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Graduating with a Certificate IV in Mental Health has helped Melissa Evans achieve her goals. After overcoming a childhood of adversity, the mum of three has become a highly respected mental health support worker for the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency.
“I began my journey with genU Training as a stay-at-home mum, barely a year 9 education and extremely low self-esteem,” Melissa said.
“I grew up one of ten children and my siblings and I were frequent flyers in the system, mainly foster care. I didn’t let my personal experiences in the system break me or lead me to choices that would not benefit my future. I chose a different path.”
While the 32 year old said she was riddled with self-doubt along the way, Melissa was adamant she was going to use her lived experience to help others in the system find a better life.
“It helps break down the barriers and eliminate the stigma of ‘you’ll never amount to anything being in resi care or foster care’. It also helps with building trust,” she said.
“When I enrolled with genU Training, I was so nervous and lacked so much confidence. I really didn’t think I would be able to meet the requirements I needed to gain my qualifications.
“As the weeks went on, I gained confidence in myself. I was able to speak without self-doubt or stuttering when speaking to the class and that was due to Azra [genU Trainer] consistently empowering us and building each student up to see our strengths. She was our biggest supporter.
“Today I have achieved so much from when I first enrolled with genU Training. I have obtained other qualifications and am employed with the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (residential care) where I got to go to work everyday doing what I love. Our team also won the Victorian Residential Care Award for excellence in child and family welfare in 2022.
“I loved studying with genU Training and Azra made my experience something else.”