Kathleen Walsh
Specific Learning Disability Diagnosis and Students' Self-Concepts
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
After completing my undergraduate degree in psychology, I knew I had found a subject area that I was passionate about and wanted to pursue. After working for a year after graduation, I was ready and motivated to go back to school and felt that graduate school would offer the focus, direction, and challenge that I was missing.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
When researching school psychology programs, UBC was consistently ranked amongst top schools in Canada. Unlike many of the other programs offered across the country, UBC's program has a strong focus on practical experience and provides opportunities at all points of the program for different practicum experiences. This was the major factor in my decision making process, in addition to the fact that the PhD program is both APA and CPA accredited.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Vancouver is an absolutely amazing place to live and to learn. Moving from coast to coast has been an extremely challenging and rewarding experience. Constantly I am amazed by the incredible beauty of this city and all it has to offer.
Graduate school is about more than just advancing your academics; it's also about growing in all aspects of your life.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Starting any program can be extremely overwhelming, particularly if you are moving to a new place at the same time. Make sure to take time for yourself, to allow yourself the time to get to know your new surroundings and to enjoy them. Also, establishing work-life balance is essential to your well-being and both personal and academic success. Graduate school is about more than just advancing your academics; it's also about growing in all aspects of your life.
