I’m still trying to wrap my head around how I went from being terrified of talking to people… to actually winning a 3-minute pitch competition.

This year, the theme for IMU Psychology Day 2025 was “Many Minds, One World: Embracing Diversity in Psychology.” It highlights the importance of inclusivity and different perspectives in psychological research and practice to build a more compassionate world. In many ways, that theme mirrors my own journey, which was finding the courage to share my perspective and take part in one of the most anticipated segment of the event.

If you flipped through the pages of my life, you’d see a very different version of me. I used to fear talking to people, let alone speaking in front of them. Social situations felt so overwhelming that I even Googled “50 Small Talk Topics” just to survive a conversation.

At one point, the anxiety grew so strong I felt sick almost every day before school, simply at the thought of having to interact with others. The truth is, it also left me extremely lonely. And in class, I faded into the background. I was often labelled “the quiet one,” but it never felt like a compliment. To me, it was a constant reminder of what I couldn’t do, and how invisible I felt.

It took me nearly a decade to realise just how much this fear had confined me. It was a silent barrier that kept me away from friendships, opportunities, and the kind of support system we all need, especially in school or university. In retrospect, I see how much I missed out on: not just the connections, but also the shared advice, encouragement, and those little tips and tricks that keep us afloat in such a tough, competitive environment. I think all of us here as IMU University students can relate to that.

When I was 18, just 4 years ago, something dawned on me: “How could I advocate for others when I struggled to even speak to people?” That question changed everything.

I started small by joining clubs, talking to people even when it felt uncomfortable. Over time, fear turned into curiosity, and conversations became chances to learn and connect. Slowly, from being “the quietest student,” I became someone who almost always had at least one question to ask in class.

All those small steps led me to this moment: standing before a crowd, pitching my research on whether income groups shape political efficacy in Malaysia, and whether locus of control plays a role. My hypothesis was that Malaysians in the B40 group may have lower political efficacy, as financial struggles can erode the belief that their votes matter – something I’ve seen first-hand.

But for me, this pitch wasn’t just about winning a competition. It was about finding the courage to share something I deeply believe in: the power of our voices to speak up for what matters. Too often, I hear people say, “What’s the point? One person can’t change anything.” But history shows otherwise. Change often begins with a single voice. One person speaks, and others follow.

If we stay silent, we don’t remain neutral; we give power to those who silence others. This is why I hold onto the importance of standing up for those who are underrepresented or overlooked. That’s why this year’s theme resonates with me even more. Embracing diversity in psychology isn’t just about theories, it’s also about making sure every voice, regardless of background, can be heard.

Now, I won’t lie, I still get nervous when I speak, but I’ve learned not to let it hold me back from my dreams. I know I still have a long way to go, but if there’s one thing I can share with anyone who’s in the same boat, it’s this: we only have one life, and we have the chance to carve out our own reality. This is me, in the process of creating mine.

Most of the time, we stay quiet because we’re afraid of what others might think. But the truth is, people are often far too preoccupied with their own worries to judge us the way we think they do. Like the saying goes, we are each our own worst critic. Others can’t read our thoughts, and if we never make mistakes, how would we ever learn, right?

To those who have already taken that step and found their voice – congratulations! May we keep encouraging one another, so that together, we can create spaces where every voice, no matter how small it once felt, truly matters.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey. A special thank you to Dr Joshua Ng for your dedication in guiding each of us in the 3-minute pitch competition, to find our own style and grow in confidence. My gratitude also goes to the IMU Psychology Department and Psychology Club for organising such a meaningful event. And a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Brenda Shalini, the Programme Director of BSc (Hons) in Psychology, for trusting me with this opportunity to share my journey.

Written by Durgahshini A/P Kovalan