“You don’t have to take the straight path to succeed in life”
15 July 2024
Sidsel Koop, a mature student from Denmark, graduates with a first-class degree in psychology and hopes to inspire others to pursue their ambitions.
Sidsel, 32, from Århus in Denmark, grew up in an unstable home and lived with untreated ADHD until age 24. As a result, she struggled with ill mental health, severe anxiety, and depression, making it difficult for her to fit into traditional educational settings.
“Typical educational pathways often cater to the learning styles of neurotypical individuals and don’t necessarily accommodate neurodivergence or other health problems – sometimes despite good intentions,” said Sidsel.
Sidsel began further education later in life, enrolling in college at the age of 25 to get the qualifications to get into university. Sidsel's confidence grew when she discovered her enjoyment and aptitude for learning despite her disability.
“My difficult childhood and turbulent start in adult life inspired me to pursue psychology. I believed my experiences, combined with theoretical knowledge, would give me a unique perspective and skillset to help others,” added Sidsel.
Sidsel found support through the university’s disability services, her friends and the group ‘Thinking Differently’ – a group open to anyone neurodiverse.
A final-year module, Modelling Creativity and Curiosity in the Brain, particularly resonated with her due to its interactive and inclusive teaching approach.
The lecturers encouraged creativity and curiosity themselves and truly listened to the students. The course was centred around a journal club and was really interactive. This type of learning environment was beneficial to me – I felt respected and involved in my own learning.
After graduating, Sidsel wants to pursue a career in User Experience Design and Research – where psychological theory is applied to create technology that is designed with the user in mind. Sidsel is committed to inclusivity and wants to ensure that the voices of minority groups and vulnerable, neurodiverse, and disabled individuals are heard when new products are being designed.
Sidsel said: “Life hasn’t followed the typical path for me and sometimes I have caught myself thinking if I am ‘doing life wrong’. It can feel very lonely doing things in a different order from everyone else.”
You don’t have to take the straight path to succeed in life. In the end, everyone has their own timeline, and to anyone thinking it is too late – it is never too late. This journey has immensely boosted my confidence and I am thrilled to get to the finish line so I can pursue even bigger things.