One Year Later: From Intern Stress to Lisbon Bliss (And Finding my Hive)

It has been a year since my last blog post. Wow! And what a year it’s been! When I think back to the exact moment my internship finished, 31 May 2024, at 16:00, it feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. That same evening, at 22:00, I found myself on a plane to Lisbon, Portugal, ready to dive into a new adventure. Looking back, that night marked the start of one of the most transformative years of my life.

On our way to the airport, 1 hour after completing my internship

From Internship to Exam Prep and Finding My Tribe

Writing the HPCSA board exam was a huge milestone, and I won’t sugarcoat it; it was tough. Tough! But it also sparked something in me: the urge to make this process less lonely for others. So, I started a study group for interns preparing for the exam. It’s been so rewarding to create a space where we can swap notes, share resources, vent frustrations, and cheer each other on. "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together" - An African Proverb. There’s something powerful about coming together, isn’t there?

The Sushi after the Exam before...And then I slept for a day.

That passion for supporting fellow interns and advocating for their needs led to an unexpected but incredible honour: being appointed Chair of Student and Intern Affairs at EPASSA (The Educational Psychology Association of South Africa). In this role, I get to champion the voices of emerging professionals and help shape better experiences for those on the path I’ve just been on. It’s a huge responsibility, and also so deeply fulfilling.

Joining the Neurodiversity Hive: A Community and a Movement

In January of this year, I joined the Neurodiversity Hive, a team of passionate folks (Psychologists, Speech Therapists, and an Occupational Therapist) who are shaking things up when it comes to how we think about neurological differences. What I love about the Hive is that it’s not about “fixing” people or pathologising differences. Instead, we celebrate the unique ways neurodivergent brains work, from autism and ADHD to dyslexia and beyond.

The Hive is about changing systems so that everyone, regardless of how their brain is wired, can thrive and be accepted fully. Being part of this phenomenal group of people has been a game-changer for me, it’s fuelled my commitment to neurodiversity-affirming work in all aspects of my career.

NDH's second birthday, with a big 3 on the wall.

Portugal, Ericeira, and My IFS Level 1 Training

Back to that trip I mentioned at the beginning of this post. After landing in Lisbon, we took a 45-minute taxi to Ericeira, a stunning coastal town on Portugal’s west coast. If you haven’t heard of it, Ericeira is pure magic: dramatic cliffs dropping into turquoise waves, sandy beaches lined with surfers catching world-class waves, and a relaxed, creative vibe that makes you want to slow down and breathe. It was there that I completed my Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 training, alongside people from all over the world. That week was intense and deeply rewarding, a deep dive into a model that’s transformed how I understand healing and compassion, both for myself and those I work with.

After the training, we spent another week in Lisbon, soaking up the culture, wandering cobbled streets, trying delicious food, and soaking in the ocean views. It was the perfect balance of growth and joy.

A boat trip around Lisbon, before heading home.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Reflecting on this past year, I’m struck by how much growth can happen when you lean into new challenges and stay open to connection. From the board exam grind to forming study groups, joining EPASSA’s leadership, becoming part of the Neurodiversity Hive, and diving into IFS training in Portugal, it’s all woven together in this beautiful, messy, inspiring journey. If so much can happen in a year, I can't wait for the next chapter!