Silence Your Critic - Jenna's Story
Video •
In this interview, Jenna, a BSc (Hons) Forensic and Criminal Investigation student at Arden University, shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt, silencing her inner critic, and finding confidence through the support system at Arden.
You can watch our video with Jenna here and read her full interview below:
Jenna, can you tell us a bit about your experience at Arden University and what drew you to study here?
Coming back to study as a mature student was a huge decision, and I wasn’t sure how well I’d fit in. But from the moment I started, I found Arden’s student support system to be incredibly helpful. It was reassuring to know that no matter what doubts I had, I wasn’t on this journey alone. The support here really gave me the confidence to keep going, especially when my inner critic told me I wasn’t capable.
How would you describe the level of support you’ve received from Arden’s staff and resources?
The support has been phenomenal. Whether it’s the careers team, academic tutors, or workshops, I always felt like there was someone to guide me. What I really appreciate is how proactive the staff are in reaching out and providing real steps to move forward. It’s helped me shut down those voices of self-doubt and focus on the next step in my academic journey.
You’ve also been involved as a student representative. How did that shape your experience at Arden?
Being a student rep has had a huge impact. It gave me a platform to make sure my voice, and the voices of others, were heard. Helping my peers and providing feedback made me realize that I’m not alone in my struggles. It also shifted my focus from my own doubts to how I can support others in overcoming theirs. The opportunity to contribute to the community and help others succeed was empowering.
Q: You mentioned that you’ve struggled with self-doubt before. How did you overcome that?
I’ve always had this voice telling me I wasn’t good enough, whether it was comparing myself to my sister, who’s a teacher, or feeling like I didn’t measure up. When I embraced the ‘Silence Your Critic’ mindset, I started focusing on my own journey instead of those comparisons. I realised it wasn’t about being perfect; it was about progress. By telling myself, ‘I am capable,’ I started to believe it, and that made all the difference.
What was it like volunteering at an Arden graduation ceremony, and how did it impact you?
Attending the graduation for the first cohort of forensic students was a turning point. Seeing them walk across the stage, I thought, ‘I want that too.’ The energy was incredible, and it gave me the inspiration to push through my doubts. I set a goal to graduate with first-class honours, and now I can picture it; walking across that stage with my degree, just like I once saw others do.
Now that you’re nearing the end of your degree, how do you feel about your future?
I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. What started as a small step of courage has turned into a huge achievement. I’m not just focused on finishing my degree, I’m focused on proving to myself, and to my kids, that no matter your age or where you start, you can accomplish anything if you believe in yourself and work hard. The journey isn’t over; it’s just beginning.
Finally, what advice would you give to students who may be struggling with self-doubt?
My biggest piece of advice is to take it one step at a time. Ignore the voice telling you that you’re not good enough and trust yourself. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up and doing your best. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s from a tutor, a student rep, or anyone in the community. At Arden, you have the support you need to thrive. If I can do it, so can anyone.
If Jenna’s story sounds familiar, remember it’s never too late to switch careers with a degree. You can find out more about the wide range of course we offer to suit all career and life pathways here.
