"When I came to Australia, I came as a refugee. It was hard for me to navigate where to find support and where to ask for help," says Sarah Nega. This was the start of her powerful journey to become the outstanding student in the Diploma of Community Services DCJ51015 at Melbourne Polytechnic.
Born in Ethiopia, Sarah's life took an unexpected turn when she sought refuge in Australia. Navigating a new country and its intricate support systems was a daunting challenge, but it also ignited a passion within her to help others facing similar circumstances. "Where are the community services? So, I developed an interest to support people who need support on that particular team,” she says.
Sarah's personal experiences fuelled her passion for community service work, allowing her to empathise deeply with those from refugee backgrounds. "This is my personal experience and knowing it makes a little difference for the people who are going through this journey. It
makes me really, really happy and that's why it keeps me working every day," she says.
Sarah's personal experiences have cultivated a deep well of understanding, fostering her dedication to community services. "I love working as a community service worker. I am from Ethiopia, but my work relates to any community members, any refugees background," she explains.
Sarah also found solace in gardening, a hobby that connects her to her Ethiopian heritage. "For me, it's just a lot of surprises and fantasy, and even though sometimes I am very tired or I'm very busy, I must check my plants," she says.
Sarah's journey at Melbourne Polytechnic was not without its obstacles, but she found strength in the support system provided by the dedicated faculty. "My advice for other students is not to give up, try, and when you need serious help at Melbourne Polytechnic, there are good teachers, and there are student support services. Just keep going, not give up," she advises, her words a great inspiration for those facing adversity.
Sarah’s story reminds us that even in the face of immense challenges, the power of resilience, compassion, and a deep-rooted passion can pave the way to success. As Sarah embarks on her journey as a community service worker, her dedication to supporting those in need will undoubtedly touch countless lives. Her story shows that every individual has the potential to create positive change, one act at a time.