Turning passion into practice

When Emily Edwards reflects on her journey into psychology, one word stands out: trust. Trust in the process, trust in timing, and trust in choosing a university that would support her not just academically, but personally too.

Now 30 and living on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Emily is a graduate of the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) at Australian Catholic University (ACU). She runs her own psychology practice in a regional community – a milestone she’s immensely proud of – and credits ACU with helping her build the confidence, skills and values that underpin her work today.

Choosing a university that felt right

Emily chose ACU for its strong reputation in health and education, but for her, it was the learning environment that truly set it apart.

“I was drawn to the smaller cohort sizes and the level of one-to-one support offered by academic staff,” she says. 

“The lecturers were experts in their field, but also genuinely approachable. It created a personalised, supportive environment that aligned with how I learn and what I wanted professionally.”

Her path to ACU was shaped by a growing interest in understanding children and supporting individuals across educational and developmental contexts. After researching her options, ACU stood out for its strong staff-student relationships, supportive culture and clear focus on professional readiness.

“It just felt like the right place to continue my academic development,” Emily says.

Feeling supported every step of the way

From the outset, Emily found her studies engaging, motivating and well structured.

“The work was interesting and challenging, but achievable,” she says. 

“There was a great variety of psychology-focused subjects that allowed me to explore different areas of the field while building both theoretical and practical knowledge.”

Support was never far away. Small class sizes meant Emily could access individual guidance when she needed it, and she felt genuinely invested in by her lecturers.

“I always felt supported – academically and professionally. Staff were approachable, knowledgeable, and truly cared about our learning and growth.”

Learning beyond the classroom

Practical experience was a defining part of Emily’s ACU journey. Through placements in schools and community services, she was able to apply psychological theory in real-world settings, gaining insight into how psychology works beyond textbooks.

“These experiences helped me develop practical skills and a broader perspective on working with children and families,” she says.

“Attending case conferences and supervision sessions really prepared me for the realities of professional practice.”

Those hands-on opportunities helped bridge the gap between study and career – a transition Emily remembers vividly.

“Graduating and starting my first role as a psychologist was both exciting and humbling. It marked the shift from learning in the classroom to supporting people in real life.”

Making a difference where it matters most

Today, Emily works closely with children and families, supporting them through challenges and celebrating their progress. The moments that matter most to her are when children feel truly seen, heard and understood.

“I’ve always loved the vulnerability and honesty of working with children,” she says.

“Helping them build confidence, develop coping strategies and feel supported is incredibly meaningful.”

Emily is particularly proud of establishing her own practice in a regional area, where access to psychological services can be limited.

“It’s allowed me to make a real difference for families who might otherwise miss out on support,” she says. 

“I work with an amazing team that’s constantly evolving, which makes the work collaborative and rewarding.”

Carrying ACU’s impact forward

Emily says her ACU education gave her a strong foundation in ethical, evidence-based practice – something she carries into her work every day. She continues to connect with ACU staff and now often works alongside professionals who once mentored her.

“That sense of community doesn’t end at graduation. ACU gave me the confidence to trust myself and the skills to make a meaningful impact,” she says.

For students just beginning their journey, Emily offers simple but powerful advice: “Live in the moment, not the future. If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

And in many ways, her story reflects ACU itself – a place that supports students to grow, trust the process and step into careers that truly make a difference.

Want to provide meaningful insight and support to others when they need it most? Study psychology at ACU.