Student Highlights
From paramedic to psychologist, helping to mend damaged lives

At 40 years old, and a father of two young children, Joshua came to university after working as a paramedic for more than 14 years.

Across his career Joshua lived and worked at several metropolitan and regional locations in Western Australia and New South Wales.

Sadly, Joshua experienced trauma in both his personal and professional life, leading him to the realisation that he needed a career change.

“Throughout my years on the road as a Paramedic I experienced many traumatic events.

“Then the death of my younger brother severely exacerbated the PTSD symptoms I was already experiencing.

“I attempted to go back to work several times over the course of a few years and eventually realised it was time for a career change,” he said.

After positive experiences with a psychologist, Joshua found a new inspiration and passion, deciding to pursue a career in psychology.

“I find it hard to express in words the impact my psychologist and psychiatrist have had on my life.

“Working with them and having their support over the past 5 years has changed the course of my life.

“I would be honoured to be in a position where I could connect with and support people through the difficulties that life can bring,” he said.

Reflecting on his personal experiences at university, Joshua found an unexpected love of learning, especially in relation to the functionality of the human brain.

“The more I learn, the more I realise I have to learn, and I am so excited by that.

“I know I have found the right path,” he said.

Coming from a paramedic background with no professional psychology knowledge, Joshua has found the course content to be fascinating and has found it has expanded his understanding of his new career pathway options.

“I am developing a greater understanding of how complex we humans are and the power of the human mind. It fascinates me,” he said.

Aiming to become a Clinical Psychologist, Joshua hopes to help those facing mental struggles within his previous profession, as well as others in the community struggling with their mental health.

“I look forward to contributing to the support of front-line emergency personnel. I would like to help people live a life of their choosing.

“I want to have a career that I am passionate about and which allows me to balance family life and work.

"I want to be there for my family and watch my girls grow into strong, healthy, independent women,” he said.

Encouraging others to find their passion and make it a reality, Joshua feels lucky to have this opportunity to pursue a new career.

“This course has been such a good thing to be a part of. Change for the positive is always good.

“Take it on. Plant positive seeds of change and watch what grows,” he said.

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Joshua Davy

After 15 years as a paramedic, Joshua made the decision to change his career and perspective on life. Happier than ever and striving to be an inspiration for his two young children, he hopes to help others handle the difficulties of life.

I look forward to contributing to the support of front-line emergency personnel. I would like to help people live a life of their choosing.