FINAL headspace Newsletter Autumn edition - Flipbook - Page 3
headspace.org.au
The universe was listening
by Alex
Here I am, sitting at my desk trying to figure out how to condense 10 years into one article.
As a result of my own mental ill health challenges, I left school halfway through year 12. I completed
a bridging course called the Tertiary Enabling Program and began studying a Bachelor of Business
majoring in Marketing and Event Management. At 21 I got my first job, and by 24 I was working in middle
management at a supermarket. At 26 I finally completed my degree, to prove a point more than anything
else. At 26 I was also finally diagnosed with ADHD. At 27 I realised I hated my job. I hated how it made
me feel and the impact my position had on my mental health, so I made the decision to resign and
return to studying.
I knew I wanted to help people, but I didn’t know what that could look like, so I decided to enrol in the
Diploma of Community Services at Bendigo TAFE. During my time at TAFE, I was privileged to become
one of Bendigo TAFE’s first Student Ambassadors, a role intended to provide advocacy and support to
TAFE students.
As part of my diploma, I completed 400 hours of student placement, half of which was spent at headspace,
supporting the amazing work done by our HEY Diversity and Community Engagement team. During this
placement I was able to see firsthand the direct impact I could make in the lives of young people and how,
by stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing my lived experiences, I could become a beacon of hope.
The universe must have been listening as not long before my placement at headspace finished, a position
at headspace had been advertised, and now here we are.
As part of Work and Study month our visits to
schools and workplaces included:
If you’re interested
in our Work and Study
Program contact
IPS@bchs.com.au
Boort District School
Charlton College
Rochester Secondary College
East Loddon P-12 School
BDAC
Axis Employment.
