Testimonials & Stories

I am thrilled to offer my heartfelt testimonial as a student currently studying the Diploma of Nursing. The program has been a transformative journey, as it not only honed my crucial clinical skills but also instilled in me the profound essence of compassion and empathy, embodying the true spirit of nursing.

The teachers’ dedication to teaching extends beyond the textbooks, as they consistently emphasize the human side of nursing. The emphasis on understanding patients’ emotions, fears, and struggles has been transformative.

Moreover, the school environment played a significant role in my development. The open conversation and supportive atmosphere allowed me to thrive and grow both personally and professionally. It fostered a sense of belonging and provided a platform for continuous improvement. This inclusive atmosphere has encouraged me to voice my thoughts confidently, further enhancing my learning experience.

I am proud to share that my dedication and growth during this course have led to receiving job offers on my placements and achieving recognition from work. The hands-on experience and the nurturing learning environment at the school have been instrumental in my professional development.

In conclusion, the Diploma of Nursing program has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and compassion needed to excel in the nursing profession. I am excited to embark on this rewarding career, knowing that my education has prepared me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

The students are a real asset to the Community Centre’s programs, they demonstrating having excellent skills and knowledge from their training.  They have very friendly and helpful personalities and work very well as team members and being self-starters, are also able to work unsupervised.  We consider ourselves very fortunate to have them on board. The staff, volunteers, program participants and clients are very appreciative of the work they do and always let me know what a great job they do.

We thank Tania Fernando, Sophie Upadhayay, Alexandros Vacharidis, Kim Brooks and Vicky Fletcher for their excellent contribution to the centre and wish them all the best with their career development.

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Students from Stott’s College assisted us in most of area’s where needed in our day-to-day organisation. The areas are grants, donations, admin, sponsorship, social media, logistics and field work. Stott’s College students contributed to engage with our community to affect positive and sustainable change.

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We have found the students (Diploma of Nursing) from Acknowledge Education to have high level skills and knowledge and to be of a high quality.  Based on our experience, we would be more than happy to accept nursing students or clinical placement from Acknowledge Education.

It’s been great experience working with Stott’s College and Joseph. Students have been very keen in learning while in their placement.  Lot of the placements have been converted into paid employment as well. Keep up the good work .

Ryan arrived in Australia on his working holiday visa in February 2020 just as COVID-19 unexpectedly hit the world hard and his life in Melbourne. He got hospitalised with a diagnosis of mental health for 2 weeks. However, the experience of being a patient made him consider nursing as a new career.

“I started the Diploma of Nursing in January 2021. My time at Acknowledge Education has been very positive, although it is not easy with the COVID-19 which initiated some mental health issues. However, through the support at the college, they have been overcome. Especially my trainers, who have gone above and beyond to help me. That’s why, I love coming to the college. It’s a supportive and equal environment where students can excel.”

Ryan has found the Anatomy unit and Wound Care unit very interesting.  His second placement was at a GP clinic where he was offered a job as a receptionist whilst still studying.   They have also offered him a job as an Enrolled Nurse after he completes his course and has full registration.”

”Fall down seven times, get up eight.”

– Written by Joan McAlpine (Course Coordinator)

Hiromi had a great career as a registered nurse in Japan.  However, in April 2018, she noted the significance of exploring a different lifestyle overseas and studying medical English in Melbourne. Hiromi undertook five different courses from English to a Diploma at Acknowledge Education. She was a diligent student and never missed a single class during her study over 4 years!!

“The COVID-19 pandemic, which started at the end of my first-year course added to my challenges, I witness people suffering all over the world, but it also made me realize the importance of community services.”

Through Certificate III in Individual Support, Hiromi gained knowledge and skills required to provide individual support to people using a holistic approach. Upon completion, she got a job as a Community Support Worker at Just Better Care.

“Positive feedback, expressions of gratitude and smiles of my clients make me happy and it’s a rewarding experience.”

Hiromi plans to work as a home-visiting nurse on her return to Japan, collaborates effectively with community services, and support in developing a diverse and inclusive community.

“In addition, the number of foreign technical interns who want to work as a caregiver in Japan has been increasing and I am interested in supporting them. I believe studying in Acknowledge Education allowed me to improve my English language abilities, to gain valuable experiences to accomplish my intended future career and to broaden my horizons.”

