University was really good at fostering a good community spirit and a close-knit community.
“The Bankstown City campus is less than 10 kilometres from where I live, and it has allowed me to cycle from home to my classes, an added bonus.”
Through his studies, Aidan is learning the theory and practical skills to become the best practitioner he can be in the future.
A particularly impactful part of his learning has been working at Lifeline as a Crisis Supporter on the phones for close to two years.
“I feel really blessed to have been given the opportunity to speak to so many people in their darkest moments. It has been an eye-opening experience and very humbling to hear some of the stories that people share with me on the phones.”
“I would also really recommend future psychology students to have a go at volunteering at Lifeline if you are able to. It has been such a great way to build interpersonal communication skills and learn how to look after my own wellbeing which are all taught extensively during training.”
He said his experience so far has been positive at the University and that he has built up a strong rapport with tutors, teachers and fellow students.
“I have definitely enjoyed university so far. I think Western does a great job of bridging the gap between high school and university.”
“For example, some of the best memories I have made so far are joining the PASS sessions (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) which are a weekly informal study session facilitated by past students who have excelled at the subject. I found it to be an awesome way to make new friends who were within the same cohort. I also received some great advice from my PASS facilitators.”
“The students are all from different backgrounds and they always encourage everyone to have a go and there's no right or wrong answers which is a good thing because it gives us an opportunity to express our viewpoints in a safe space.”
ENDS
21 August 2024
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