Great learning experience

Andrew Thyne Reid Scholarship

Getting out of her comfort zone by embarking on a rural placement in the Riverland with the support of an Andrew Thyne Reid Scholarship was a great learning experience for fourth year social work student Madelyn Sutton.

Although challenging, Madelyn says her five-month placement at Centacare Riverland Domestic Violence Service was incredibly rewarding and extremely beneficial to her learning.

"Working at such a small service with only three paid workers, I was able to get the full experience of what it will be like to be a social worker and I experienced the full spectrum of crisis situations - as well as success stories."

Initially concerned that a rural placement would cause her financial hardship, Madelyn accessed an Andrew Thyne Reid Scholarship, which supports students to undertake rural or remote placements by alleviating financial stress associated with a placement away from home.

Support from the scholarship meant Madelyn didn’t have to drive back to Adelaide each weekend to work to pay her rural placement living costs.

"I was able to undertake my placement without having the additional stressors of long work hours on top of my placement hours and university work," she says.

Along with paying for accommodation and living expenses while living away from home, the scholarship enabled Madelyn to purchase recommended textbooks and undertake training in mental health first aid to strengthen her ability to support clients.

At Centacare Riverland Domestic Violence Service Madelyn formed strong bonds with her supportive co-workers, but the highlight of her placement was building relationships with her wide range of clients, including a young client her age.

"Learning about her experience was heartbreaking however the bond that was built with her and her child allowed me to reflect on my privilege and allowed me to understand just how difficult the lives of my future clients will be."

"Watching this client come from a total crisis facing homelessness as well as significant trauma and distress, to eventually securing her a long-term housing and linking her and her son in with many helpful services due to her resilience and commitment, was a total highlight for me. It was a such a wonderful positive story to watch and be involved with."

After gaining this experience in supporting children and families, Madelyn is now looking forward to her career in social work and is considering her options in rural communities.

"Working in a rural environment would be extremely beneficial as I head into my social work career, so that I am able to find my feet and feel supported and happy in my work environment."

"I am so grateful I had this experience - it will assist with my career for years to come."

Applications for the Andrew Thyne Reid Scholarship open at the beginning of each semester, check the Scholarships page for more information.

^{Published 2020. Author: Lynda Allen}