“Growing up in Africa, I have always wanted to explore, and the enthusiasm to learn knowing that knowledge is power.” I am a believer in this adage that says, “Develop a passion for learning, if you do, you will never cease to grow”.

Anne has improved significantly after being quite anxious and self-conscious in her role as a helper by openly and bravely confronting her fears.   She has displayed deep reflection and thinking on the course content and often offered “outside the box” perspectives during class discussions.  She is a collaborative learner and contributes greatly to the learning culture in the class and enriches the educational experience of her classmates.  Most importantly Anne genuinely embraces the value of the community services profession.

Anne’s integrity has earned her the admiration of other students who look to her as a leader.

For these attributes, Anne has been awarded the 2022 BCS Scholarship at Acknowledge Education.

“Studying the Bachelor of Community Services – seeing first-hand experiences in Australia such as the respect for clients’ autonomy and best interests – has broadened my knowledge of Human Rights; hence increased my motivation to further my course to a Doctorate degree level.”

– Written by Cameron McLean (Lecturer)

Kirill was all set for a successful career as a professional swimmer; however, his plans ended abruptly when, at the age of 18, he sustained a career ending injury in training. Kirill was forced to adapt and pave out a new life trajectory for himself. It was at this time that he discovered the Bachelor of Community Services at Acknowledge Education.

“During my time at Acknowledge Education, I received a huge amount of support from every lecturer, all knowledgeable in the field of social work and community services. As I progressed in my studies, my interest grew, and I realised that this was the field in which I wanted to make my career. I am forever grateful for the knowledge that my lecturers gave me and the memories I have created with them.”

One of the requirements of completing the Bachelor of Community Services is the 400-hour Placement in which students gain real-life industry experience. After completing his final placement, Kirill was offered a job with the organisation.

“It was an exciting step in my career as I knew this would open more doors for me. I worked for Afri-AusCare for approximately 9 months, and then I was employed by Uniting in their Integrated Family Services area which is a job I love.”

– Written by Gail Baker (Course Coordinator)

In a big cohort, always there is one who dedicated, emotionally connected with his classmates and eager to learn new things. Indeed, Rupan was always putting all his effort into his assignments and the most punctual student.  All case studies provided in class enabled him to develop his critical thinking but then he discovered that everything he learns can be applied to his daily life.

“My journey at Acknowledge Education (Stotts Collage) has been full of excitement, challenges, and learning. My gratitude is at its utmost level during my education. I had my health compromised where I was mentally and physically and Acknowledge Education had stood up with me and I was fortunate enough to receive all the services from the institution.”

His endurance, perseverance, and constant proactive manner to learning were admired by many academics and administration staff at AE. Rupan demonstrated resilience as he had to work and study. Finally, in 2022 after experiencing a lot of delays in his fieldwork placement, he graduated with a Bachelor of Community Services degree at Acknowledge Education.

“I would 100% recommend this institute to students for great exposure. AE brings wisdom, knowledge, student-friendly campuses, great study resources and professional, approachable lectures and administrative staff. Acknowledge Education is an all-in-one destination for your future.”

– Written by Vanessa Huacache (Senior Student Support Officer)

Shakti is from India; he studied a Bachelor of Pharmacy back home and has always had focus on helping others. He travelled to Australia to experience study in a different culture, environment, and background. During this time, he has been surprised by the focus on students that he experienced. His passion is to help people and make life easier for members of the community. While he has been studying, he has also been working with vulnerable members of his community, especially the aged and those who are most in need. This has given him the opportunities to grow and develop his practical skills in helping others. Most importantly it is work from which he draws satisfaction, happiness, and pride.

“The study in the fieldwork placement gives me the good opportunity to explore myself in the community”

• Written by Ben Tomecek (Course Coordinator)

Naomi is a dedicated student, popular with her peers and always engaged with her friends who studied the Bachelor of Community Services along with her. She is open to the opinions and experiences of other students and is keen to seek feedback to improve her work.

