Why There's No Deadline on Your Dreams

Many students feel pressure to have their future mapped out straight after high school. Sarah's story proves there's another way.

After years of exploring different interests, changing directions and building life experience, Sarah recently graduated from Charles Darwin University (CDU) with a Bachelor of Psychological Science. Her journey wasn't a straight line, but that's exactly what made it meaningful.

"I always wanted to study psychology," Sarah says. "I just thought I'd do it later."

That "later" would eventually become a reality, but not before a few detours along the way.

Finding the right path

After finishing Year 12, where she studied psychology alongside English and media, Sarah decided to follow her passion for acting. Along the way, she attempted university more than once, but psychology remained in the back of her mind.

"I tried university a couple of times and dropped out. It just wasn't the right fit back then."

It wasn't until 2021, while living in Sydney and working full-time, that she found the pathway she had been looking for through CDU's online Bachelor of Psychological Science.

Studying anywhere, anytime

Flexibility was one of the biggest reasons Sarah chose CDU. A recommendation from a friend whose mother had completed the same degree introduced her to the course, and the online delivery immediately stood out.

"I was working full-time and needed something that would fit around my life. One day I'd be reading until 2am, another day I'd be watching lectures from a café, and then I'd be working on assignments while travelling for work."

Like many CDU students, Sarah balanced uni alongside other commitments, usually taking three units per semester rather than a full four-unit load.

"The online content was easy to access and the lectures were excellent. It was challenging, but the flexibility meant I could keep moving forward even when life was busy."

She also appreciated the personalised learning experience that comes with studying at a smaller university.

"It felt easier to connect with lecturers and staff. There was a real sense of support."

A visit to Darwin that changed everything

Although Sarah studied entirely online for several years, a visit to Darwin in 2023 became a turning point.

"I happened to be visiting Darwin when CDU Open Day was on. I went along and realised, 'I actually study here.' It was the first time I'd seen the campus and all the facilities available. That visit was one of the reasons I eventually moved to Darwin."  

A university that reflects its community

One of the aspects Sarah valued most about studying psychology at CDU was the way the course incorporated First Nations knowledge, cultural perspectives and real-world Australian contexts.

"Throughout the degree there were constant connections back to culture, community and different ways of understanding the world."

For Sarah, this helped broaden her understanding of psychology beyond traditional Western theories.

"A lot of psychology education can focus heavily on Western perspectives. What I appreciated about CDU was the acknowledgement that there are other ways of knowing, understanding and supporting wellbeing."

Living and studying in a region deeply connected to First Nations cultures made those lessons feel especially relevant.

"It encouraged us to think critically and consider perspectives beyond what's written in a textbook."

The experience reinforced the importance of understanding people within their cultural and social contexts – an essential skill for anyone pursuing a career in psychology.

Do it your way

While many students aim to complete their qualifications as quickly as possible, Sarah chose a different approach.

She completed her three-year degree over five years, taking breaks when needed, travelling and adjusting her study load to suit her circumstances.

"I recommend the slow pathway, especially if you have lots of other stuff going on in your life. For me, it was the only way."

Studying at a sustainable pace allowed Sarah to maintain balance while pursuing other interests and life experiences.

"I'm not worried about timelines. If I finish later than someone else, that's okay."

Graduating at 33 only strengthened that perspective.

"Everyone's journey is different. What matters is getting there in a way that works for you."

She believes CDU's diverse student community reflects that same philosophy.

"You have school leavers, mature-age students, people in remote communities, people returning to uni after decades away from education. There's no one type of CDU student."

That diversity enriched classroom discussions and reminded her that there is no single pathway to success.

Sarah's advice for future students

For anyone considering psychology, or returning to study after time away, Sarah has a simple message:

"If you want to do it, do it."

She encourages students to be realistic about their workload, prioritise their wellbeing and remember that education is not a race.

"Taking two or three units instead of four might mean it takes a little longer, but that's okay. It's better than burning out."

Most importantly, she says, don't compare your journey to anyone else's.

"There's no deadline on your dreams. Study at the pace that works for you and trust that you'll get where you want to go."

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