We are fortunate enough to welcome two passionate university students who will be supporting our team while gaining practical experience in their specialised fields.
Let’s get to know them!
Meet Nirvana
Nirvana is currently studying social work and will be supporting the Training Centre Visitor Unit until later this year. Nirvana will be participating in all aspects of the program, including visiting children and young people in the Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre (KTYJC) – be sure to say hi to her if you see her in the centre.
What degree are you doing?
I’m in my first year of Master of Social Work at Southern Cross University. My undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Psychological Science.
Why did you want to get into social work?
It has always been my goal to study psychology so when I decided to go to uni I never really looked into any other courses. But about halfway through my undergrad I realised psychology wasn’t for me. I found that the kind of work I wanted to do was more in line with social work. I am glad I studied psychology as I learnt a lot about research, critical thinking, and human development but I really feel a stronger connection to social work and its individual and person-centred approach.
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
I currently work for Skylight Mental Health. I’m a support worker and my role involves supporting people in various ways, such as: 1:1 support, group programs and NDIS applications. I really love my job. I enjoy working with a diverse range of people and that every day is different.
What are you looking forward to the most during your placement with our office?
I’m most looking forward to meeting and hearing the voices and experiences of the children and young people at KTYJC when I go on a visit with the team. I acknowledge what a huge privilege it is to be involved in this aspect of what the TCVU does. I’m also really excited to be able to work and interact with everyone in the office as everyone has so much experience and knowledge that I will be able to take in and learn from.
What are three words that best describe you?
I decided to ask my partner and best friend what 3 words they would use to describe me and they said: ‘authentic, strong and compassionate’.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work/studying/doing placement?
When I’m not working or studying I like to do hot yoga and pilates, going hiking or getting outdoors with my partner, spending time with our cat Marshall and watching Netflix.
Meet Mikeyli
Mikeyli is in her final year of studying law. Mikeyli will spend the next few months working on a project researching the rights of children and young people in care and the most effective legal mechanisms for supporting those.
“My name is Mikeyli and I am studying a Bachelor of Law and Arts at the University of Adelaide. I am currently in my 4th year and in my final semester of my Arts degree, with a major in politics.
I am an Arrernte woman from Alice Springs, NT and have lived in Adelaide for the past five years for my degree. I have a passion for social justice, human rights and Indigenous issues. Once I graduate, my goal is to practise law and return to my community.”
Plus, we need a new advocate
We’re looking for an experienced advocate who can help us support the rights and wellbeing of children and young people in state care across South Australia. For more information and a copy of the job description visit the I Work for SA website. Applications close at 5pm this Thursday (30 July).
