I want to study but it all seems so hard

[sushee]

Willow,

I'm glad your confidence is back and you're looking at applying. The girls here have been super supportive and have given great advice. I think often our first (and biggest) hurdle is our own self confidence.

I was 37 when I started this degree, and I've only done one unit, then took a leave of absence for 6 months because of work commitments. Next semester, I'm doing 2 units, which will be a heavy load considering I work full time and have a toddler and a teenager at home. And yet at this rate, I'll never finish my degree either! Lol!

But it's already paying dividends. I have put on my resume that I'm an undergrad Psych student. I mention that my assignments are always handed in on time, and my average mark is in the mid 90%. I add that I was in the top 3% for my STAT test. And after years of being stagnant in my employment, I've had 3 promotions in less than 12 months, and in one case, it was specifically because I was at uni and the other candidate wasn't.

And the funniest thing is? I had NO IDEA I'd do so well when I started out. I didn't know I'd achieve such good results in my STAT test, or for my first unit. I was worried about whether I'd even get in! You just won't know until you try. So try!

The other fortunate thing is that psych has turned out to be a really interesting, really pertinent course for me. Even if I don't end up finishing it, I won't regret doing the course. I'm loving how it's teaching me more about myself and the rest of the world - and I can see me using what I've learnt in IVF advocacy in years to come.

Yes, I wish I didn't have to hand over $80 a fortnight in HECs for the pleasure, but I guess in the end, I'm getting a great deal out of it, so I guess I will have to wear the cost of it. :P