Until recently, I was working in the NFP space in communications, meaning I was spending 38 hours a week in a windowless office, hunched over a desk and staring at a screen. That lifestyle simply isn't for me. The entire time I was in my last role, I just kept thinking about how much I would like to be working with people again and forming real, human connections – and hopefully making a difference in people's lives – not sending and receiving emails.
Prior to entering the NFP space I worked across retail and hospitality for over ten years, and have always loved being around people and the community and the beautiful and random human interactions that come with that. I've also previously volunteered both in aged care and in homelessness, and have always found that supporting the community in that way is what makes me happiest.
I think I will make a great social carer because I am gregarious, outgoing, friendly and adaptable, but I am also kind, patient and sensitive. I care very deeply about affording everybody dignity, hence my 5+ years of volunteering in aged care. Plus, I just love a good old chin wag!
I am most passionate about human rights and social justice, and in fact want to go back to university to study something in that space.
Aside from that, I love reading and learning (I'm reading a lot of non-fiction right now, mostly about the perspectives and life experiences of people from different backgrounds to me and decolonisation), gardening and cleaning (a bit weird, I know – but I like the satisfaction of a job well done. I don't think I am very arty or creative, but I enjoy trying to be. Plus, I find even if I am not very good that the process is therapeutic. Other than that, I enjoy outings and exploring – both indoors and outdoors.
I spent 5+ years volunteering in aged care as a community visitor, meaning I was paired with residents in aged care who I would visit weekly. Our visits could include a walk, a cafe outing or even games of cards – and most importantly, a good old chat.
