HUMAN STUDIES STUDENT TESTIMONIALS AND STORIES

Hi, I am Carrie. A couple of months ago, I completed my Diploma of Community Services at Acknowledge Education (AE) and engaged in this sector at that time. I am pleased to currently work as a support worker at Care Services Australia, a role that effectively bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical implementation. It is encouraging to me that assisting people in need not only brings me happiness and a sense of accomplishment based on a genuine and trusting rapport with people but also allows me to make a positive impact on the community and contribute to society.

Learning gives me pleasure and builds a feeling of autonomy and capability. Before pursuing further education, I held the position of HR manager in China for over 10 years. This experience has provided me with a deep comprehension of how to contribute to the overall well-being of individuals successfully. I thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to obtain theories, skills, and principles that are crucial for employment in the community services industry. I am motivated to acquire knowledge and continue my studies in the Bachelor of Community Services at AE because it is a more advanced degree ideal for enhancing my ethical, competent, and culturally appropriate community service practice and supporting my lifelong professional development. Moreover, it is worth noting that this course has received accreditation from the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), which is a recognised professional organisation.

In the future, I aim to promote the exemplary work being done within our community services sector and highlight the significance of providing high-quality services that lead to person-centered outcomes and positive experiences for both clients and their support networks.

As a migrant from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) background, Priyashani understands the profound challenges that youth from migrant and refugee backgrounds face when settling in Australia. Her personal experiences as a person of color have been instrumental in building rapport and fostering deep connections with these youth and their families. This bond allows her to genuinely appreciate their cultural customs, traditions, and nuances. Her background equips her with the empathy and cultural sensitivity necessary to support and advocate for these young individuals effectively.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Priyashani chose to work in the Community Services sector. She is currently employed at the Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne), where her responsibilities include:
• Providing one-on-one support through case management and counseling for disengaged or at-risk youth from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
• Developing and facilitating psychoeducational group programs for youth.
• Developing and delivering cultural competency training in schools and for service providers.
• Conducting risk assessments for young people facing complex challenges such as family violence, abuse, and mental health issues.
• Offering secondary consultations to schools and external service providers on issues faced by CaLD youth.

Priyashani's unwavering dedication to supporting marginalized communities and her determination to make a meaningful impact on their lives highlight the transformative power of community services. Confident in her choice to change careers, she looks forward to growing professionally and continuing to make a difference.

If you are committed to supporting marginalized communities and aspire to make a meaningful impact, studying community services will unlock numerous career opportunities for you.

Varun grew up in a family that instilled in him the values of resilience and adaptability, essential for success in life. His upbringing also emphasized cultural pride and identity, fostering a strong, close-knit bond with his family.

When Varun began his Bachelor of Community Services, he knew his passion lay in Family Services. Today, he is a dedicated Family Services Case Manager at the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) in Wangaratta, regional Victoria. In this role, Varun works within an integrated family services team to support Aboriginal individuals and families referred to the program. He collaborates closely with clients, key partners, and stakeholders to provide comprehensive support to Aboriginal children and families, addressing their specific needs.

Varun offers two key pieces of advice to aspiring students: build a professional network through LinkedIn, and prioritize self-care. "Helping those in need can be draining and impactful; you must take care of yourself to effectively care for others," he says.

Varun never forgets the supportive student services at Acknowledge Education that helped him during his studies. The institution assisted him in finding suitable and meaningful placements, which led to the job he loves today. Beyond his educational achievements, Varun serves as a youth representative for the Victorian Multicultural Commission and recently joined the board of a local youth organization, NESAY, aiming to improve the lives of youth in the area.

Varun's future is bright in a region known for its beautiful natural surroundings, multicultural environment, and abundant work opportunities. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and dedication.

As an international student, Jebet moved to Australia in 2017 from Kenya, enriching her perspective and enabling her to bring diverse insights to Velie Healthcare Services which Jebet is headed as CEO. She became an Australian citizen on May 22, 2024, in Camden municipality, Greater Western Sydney.

As the CEO of Velie Healthcare Services, a registered NDIS provider, Jebet leads a team dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health needs. Her family's values of compassion, empathy, and resilience, rooted in her cultural background, inspire her work and the inclusive, respectful principles of the organization.