After completing her diploma in teaching in Zimbabwe, she was deployed to a satellite school in the outback of the country were there was no electricity, no tap water; a single borehole services the whole community and a single bus service that travelled that route once a day. It was an eye-opening experience as she had gone up in a total opposite environment. What broke her heart was the culture in the place which was ‘Education is not important for a girl child as she is destined to be married off to a “wealthy” family’. This made her to leave the teaching industry and pursue studies in Community Services, with help and support at Acknowledge Education in Perth. She graduated in December 2021, started a job as a Service Manager at a NDIS provider company six months after graduating. Back home, she has managed to team up with a local church and has started a cooperative that sells poultry and vegetables.  The money does not only pay a percentage of the “girl child” funding at the school she first taught at, it also sustains the project.

Studying Bachelor of Community Service has been a fantastic experience. The course is well-structured and paced, with an open and welcoming atmosphere that encourages students to learn. Acknowledge Education’s lecturers and administrative staff are also exceptionally supportive and accommodating, ensuring that no student is left behind. I believe that my decision to enrol in this course and to attend this institution was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life, because I have been transformed to a new level in everything I’ve ever experienced, and I’ve been able to achieve my personal goals more than I ever imagined thanks to their incredible assistance. Thank you Stott’s college and Acknowledge Education for transforming my life.

For me , I have had the best school life experience at stotts college, I have been supported every step of the way during my courses. The teachers as well as the other staff members have been so supportive and helpful. Also, there are lots of resources available, including books in the library as well as the computer lab. I cannot relate to any bad experience at Stotts as they really take good care of their students wellbeing. I would like to thank all the staff at stotts for the great experience as a student and looking forward to doing more courses with you 😊😊😊.

I am honored to be able to speak in front of you all today and represent my fellow classmates on our graduation day.

I would like to thank my family for all the support they have provided me throughout my life.

My thanks also go to all the strong women in my life who has been my mentor, friend, and sometimes therapist. This includes my lecturers Mariam, Gail, Liana, Cherie, Reene, Winnie and my lifelong friends Poppy, Charlie, Vicky, Prisca, Val, and of course my mother. And I know you are not a strong woman but thank you Alex for making my studies bearable and sometimes fun.

Special mention goes to my brothers Davin and Kevin who I love more than anyone else in this world that always have my back and look after me even when I don’t deserve it.

I also would like to thank my dogs Kiara and Chef who has taught me patience and unconditional love.

And I know my dad is not here anymore, but I am thankful every day that he was my dad and I hope I made him proud.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone that has been in my life even for a short while. I know you have made an impact on my growth as a person.

Graduation is a milestone in life. Personally, for me it marks my independence and freedom. Life is full of responsibilities but how great it is to decide which one is the one you want to prioritize. We can fail and we can succeed but it is all up to us. Being accountable for our own actions increases our possibilities. We can be our authentic selves. We can finally breathe out and say it’s over and I survive. And now we are equipped with our bachelor degree to find a job so we can be independent and do what we like with our lives.

All kidding aside, these past years of studying has taught me so much. Although sometimes it is unclear what I have learned, I know for sure that I have grown and developed since my first day at Stott’s. I think, mostly, I have learnt to be more compassionate with others and I now try to look at the underlying factors that can impact someone’s behavior. We can all be ignorant, and I think living is easier that way. But I think this world need more people with compassion and understanding. And I hope I am one of those people.

To all my fellow graduates, as we go on, we remember.

All the times we had together.

And as our lives change, we will still be friends forever.

By the way the last part is a lyric from the graduation song by Vitamin C if no one gets the joke. Cheers.

Clarissa Evelyn Bunjamin, the Dux of 2020, Bachelor of Community Services

I’m Hazol, currently studying a Diploma of Community Services. As someone looking into working with marginalised communities, studying Community Services at Stott’s College has been an amazing journey so far.

There is tremendous support from the academic staff, who have vast experience in the field and always go out of their way to ensure that they give honest feedback as well as advice on how to venture into the Community Service Industry.

Reflecting on my time so far at the College, I am amazed at how quickly I have learned how to think outside of the box. I enjoy the course, and I believe that this was the right decision for me.

My first semester seemed like yesterday in Stotts College. I made so many friends and I appreciated the information and experiences gained throughout this semester. I recommend Stott’s College to others because they have excellent teachers and a great nursing lab at the campus.