About

One of my key strengths is my empathetic and patient nature, which allows me to establish meaningful connections. I believe that treating individuals with respect, dignity, and kindness is essential in fostering a trusting and supportive environment. I have grown up in a big family of five children, helped to care for my terminally ill mother, built a strong professional network and even sturdier friendships / social circle, and have babysat both relatives' and friends' children - so have plenty of experience with varying social situations. Due to the diverse friendships I have invested in, I have had the privilege of supporting many friends who experience mental and emotional health issues, including one with both depression and Idiopathic Hypersomnia. I am grateful to continue to learn from those with challenges in world that still has a long way to go with diversity and inclusion. My extensive travelling has always opened my eyes to the kindness of humans and I would love to pay it back / pay it forward. I have roamed through metropolitan hubs, remote indigenous homelands, rural farms and coastal beaches of Australia, to five other continents, to listen to stories, learn from dynamic situations, share knowledge, gain global perspectives, and engage with communities and cultures from diverse backgrounds. ^& ^&An example of how I do this for my mother, who was always an avid reader. Unfortunately, her physical and cognitive challenges means she is unable to get up nor read one herself. I often sit with her and read aloud to her, ensuring to put varying emphasis into the tone and volume of the reading (depending on the nature of the dialogue / passages / characters). When I babysat my 6yo niece recently, she wanted to do Arts & Crafts. So we watched a YouTube tutorial on oil pastels together which meant she had a visual cue to follow. However, as the video was a lot quicker than her capacity, I was also able to guide her (e.g. with colour selection of the pastels), pausing the video and explaining, showing her myself, and generally assisting with experiential learning. Of course, the sharing of a hobby or skill is dependent on recognising where limitations may exist, and thinking of those limitations as opportunities to pivot the situation into a benefit or lesson. I believe patience and empathy is integral, as well as communicating effectively to ensure that everyone involved feels heard and understood. ^&

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Received both doses of COVID-19 vaccination