Emma Banks
Twenty-two years ago, Emma Banks wrote in her school leaving book “I want to be a psychologist”.
Now she is finally on her path to achieving that dream as she graduates from the University of Worcester with a First Class degree in Counselling Psychology.
“I've always been interested in psychology, even considered myself an 'armchair psychologist',” she said. “But after many years of saying ‘I'd love to do that’ and never actually doing it, I was listening to Radio 4 one morning, and they were discussing a study where they found that women do not take risks. It said women need to be 100% sure on something if we're going to apply or do 'it', and I saw myself so much in that statistic that I decided that day that I was going to do what I've always wanted to do and get a degree in Psychology.”
Emma attended an Open Day at the University of Worcester and her nerves about studying as a mature student were quickly put at ease.
“I met the teaching team and they were so open, friendly and supportive that the trepidation I felt about returning to the classroom was replaced with enthusiasm and excitement,” she said. “On reflection, that radio segment and research was life changing for me in the best way. It's honestly been the best thing I've done (besides my children), and I can only hope that my future research might impact someone life so positively.”
During her time at university, Emma became the Chair of the Mature Student Network and said she had made friends for life.
She added: “I loved that I was able to share my university life with my whole family. I have three children and after a morning studying, my husband and children would join me and we'd go and watch the Worcester Wolves basketball games at the Arena.”
Emma is now continuing her studies with an MSc in Occupational Psychology at the University.
“Above all, I'm incredibly proud of myself,” she said. “I wrote in my school yearbook 22 years ago that when I grow up I want to be a Psychologist, and all these years later I'm finally on my way.”
The University’s annual autumn Graduation Ceremonies will take place as planned from September 12-14 in the beautiful and historic Worcester Cathedral followed by celebration receptions at the City Campus. No Worcester graduates have been affected by the marking and assessment boycott.
Find out more about the School of Psychology