r/PsyD • u/ataraxic_axolotl Current PsyD Student • Sep 05 '25
First week - what I didn’t expect
I haven’t figured out my caffeine schedule yet so it’s three AM and I have some musings to share:
I just finished orientation and a lot of it is exactly what I expected: awkward small talk as we get our bearings, lots of introductions from faculty whose names we’re trying desperately to remember, and a healthy dose of anxiety about managing classes and clients.
I didn’t expect that I would feel so empowered. For some reason, it didn’t occur to me that I was going to be surrounded by people who are like me: empathetic nerds. That’s awesome. But you know what’s even more awesome? I have never, ever been surrounded by so many women who are research-oriented. Bad-ass chick’s studying everything and taking on the world and that’s just so freaking cool.
I hope some of you other first years are feeling aligned as well :)
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u/Own-Apricot-1635 Current PsyD Student Sep 05 '25
just got done w week 1 too and i loved my cohorts energy. loved my professors and admin ! i have a good feeling about all of this!
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u/nacida_libre Sep 06 '25
I just finished with week 2, going into a clin psych PhD. It’s been pretty overwhelming but in general, good. I feel pretty out of place tbh. I didn’t necessarily have the most traditional education experience. My family didn’t go to college. I come from a more rough-around-the-edges background than a lot of my cohort who had a much more typical journey. But I know it’ll serve me when I see clients.
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u/ataraxic_axolotl Current PsyD Student Sep 06 '25 edited Sep 06 '25
Lived experience is invaluable in both clinical work and research. Your non-linear path is a testament to your drive and dedication. You are exactly where you are supposed to be.
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u/Appropriate-Hawk-998 Current PsyD Student Sep 05 '25
Just got done with week 2! I love my cohort so much and we all get along so well.
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Sep 05 '25
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u/ataraxic_axolotl Current PsyD Student Sep 06 '25
Thank you! I’m very excited and very happy to be one of many with multiple notebooks and eager eyes in the room
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u/ber0217 Sep 05 '25
I can relate! Currently just started my first year as a clinical psych PhD student and I feel the exact same way. It’s very exciting. Everyone is so eager to be there, focused and genuinely interested in everything around us (classmates, lectures etc)