Rhiannon Coggin of Atwell always knew what she wanted to be \u2013 a social worker like her mum.<\/p>\n
Sadly Rhiannon\u2019s mum passed away from cancer when she was in her second year of study at Â鶹ֱ²¥.<\/p>\n
But Rhiannon said unexpected reminders of her mum\u2019s achievements had kept her focussed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has felt like mum has been keeping a watchful eye over me along the way. For my final clinical placement, by complete coincidence, I was placed at Armadale Hospital, where mum had worked as a social worker,\u201d Rhiannon said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach day I arrived for my placement, I walked passed a plaque which had been dedicated to my mum, which was a lovely reminder for me to do my best.<\/p>\n
\u201cMum was a great inspiration to me. She was a fantastic social worker who was well-loved and respected by her colleagues. Now it\u2019s my turn to make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rhiannon, 22, successfully combined her studies with caring for her four siblings and part-time work as a Recovery mental health worker. She also conquered her own battle with a brain tumour as a 16-year-old, through hard work and determination she was able to complete high school.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving a brain tumour at 16 was a huge life challenge for me, and I felt that after coming through that experience I wanted to share my knowledge of life, hope and grief with others,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt that I had been given a second chance at life, and I wanted to give something back to the community. I knew that social work was a \u201chelping profession\u201d and that appealed to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Next week she will join more than 1590 Health Sciences students taking part in a series of graduation ceremonies.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to study social work because I now have an emotionally rewarding professional career ahead of me, but it has also enhanced my own personal growth,\u201d Rhiannon said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I first started studying social work in 2007, I was told you will never be the same person after studying social work. At the time I remember thinking \u201cyeah yeah\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow I\u2019ve finished the degree, I completely agree. My studies have really opened my eyes to the wide diversity of human beings.\u201d<\/p>\n
The four yearfull-time Bachelor of Science (Social Work) course includes 980 hours of clinical practice, which has trained Rhiannon to work as a Social Worker in multiple settings. .<\/p>\n
Dr Angela Barns, Head of Curtin\u2019s School of Social Work said Rhiannon\u2019s achievements were quite remarkable, given her family circumstances.<\/p>\n
\u201cRhiannon has been a pleasure to teach. She has a hectic life juggling study, work and family commitments, yet is always willing to go that extra mile,\u201d Dr Barns said.<\/p>\n
\u201cRhiannon\u2019s story shows that with determination and hard work, you can reach your goal. I wish her the best for her social work career.\u201d<\/p>\n
Contact:<\/strong><\/p>\n Kristy Jones, Public Relations, Â鶹ֱ²¥
\n<\/strong>Tel: 08 9266 9085, Mobile: 0402 517 300, Email: k.jones@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n