Katarina Khitra, a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) graduate is on her way to achieving her dream career of becoming a Clinical Psychologist thanks to her degree at Western Sydney University.
Confident that she wanted to pursue psychology at university after completing her Year 12 HSC studies, Katarina says Western was the ideal choice for her university journey.
“I chose Western Sydney University for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, values that strongly resonated with me,” said Katarina.
“What drew me to Western was its recognition of individual potential beyond academic scores from high school. Despite not achieving the highest ATAR result, Western extended me the opportunity to pursue my dream degree in psychology, highlighting a university that prioritises merit and inclusiveness in its approach to education.”
Katarina’s fascination with the field of psychology and its concepts goes back to her formative years, where even at a young age, she found herself gravitating toward literature and media about psychology.
“My genuine interest and passion in psychology has not only shaped my academic choices but has also played a crucial role in defining how I engage with and relate to others.
“Beyond academic interest, learning about psychology has allowed me to build real connections with people by getting to know them on a deeper level and understanding how their lived experiences have shaped their identities.”
Katarina says her undergraduate journey at Western Sydney University has been a self-discovery process that has helped to develop a better understanding of her own areas of interest and clinical speciality.
“The broad scope of my undergraduate degree at Western has exposed me to the diverse avenues and pathways within the field of psychology.
“I am confident that my degree has provided me with a solid foundation for the continuation of my education. I plan to pursue the Master of Clinical Psychology at Western in 2024, which will be a significant step toward reaching my ultimate career goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist.”
For Katarina, participating in student programs and work opportunities on campus has allowed her to build meaningful relationships with fellow students and University staff members.
“My university experience became more rewarding for me when I started to actively engage as a student, connecting with like-minded peers and exploring various opportunities the University offers.
“Some of the highlights of my experiences include participating in university events and programs, notably the LEAD Program in 2022, and the unforgettable experience of climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2023.
“These experiences not only enriched my academic journey but also contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.”
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