Two significant achievements Jebet made after completing Bachelor of Community Services are:
1. Establishing Velie Healthcare Services as a trusted provider, which has been fulfilling due to the positive impact on clients.
2. Fostering a supportive, professional team environment, particularly for students from Acknowledge Education, providing growth opportunities.

Advice for aspiring students includes following your passion, gaining practical experience, continuous learning, building a strong network, and being resilient.

Living and studying in Australia offers numerous benefits such as high-quality education, cultural diversity, a high standard of living, work opportunities, natural beauty, research opportunities, and comprehensive student support services. Acknowledge Education helped me settle in through orientation programs, robust student support, cultural integration, language support, practical assistance, and community-building initiatives.

Looking ahead, Jebet aims to expand its services, enhance training and development, increase community outreach, and integrate new technologies to improve service delivery and operational efficiency for Velie Heatlhcare Services.

I have always been interested in talking to people and giving them advice to help them feel better. The counselling sessions and theory in my classes at Acknowledge Education are helping me learn to provide support to people in need. My teachers make these lessons much easier to comprehend and help me gain knowledge on how to apply this in real life.

In the future, I want to work with young people. I want to help the current generation to reach and maintain a good position in life and I want to be there for them in any way I can. I am looking forward to being a counsellor and contributing to the betterment of the community, and AE is making that journey a pleasure

The course at Acknowledge Education was very interesting because I learnt about many things that are currently happening in our community in Australia. The lecturers sharing their knowledge in their different fields of expertise gave me a better understanding of what working as a Community Service Worker entails.

As an international student, there were many community issues that I was not aware of until I studied the course, such as homelessness, alcohol and drug abuse and other challenges, and this has enabled me to be more aware of those around me who are going through some of these challenges. I also got to learn the history of Indigenous Australians, which gave me a better perspective on how these issues are often discussed in the media.

The support from our lecturers and support staff made the education journey at AE easier and more interesting. They demonstrated understanding and empathy for the students since, as international students, we go through many challenges that were especially elevated during the COVID lockdowns.

In the Philippines, counselling is a bit of a taboo, so I want to change that and provide quality counselling services to assist my fellow Filipinos who need it the most.

I have always wanted to pursue a course that provides me with the ability to make a positive impact on the community. This is why I found my counselling practice classes at Acknowledge Education very interesting—they provide me with an idea of how to empower people and collaborate with them to help them cope with their problems.

After my bachelor’s degree, I am interested in pursuing a postgraduate program in counselling at Acknowledge Education.

My experience with the institution has been smooth. I love how good the trainers are to their students, just by making sure we feel comfortable and respectful to everyone in campus, they set the good examples. I have learnt a few things at Acknowledge Education so far in relation to my course, and this gives me confidence to practice in real life. Thank you!

During and after my final placement at the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association in September, which Acknowledge Education helped to arrange, I have received offers to work on multiple projects and later got promoted to a full-time position. I have been working as a CHSP service coordinator and, at the same time, co-facilitating social groups for older people who live with dementia.

It was an honour for our group to receive a Community Grant from Maribyrnong Council where I had the privilege to meet Maribyrnong’s Mayor at the celebration event. It was such a rewarding journey at Acknowledge Education, where doors like these are opened and you can be sure that all the hard work will one day bear fruit.

“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.”

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)

Kirandeep’s time at Acknowledge Education has equipped her with essential skills, including critical thinking, research, and cultural awareness. This foundation has significantly boosted her employability and fostered resilience and independence, crucial for adapting to life in Australia. Career services sharpened her resume and job search skills, while language classes enhanced her communication. Cultural exchange programs and international support provided valuable cross-cultural skills and guidance for living overseas, laying a solid foundation for personal growth and academic success.

Now working as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse at Sacred Heart Community in Melbourne, Kirandeep administers medications, monitors health, provides wound care, and conducts health assessments.

Raised with values of integrity, hard work, and compassion, Kirandeep’s cultural traditions instilled a strong sense of identity and community. Celebrating festivals and maintaining close-knit relationships taught her respect and resilience, shaping her character.

Kirandeep is proud of achieving job satisfaction and career growth through a well-earned promotion. She also cherishes her role in strengthening family bonds and supporting loved ones, thanks to a supportive husband.

