WELLBEING

Interview with Ange

If you have any problems at all or just need to have a chat, Ange Connelly in Wellbeing Office is a person to go to! We had a chat to Ange to give you an idea of what she does. Remember, no matter what is said in her office, it will always remain confidential.

Q: How many students come for your help a week?

A: About 40 students a week, about 8 a day on average.

Q: What situations come up the conversations with you for a number of students?

A: There are a lot, friendship issues, home issues and school issues like homework or learning, sometimes even mental health issues.

Q: What do you do most days at work?

A: Most days I talk to students.

Q: Why did you choose this job?

A: I really like working with young people. I find it really enjoyable.

Q: Have you ever not been able to solve a problem?

A: Yes, there are a lot of times where kids have lots of big problems at home or other places, so even though we can't solve them it's better to talk about it then just let it be.

Q: Have you ever had a situation you could relate to?

A: Yes, lots of things people talk about are common issues at school and I've been through some of them myself. So it sometimes makes it easier to support and help them because I can somewhat relate to what they are going through.

Q: Do you ever feel under pressure with a situation?

A: Yes, sometimes people, students and parents, can get really upset, sometimes things get hairy or when a student is having a meltdown, it can be hard to calm them down.

Q: Has there ever been a situation that was really bad?

A: Yeah, lots. In this job you get to see really good things and bad things about people, there have been some really difficult situations that have been kind of scary for me.

Q: How long have you been in Well-being?

A: 9 years now.

Q: Why did you choose to be in Well-being at Mt Eliza?

A: When I was studying, I did a placement here and I just loved it so much and I meet some really cool kids. I really liked the school and people here. I got really lucky, it was perfect place at the perfect time.

Q: How long were you in university for?

A: 4 years for Social Work.