Holly Jones, a proud Wiradjuri woman shares her experience of completing a Bachelor of Psychology at the University of Wollongong.
Growing up in Orange, and living on country, Holly always had a desire to move closer to the beach and experience a change of scenery.
From an early age, Holly has always been an advocate for mental health - a commitment that stems from her firsthand experience of the surrounding stigma in a regional setting. Further motivated by her strong desire to care for others, Holly faced her own personal struggles alongside the challenges of two years of online study during Covid. In response to this, a noticeable shift in her academic priorities occurred. However, the unwavering support from the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, particularly from Jess and Adam, provided her with invaluable daily conversations, offering the social interaction and support necessary to overcoming those challenges.
A highlight of Holly’s time at university was her involvement in the New Colombo Plan which provided the opportunity for psychology students to travel to Singapore and develop their skills and understanding in an international context. Holly's previous role as a support worker in disability and youth mental health offered valuable insights into her future career, solidifying her decision and motivation to make a meaningful impact through psychology.
With aspirations of establishing her own psychology firm, focusing on mental health support for First Nations peoples and regional towns, Holly plans to further her education by completing both her Masters and Honours.
Reflecting on her time at university, Holly encourages students to not let the work pile up. Staying on top of lectures, thorough note taking, and consistent revision are essential to avoid feeling overwhelmed and experiencing a burnout. Moreover, she highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and studies, emphasising the need for students to make time for their personal lives.
A huge congratulations to Holly on completing this stage of your studies, and best of luck with your ambitions in the field of psychology!