Anyone who has been a parent or primary care giver of teenagers, will tell you that it is not easy. There are lots of decisions which need to be made as your baby blossoms into adulthood. Perhaps one of the most difficult decisions is what career path your child should follow? Do they want to go to university and complete a bachelor’s degree? If so, what degree should they pursue?

In order to provide parents of teenagers with moral support, we decided to share Galia’s story. Galia has three children, but we will be focusing on how she helped her daughter Jess work out what to do with her future.

Jess and Galia

Galia’s Story

‘Jess had a hard start to life. She was born prematurely at 24 weeks and she spent most of her childhood catching up with her peers in terms of her health and maturity.

As she was both our first born child and premature, we were very protective of Jess. We always encouraged her to do the best she could do. Luckily she listened to our advice and her strong work ethic has served her well.

Galia and Jess as a baby

Jess really started to blossom during late high school, but she was always unsure of what she wanted to do following her secondary schooling. As a family, we decided UNE was a good fit for Jess. Living in Armidale ourselves, we could continue to support Jess with her studies. It was also considerably more cost effective for Jess to stay at home with us in Armidale.

Jess successfully applied to enter a psychology degree through the Early Entry program at UNE. Jess did one subject in psychology, but found the subject was not for her. She decided to transfer to a double degree in law and criminology- and she never looked back!

Whilst she was studying, Jess did part time work at KFC, the Bowling Club and then the Court House. She was also lucky enough to do some volunteer work with Rod Watt at Watsons, McNamara and Watt- Lawyers and Solicitors.

Perhaps what Jess enjoyed most about her time at UNE was being involved with the Law Students’ Society (LSS). Jess made lifelong friends with fellow students such as Gemma Bryan and Molly Zarb, as a result of her activities with the LSS. Jess also connected with the friendly staff at the School of Law. I really believe this connection gave Jess the confidence to undertake an overseas exchange opportunity in her fourth year of study!

By the end of Jess’s degree she had transformed from an introverted and shy girl to a confident woman, with a professional job and lifelong friends.

Jess with Gemma and Molly

Jess is currently undertaking the graduate program with the Department of Justice and Regulation in Victoria. Just like UNE, the staff at the Department of Justice and Regulation, have been very supportive of Jess. Her supervisor has been outstanding and has kept a close eye on how Jess is going- especially as she is so far away from her family and friends. Even though Jess is based in Ballarat, she travels to Melbourne every fortnight to meet with her supervisors and her other colleagues in the graduate program. The group from the Department of Justice and Regulation also meet up regularly for other social events and sporting days.

As Jess’s mum I am thrilled with how Jess’s future is shaping up!’