I have been working for twelve years with organisations that focus on people’s health and well-being. This has opened an opportunity to use my life experiences, strengths, skills and passion, which I have gained, make significant contributions to the welfare of my clients. To start, I used to work as an assistant nurse in an aged care setting for four years. where my duties and roles were to assist elderly people in meeting their daily needs and give them maximum independence. I used to follow a personal’s needs and care plan, which gave me an excellent plan to deliver a holistic care approach and ensure a client’s preference.
Furthermore, I became aware some parents and their children who were Refugees and Migrants background in my local schools were facing a lot of challenges. For example, the language barrier was hindering effective communication between schools and parents. I realised and became concerned that it could become an enormous issue and post a negative outcome for both schools and local community members. For instance, many parents whom I had spoken with complained about poor relationships with schools and poor results for their children. Some of the parents were even concerned that these results might impact their children’s behaviours. At that stage, it was very clear something needed to be done, to try to solve this emerging trend between parents of Refugee’s backgrounds and the local schools.
Luckily, some local principals had also sensed the problems too. So, the Federal government provided funds to local community-based organisations to help schools. The schools and local organisations met and agreed to establish some community hubs in Ipswich areas. The Community Hubs were set up in most schools in Ipswich areas. I applied for the job with one of the local schools as a Community Hub Coordinator. My duties and roles include creating a welcoming space, creating a safe space, and being the bridge between parents and school staff. I created a homework club and a playgroup for 0-4-year-olds. I worked so hard and provided for some families to attend homework and play groups. Moreover, I worked with Queensland TAFE to deliver English classes for adults at the hub location. After two years, there were some improvements displayed between parents and school staff, for example, most parents attended school activities as well as attended parent meetings with teachers as well, and some results were improved for some children. As I am a hard-working person, a supportive person and a person of high integrity who has a passion for personal growth and helping people, I have no doubts that my mission statement is “To positively impact individuals by providing outstanding services”. To continue working toward my mission statement. Not only have I realised that delivering effective services depends on my life experiences, strengths, skills and passion but also to acquire more knowledge through professional development and empowerment. As a result of this, I have commenced my university studies, at the University of South Queensland where I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Human Services, majoring in health and social well-being.
In conclusion, life has been busy for me with personal commitment, family, work and learning. It was not easy to achieve all the things I have mentioned, but., I used strategies such as goal setting to guide and pursue my mission. In the meantime, I have set up some short and long-term goals. moreover, these goals can be classified into personal, family, work and professional goals:
SHORT-TERM GOALS
Study goals
- To complete two courses in trimester 1 of 2025(Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Time-sensitive). It is achievable by attending my weekly lectures, completing reading and learning activities, working on my assessments and ensuring I pass them.
- To complete two courses each in the next two trimesters of 2025.
Work goals
- To continue working in the Disability Sector as a casual employee until I complete my studies in 2026.
- To maintain working 20 hours per week to have time for my other commitments, especially until I complete my studies in 2026.
Family goals
- To continue to support my children in their learning. This can be achieved by avoiding work or studies before and after school hours, as they need my support.
LONG-TERM GOALS
Study goals
- Complete my second placement in trimester 1, 2026.
- Graduate 2026.
Work goals
- Find full time
- Become an NDIS provider in 2026.
Family goals
- To visit South Sudan with my family in 2027.
- Supporting my children to achieve well in their education
