2016 Scholarship winners
In 2016 ACEN awarded eight scholarships of $1,500 to students in the following courses and universities
- Master of Social Work, Queensland University of Technology
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOccThy), Southern Cross University
- Bachelor of Medical Imaging, Central Queensland University
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), University of Newcastle
- Master of Social Work (MC150), RMIT University
- Bachelor of Health Sciences in Dentistry/Master of Dentistry, La Trobe University
- Masters of Social Work (Qualifying) (MSW), University of Tasmania
- Bachelor of Education, Primary, RMIT University
Four hundred and fifty applications were received.
The 2016 ACEN Student Scholarships provide financial support for students undertaking a WIL placement in a regional or remote area of Australia as part of their university studies.
When students do WIL in remote locations
One of the conditions of the scholarships was to provide a reflection of the WIL experience and address the following criteria:
- Identify the personal growth and skill development as a result of the WIL placement
- How the ACEN Scholarship supported the recipient’s career aspirations
- Evidence of the ability to think critically and question biases and assumptions
Reflections will be added here as they become available.
Teaching in a Remote Community in The Kimberley
‘Attending the Kija language classes was fascinating, and I felt incredibly privileged to be involved in learning a language connected to country. I felt deep pride in seeing my students engage in rich cultural learning. I reflected on the power of seeing and hearing Kija language shared from the Elders to the next generation of young Kija people, and the importance of preserving the oral-based languages of Australia.’
Dentistry in Ballarat
A sense of independence and self-confidence was the main goal I hoped to achieve from the placement, so that I would feel competent entering the workforce in 2017. Placement in Ballarat definitely delivered this as it allowed me to work in a fast-paced professional dental environment, similar to that of the real world. Initially, I was supported by my supervisors when diagnosing, treatment planning and performing dental procedures. As my skills developed, my supervisors became confident in my abilities and I was given more responsibility and would be treating patients almost exclusively on my own.
Social work placement
Being a student in a workplace enabled me to really learn whilst practicing. It may seem obvious but the opportunity freed me of a lifetime of limiting beliefs of needing to ‘get it right’ before I try. I fully embraced both being brave and trying with being professional and assisting people. What I learnt was we are all giving it our best effort at any point in time and it’s ok if it isn’t perfect, it never will be, we just need to keep moving in the right direction with the best intention.
Social work in central Australia
My placement took place within the Family Violence Prevention Program, and specifically within the ‘Domestic Violence Specialist Children’s Service’. This program is relatively new, having started in March 2016, and is situated within the broader Family Violence Prevention Programs such as the Men’s Behaviour Change Program and the Women’s Family Safety Project.
Rockhampton radiographer
Over the last three months I’ve been challenged technically and mentally to improve my skills as a student Radiographer and as part of great team of professionals here in Rockhampton. From mobile imaging in surgical theatres, to educating patients on why they might need a CT contrast injection – the skills I’ve practiced during this placement will be invaluable during my career.
Social work in Queensland
I know, from some experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, that Australia’s Indigenous population faces many issues pertaining equity, explicit and implicit forms of racism and systemic and social stressors, to name a few. It was my presumption, undertaking a position as a community health social worker, that the real “meat” of my placement would be in how I engage with these issues and at what level change may be possible. However, it became apparent very quickly that my work and time in ….. would be about far deeper learnings for me as a student, and as a person.