On completing my degree in Bachelor of Psychological Science, I will be in a better position to make a positive contribution to the Indigenous community as a qualified professional, but also being a professional recognised and accredited health professional. As a qualified Indigenous Psychologist, I can make unique contribution in that being an Aboriginal person, I am able to understand the same issues from an Indigenous perspective to be able to work in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner and have the ability to deal with complex Indigenous health related issues.

In the remote communities, I currently work where there are huge social emotional and mental issues including high rates of suicide. Being able to apply both my new knowledge as a psychologist, and translate this into practice I do in Indigenous terms, will make a huge difference. The males in these communities find it difficult to access female psychologists and mental health professionals for cultural reasons, and for me to be able to provide these services for them especially will be a significant improvement in access for them.

Having worked in Indigenous health for the past 20 years, I have had the experience and the opportunity in delivery Primary Health Care programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people. I envisage myself making positive contribution to Indigenous Heath through

• Developing appropriate health programs that would promote:
  • health related behavior
  • diagnose causes and correlates of illness
  • assist people to cope with chronic illness
  • work toward the improvement of health services such as hospitals, community health services etc
• Assist helping people through involvement in community and welfare projects; facilitate programs aimed at community development and community capacity building that would work towards self determination.
• Work with individuals and families in building resilience to life stressors through developing coping mechanism to deal with problems and other situation which are related to general well-being, work, personal relationships and short term crisis intervention.

2021 studies were challenging with COV19 impacting all aspect of work and study. The University approach to changing their study took some time to adjust to how they deliver their units. There were some delays with the university with their enrolments, online delivery, assessments as informed us of their change’s with COVID19.

I currently working full-time and have been studying at the same time, I have enrolled in one unit for trimester 2 2021 as other units were not offered in in trimester 2 and 3 2021. The challenge I did have was adjusting to changes with work conditions due to COVD19. The whole experience of COVID19 changes took some time to adjust. However, I successfully completed my unit for Trimester 2 2021 and passed.

I have enrolled for Trimester 1 2022 and decide to take one unit as we are still experiencing issues and challenges with the impact of COVID19 in Cairns but also with the University of New England. I have just today received conformation and approval from the Unit Coordinator to enrol in PSY 314 Behaviour Modification: Learning Principle.