A letter to first year me: Amy

Posted on: 9 December 2024 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

Amy Bethanie Hill is a Class of 2024 MSc Psychology (Conversion) graduate. Here, she looks back at her time at the University of Liverpool and thinks about what she would tell her younger self.

Dear First-Year Me,

Buckle up, because your first year is going to be a whirlwind. Between Covid disruptions and navigating the pain of recent estrangement, emotions will run high. But here’s the thing: you’re stronger than you think. As you step into second year, you’ll find your footing, and the chaos will settle into a rhythm. Normalcy will return, even if it looks a little different than you anticipated.

Third year? That’s where the magic happens. You’ll make lasting friendships, step into the role of a disability coach, and embrace your neurodiversity with newfound confidence. This is the year your degree starts to reflect you. You’ll find empowerment in weightlifting and discover that life is about thriving, not just surviving. By the end of the year, you’ll be the second-most active Liverpool Advocate—a title that will become a cornerstone of your growth and connection to others. Sure, there’ll be the inevitable ‘cant find a job’ that leads you to a panic Master’s, but trust me, it’s part of the journey.

Your Master’s year will exceed every expectation. You’ll dive headfirst into your passion for disability and social mobility advocacy, a field that will ignite your purpose. It won’t be easy, but it will be transformative. Before you even cross the graduation stage, you’ll land a role at a charity—proof that even rejection can lead to opportunity and self-discovery. (And hey, maybe there’s a PhD in your future. Never say never.)

Looking back, you’ll see just how resilient you’ve been. A 2:1 degree, a Master’s with merit, and a graduate role—you achieved all of that. Now, you’re the person your younger self needed: a guiding light for your brother as he begins his nursing degree, and a source of inspiration for students you support as a Programme Coordinator at upReach. Oh, and did I mention? You landed that job before your second graduation.

You’re smashing it. Every hardship, every challenge was worth it. I’m so proud of everything you’ve achieved—and of the incredible person you’ve become.

With love and pride,

Future You, Amy

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