I am currently studying the Masters in Adolescent Health and Welfare. When I commenced my studies I was a Senior Constable working in the Security Event Co-ordination Unit at the Victorian Police Academy. This course has had a dramatic impact on my career. I am now working as a Police Youth Resource Officer. This is a role I could not have obtained without studying this course because the positions are scarce and when they become available they are fiercely contested.

The wonderful thing about my job is that there is no such thing as an average day. The work is incredibly varied and can include: providing information sessions to schools, government and non-government organisations on police related matters, providing outreach support to young people through foot patrols, and conducting investigations for the development of strategic programmes concerning youth within my police service area

f I were to sum up my memories of this course in one word – that word would be possibilities. It has introduced me to skills and abilities I did not know I had. It has made me aware of information and knowledge I did not know existed. And this has all come together in an amalgam of potential actions and outcomes that I had never imagined possible.

Overall I would sum up my time at Melbourne University as one of the most enjoyable and rewarding occurrences in my life. I think I have been very lucky to be part of the Melbourne University experience where I was exposed to wonderful teachers and facilities. I have always said the best thing that I ever did with my life was to join Victoria police. I still stand by that statement. However, I am absolutely certain that the second best thing I have ever done was to embark upon this course. It has been hard work and it has demanded a tremendous amount of me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually but it has given me so much in return and I am so very grateful for having been given the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful experience.