I know from speaking to many of my friends at uni that there is stigma attached to working with people with disabilities and many misconceptions: that you have to be some kind of angel, have high levels of experience and work long ongoing hours. This is simply NOT true! I don’t regard myself as a angel in my job,  I didn’t have any experience when I first started, and as a full time student there is no way I have the time to manage lots of long shifts.

Being a full time student at Macquarie University, I find working in this industry is perfectly suited to a uni timetable. I work at a Community Access Service on day shifts during the week and at a Respite House for evening shifts and on the weekend. My shifts at both these sites are completely flexible, which makes studying and earning a living far easier compared to many of my friends.

Along with the flexibility of the work, I am also gaining valuable experience in a recognised health organisation. This experience will undoubtedly give me an advantage when I go on to secure work in the international aid sector once I have finished my degree.