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My name is Nicole Devine. I am a 34 year old mother of 3 children aged 15 year, 11 years and 7 years.
In 2007, my son was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 years old. After suggestions from school teachers, further investigation was done and a diagnosis of ASD – Aspergers syndrome was added in 2009.
In an effort to understand him further and help the dynamics at home, I commenced some community behavioural programs. This ignited my passion for knowledge. In 2011 I enrolled at Nirimba TAFE to complete a certificate IV in Community Services.
Completing my certificate brought about a new direction in my life generally. The staff at Nirimba were nothing short of inspirational. The support and guidance they illustrated towards me personally and as a student not only helped me transition back into education but proved extremely valuable personally. Adapting the new skills learnt into my family life strengthened my self-esteem and self-worth.
As a consequence of this new found confidence, in 2012 I applied with the University Of Western Sydney to complete a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and was overjoyed to receive early acceptance. After leaving high school in year 12, pregnant with my eldest daughter, a personal dream had come to fruition.
Currently, I have just completed my first year at uni, another milestone for me. Furthermore, I work as a contact support officer, with a company in conjunction with FACS and until December I am working part time as a community worker with St Clair Youth & Neighbourhood team.
I have a long way to go before I reach the end of my journey however, I attribute everything I have achieved so far with my positive experience at TAFE. At times, life events would arise and without the supportive staff, I know I would not have realised so many of my dreams.
