Three Years, Three Versions of Me

Three years of my degree course have shaped three different versions of me, each year representing a unique stage of transformation. Looking back, I can see how I gradually evolved from having a “student” mindset to developing a mature, professional outlook.

I chose IMU to embark with my study in psychology simply due to the professional image they portrayed. This journey was not just about academic learning, but also about personal growth, emotional resilience, and finding clarity in my purpose as a psychology student.

In my first year, everything felt new and overwhelming. I was filled with anxiety and constant self-pressure to achieve perfection. I wanted so badly to obtain “perfect” results in both exams and assignments. Although striving for excellence is admirable, I soon realised that I was caught in an unhealthy cycle. My thoughts revolved around grades, and I lost sight of why I wanted to study psychology in the first place.

One of my lecturers noticed my anxious and grade-oriented behaviors and gently guided me to shift my focus, from chasing marks to truly understanding and applying psychological concepts in real-life settings. This changed everything. The supportive and encouraging environment within our cohort further nurtured my growth. Through open discussions and reflective sharing, I began to rediscover the deeper meaning behind studying psychology: to understand human behavior and make a positive impact in people’s lives.

Moving into my second year, I started to find a better balance. While I still held high expectations for my academic performance, it was no longer my only goal. I began shifting my focus towards application, how I could use what I learned to contribute to the community. This realisation led me to actively participate in numerous community engagement projects and mental health awareness events organised by IMU. The Psychology Department’s culture of support and collaboration made these experiences even more meaningful.  Working closely with my peers and lecturers taught me the value of teamwork, empathy, and initiative.

Moreover, engaging with students from other disciplines allowed me to appreciate interprofessional collaboration, how different fields can work hand in hand to address real-world issues. These experiences honed my interpersonal and soft skills, preparing me to communicate effectively and adapt to various settings, which would be the valuable qualities for my future career.

By the time I entered my third and final year, I felt a noticeable shift in myself. This was the stage of preparing for “working adulthood.”

One of the biggest milestones was completing my Final Year Project, which required a high level of independence and discipline. Conducting my own research taught me not only technical research skills but also how to handle challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties. I learned to stay patient, seek guidance when needed, and celebrate small progress along the way.

Around the same time, I began my industrial attachment, where I had the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in real-world professional settings. This experience bridged the gap between classroom learning and practical application, transforming me from a student into a confident, capable pre-professional.

Looking back at this three-year journey, I am grateful for every challenge and turning point that has shaped me. Each year brought its own lessons, from managing anxiety, to finding balance, to developing professional maturity. I no longer see myself as the anxious, grade-driven student I once was. Instead, I am someone who values growth, reflection, and the real-world impact of what I’ve learned.

I would like to thank all my PS222 coursemates, friends, and lecturers who have guided me throughout this journey. They have been the greatest support system I could ever ask for.

In the future, I hope to pursue a master’s degree to better contribute to the mental health field in Malaysia. This degree has not only equipped me with psychological knowledge but has also cultivated resilience, empathy, and a lifelong curiosity to keep learning and improving as I step into the next chapter of my journey.

To my future juniors, I wish you all the very best. Be supportive of your coursemates, regardless of how well they perform academically. Keep an open mind to learn from and guide others, you will definitely gain something meaningful in return.

Written by Florence Then Ru Xian