Starting DClinPsy Year Two
A year ago today, it was the first day of my doctorate of clinical psychology, and I was feeling quite nervous about all of the upcoming changes. I was feeling sad about leaving my old job and the people who had helped to make Sheffield feel like home, and I was feeling uncertain about going into a new group and starting in a new role. I remember trying to hold back the tears when my old colleagues texted me to to wish me luck on that first morning, and wishing that I could just walk back into my old office and get back to doing the work that had become so familiar and comfortable.
And now here I am today…I have learned more than I ever thought possible in just a twelve month period, I have been stretched in ways I didn’t know I could stretch, I have rediscovered my love of research, and I have met the most wonderful group of people. Those friendly people who seemed lovely but who were quite scary at the social a year ago have become some of my best friends, and I can’t imagine my life without them.
I have still managed to keep in touch with my old colleagues, and they have been an ongoing source of support and learning. However, I have been reminded again about the value of trying new things, of continuing to learn, and of stepping outside my own comfort zone. Looking back, the past year has not been easy, but it has been one of the best years of my life.
One year of training down, two to go!
P.S. I am currently in the process of making some changes to the hosting of this blog, as I have run out of space for photos! I still have several trip posts to add, but these will have to wait until I have space to upload them. Hopefully it won’t be long.