Theresa Zamel
B.S. Psychology, International Psychoanalytic University Berlin
“For me, it’s the most natural thing in the world to study Psychology. I thought, “Why would I study anything else?”
I’ve always wanted to study Psychology, ever since I was 14. My father is a psychologist and my brother is too. I sort of grew up with analytical theory, and took a lot of it with me when I left home.
In order to get practical experience and a fuller impression of Psychology, I decided to start vocational training in Nursing in Lüneburg after finishing high school. I really enjoyed working as a nurse, and everything I learned strengthened my desire to study Psychology. I am proud to be a nurse and still work as a psychiatric nurse on the side. During my training, though, I realized that being a nurse wasn’t enough for me. I want to provide even greater support for my patients, so I decided to apply to study Psychology at IPU.
My vocational training prepared me in a lot of ways for this goal. I learned organizational skills and developed perseverance, but I also realized how grateful I am for my life and health. To step out of the professional world and back into the “learning world” wasn’t difficult for me, because I had already starting preparing for my studies during my vocational training. My dream of studying Psychology motivated me to perform at my best in my training, so that I could show my interest in studying through its successful completion.
What I especially like about IPU is its balanced combination of theory and practice. Because of my work on the psychiatric ward, I was especially well prepared for this. I have clinical and practical experience that helps me to recognize symptoms and know how they might develop.
IPU provides a platform for informal interdisciplinary discussions that take place all the time. I find that especially important, also for personal development. I enjoyed a similar atmosphere of exchange at the annual general meeting of the CHANCEN eG, and am now helping the CHANCEN eG plan a meeting for first-years at IPU where we will meet additional members of the cooperative.
