EDEN'S STORY

Eden worked as a checkout operator at her local Woolworths before trying her hand at a fast-paced role at a local café. She then went on to complete four years of study as part of her apprenticeship in Beauty Therapy. Eden loves to learn new things and has attended training events to support her work and learning.

Since connecting with the Gunnedah Campus as a fresh-faced school-leaver Eden has completed several short hospitality courses, first aid and mental health workshops, leadership skills and Microsoft Excel training:

"The training at Community College has given me a broader understanding about businesses and business management, and it has made my knowledge a lot better about mental health, and helped me to gain different qualifications."

Eden understands the impact adult education can have not only on her life but also the lives of others. As a beauty therapist, Eden quickly came to appreciate the challenges faced by people living and working in remote areas when her clients shared the details of their lives and their difficulties with her. She decided to develop skills she could use to help her clients in a holistic way, completing the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program's (RAMHP) Mental Health First Aid training. She also plans to complete The Accidental Counsellor to Support Mental Health for Work.

Eden has hopes of opening her own small business one day and sees value in developing her business skills including marketing, management, and digital skills to make the most of online business opportunities. Having been through two rounds of lockdown Eden is keen to mitigate the risk associated with frequent and unpredictable stay-at-home orders.

Eden’s advice is to channel your lockdown fears and anxieties into strength and empowerment by writing your own story through education.