When Bachelor of Psychological Science student Erin Condrin was looking to study at university she was looking for flexibility and inclusivity, which she found at the Griffith University Tertiary Education Experience Day.

“I was amazed at what supports were available for students with disabilities, like myself.” Erin says, “The Foundation Year, the first year that most Health students share, gave me flexibility if I changed my mind about what I wanted to study.”

Erin has a strong interest in working with people and speaks highly of the value of orientation events, “I had the opportunity to meet other students and staff members, which made the transition into classes and university life a lot less stressful.”

Graduating this year, Erin is hoping to specialise in postgraduate study at Griffith with the Master of Speech Pathology.

“This has always been the end goal for my studies in Psychology, and the mentors that guided me along the way have helped me to prepare to meet this goal. I considered other Universities when looking at postgraduate study, but with the support available for students with disabilities and the overall culture of Griffith in combination with the excellence of the teaching, I would love to continue my journey with Griffith.”

Being a part of the Honours College on campus, Erin has a strong support network of friends and mentors and would advise new students to dive in to activities from day one, “Everyone is in the same boat, getting lost between classes and too nervous to talk in tutorials, I wish I’d known to make the most of everything that Griffith had to offer!”

Discussing the Health Group community, Erin talks about the generosity of spirit she’s found in both social and educational situations.

“Griffith University lives up to its advertising of being an inclusive place, which is reflected in support for people of diverse backgrounds, the celebration of differences evident in the social atmosphere of the university and our course content.”

The lecturers foster this sense of community between students and the university was lucky to have Erin’s keen mind contributing to a School of Applied Psychology research project recently.

“My favourite thing about both Griffith University and the Health Group is all the opportunities that are available,” she says.

“From scholarships, to professional development workshops, research, leadership, and work experience, there is always an opportunity to enhance and apply my studies.”

Having engaged with her peers and the university through roles like Vice President of the Griffith Psychology and Counselling Association, Erin’s contribution to the Griffith community has been invaluable.