Abuse stories motivate Tamara to change careers

USQ student Tamara Stevens

Reading gut-wrenching stories about childhood abuse has motivated a young Hervey Bay woman to take up a career in youth counselling.

Tamara Stevens, 22, has decided to give up her full-time job in the financial industry to do a university degree majoring in counselling and child and family.

She is one of the first students to enrol in the newly expanded Bachelor of Human Services degree at USQ Fraser Coast.

'I first became interested in counselling children when I read some books about childhood abuse and how justice was sought,' Tamara said.

'I was affected by the stories and decided I really wanted to make a difference to the lives of these children.

'I’d like the chance to be able to give them a better life.'

The former Aldridge student is currently working full-time as a compliance officer at Professional Investment Services in Hervey Bay. She said she loves her job but is compelled to follow her heart.

Once she completes the degree she hopes to get a job working in the government’s child protection services department on the Fraser Coast.

In the future she plans to do a post graduate degree to move into social work.

The new-look Bachelor of Human Services degree now includes major studies in Child and Family, Community Development, Indigenous Studies and Human Resources Management as well as the existing Counselling major.

Contact Details:
Katrina Corcoran, USQ Media, +61 7 4194 3167