To aspiring nursing students, Kirandeep advises prioritizing passion, dedication, strong communication, and empathy. Self-care, staying updated on medical advancements, and gaining practical experience are crucial.
She aims to pursue advanced certifications, diverse clinical experiences, and leadership roles. Continuous education, professional networking, community health initiatives, and advocacy are her priorities. Ultimately, she aspires to mentor future nurses and influence healthcare policies, becoming a registered nurse.

Australia’s excellent healthcare system, high living standards, and diverse society make it an ideal place for Kirandeep and her family's future. She is preparing for permanent residency or citizenship, aiming for a fulfilling life in Australia.

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for all the support and guidance you and your team provided during my Placement-1. Your assistance was invaluable in helping me navigate through the challenges and gain valuable experience. Your mentorship and constructive feedback not only helped me improve my skills but also boosted my confidence in tackling complex tasks. I truly appreciate the time and effort you invested in ensuring my success during this placement.  Working under your guidance was a privilege, and I am grateful for the positive impact it had on my professional growth. Your leadership and encouragement have motivated me to excel further in my career.

As Placement-2 approaches, I am filled with enthusiasm and eagerness to continue working with you. I am confident that this upcoming placement will be another opportunity for me to learn, develop new skills, and contribute even more effectively to the team.  I am grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me and look forward to building upon the knowledge and experiences gained from our previous collaboration. I am committed to putting in my best effort and making the most of this upcoming opportunity.

Once again, thank you for your continued support, and I eagerly await the start of Placement-2.

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.”

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.

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.

I have just completed my first year in the Diploma of Community Services, where I found my trainers to be knowledgeable and supportive, especially in assisting me with my assessments. Coming from a creative background, I was also very happy to be involved in the Art Therapy  and other lifestyle programs while on placement at Aurrum Aged Care. Even better, I have transitioned into a paid role as their Lifestyle Assistant after successfully completing my placement!

I was a registered nurse in Japan specialising in Home-based nursing. I have always been interested in community nursing and public health. I decided to study the Diploma of Community Services to bring my nursing career to the next level by gaining knowledge and skills in community services. I found one of the units, Manage and Promote Diversity very interesting. We learn how to assist and engage with people from culturally and linguistic background. I learned about gender inequality and how this is reflected in the Japanese culture.

Students in class comprise of many nationalities and speak English. Educators conduct classes always simple and easy to understand. Even when there are questions from students outside of class, educators usually find time either during the breaks or after class to respond. Due to classes being in the evening, I have the opportunity to work during the day. Therefore, allowing for a positive well-balanced student life of study and work.

View here for Japanese translation (日本語）

When I was researching and exploring my options of colleges to study community services, I came across Stott’s College and instantly knew this was the place to be.  With a strong support system for international students, I am able to capitalise on the opportunities available here to achieve my goal.

I have enjoyed access to a range of services and units created to promote career development, with first and second placements in reputable welfare organisations. The staff are friendly and very helpful.

I have had a lot of unforgettable memories when studying the Bachelor of Community Services course at Stott’s College. Both the lecturers and staff have been so incredibly responsive and helpful to students. The online learning resources and Moodle platform are clear and intuitive. The quality of the teaching has been excellent. Lecturers are professional, experienced, concise, and engaging. Constant student-tutor interaction has also assisted me in consolidating my understanding on previously confusing topics. More importantly, through the two fieldwork placements, I have been able to integrate and apply community services theories into practice. The placements improved my skills and knowledge to make me ready and highly confident to work in the industry. I plan to someday contribute to the general community, and to give back to the Stott’s College community, which helped me pursue my dreams.

What I like in the course is learning how to embrace vulnerable people in the community by listening to them and giving them a voice to become better members of society.

Stott’s College is committed to guiding students on the right path of success.

My name is Niranjana Sara Binny. I am currently a Nursing student at Stott’s College. I have just started my nursing course in January 2021. Previously, I studied the Diploma of Community Services.  I took Nursing in the Stott’s College itself because the management is quite friendly, and I am comfortable with the management. We can pay the fees on installment which I feel much easier as an international student. When it comes to teaching, teachers are always available for students even if it’s not the working hours. We are able to mail them at any time and they are very helpful with the assessments. Looking into  the infrastructure, they are quite student friendly, which gives homely feels.