Three years ago, Jeremy Nowland was at a crossroads, assuming that university was beyond his reach. Today, he's two units away from completing a Bachelor of Psychology and planning a research career that could reshape how we think about mental health treatment.
"Studying at university has changed everything," he says. "It has given me a purpose and goals that have facilitated positive changes in every aspect of my life."
Studying at university has changed everything.
Jeremy’s path here wasn't linear. After growing up in Tamworth, he moved to Brisbane at 21 with a Certificate IV in audio engineering, dreaming of working live sound for his favourite bands. Intermittent work pushed him into retail management, where late shifts made sound engineering impractical. Later, he trained as a yoga teacher, and "things were looking great until COVID came along”.
Back in Tamworth, Jeremy watched a close friend start and do well in a psychology degree - and it planted a seed.
"I have always been interested in psychology and why people do what they do but mainly chose it because that’s what my aforementioned friend was studying," he says. "It has turned out to be life-changing."
Rewriting an internal script
Jeremy initially feared that “university would be way too difficult and I would not have what it takes .. I was so worried about failing”.
“But after the first 2 trimesters I realised that if you put in time and effort, as well stay up-to-date with everything, you will get the results.”
However, he says he’s gaining more than just grades from his studies.
“I like how it has changed the way I think. Everyone needs to study science! Like most people, I was so wrapped up in my own perception of the world without considering whether it was accurate. Studying has made me a lot more rational, less susceptible to media influence, and more aware of my own biases.”
That shift in thinking now drives Jeremy’s ambitions. He wants to work at a university with students in some capacity, while conducting research that challenges conventions - such as asking whether lifestyle changes should be considered before medication for some psychological problems, exploring meditation's effects on memory and wellbeing, and even bringing scientific rigour to parapsychology in locations said to be haunted.
“In the last three years, my life has changed so much. I am fitter, happier, and more focused than ever,” he says.
“I never really had career goals until I started studying and now, I hope to leave a lasting positive legacy on the world.”
The power of connection
Jeremy studies mostly online but credits phone chats with study buddies for being open to other people's points of view and consolidating his learning. Even more valuable has been his involvement with UNE’s Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS) program.
"PASS has made me feel so much more connected to UNE and offers an informal space for putting faces to names you see on all the forums. I have made many great friends through PASS."
He says the support from UNE staff has been unwavering. "Every unit co-ordinator, academic, admin person, tutor, PASS leader, etc at UNE has been great and highly personable," he says. "I have always felt supported … and that no challenge was ever insurmountable."
Jeremy’s advice to others who doubt their ability is: "Do not tell yourself you cannot do it, because you can. When there is a will, there is a way."
Do not tell yourself you cannot do it, because you can.
He urges prospective students to take advantage of pathways programs and TRACKS, to develop a study plan with UNE's help, and to recognise how accessible university is in Australia.
"I am so grateful that I took those first life-changing steps three years ago. Life is great!"
