Kallangur mum of five Alisha Compton lives and works by a quote shared by a USC lecturer when she first started her Bachelor of Social Work degree – we are all one decision away from a completely different life.

Graduating from USC last month, Alisha said the quote helped her keep focus in her new role as a family practitioner with community organisation Flourish Community Solutions based at Moreton Bay.

“After my very first university placement, the line really resonated with me and to this day I live and work by it,” she said.

“My job focuses on empowering parents to make positive changes in their lives to improve their ability to keep their children safe at home and not become a part of the child protection system.

“Helping vulnerable families is something I’ve always been passionate about and it’s a great feeling to know you’re helping people make good decisions that will assist them to build a different, better life.

“It’s amazing how much of the social work theory and approaches I learnt throughout my degree has already aided me in the workplace.”

The 34-year-old said juggling studying with family life and maintaining part-time work was difficult at times, but she always felt supported by her lecturers.

“They made it obvious they cared about my learning and were always available when needed,” Alisha said.

“And while group work is highly contested amongst university students, I found it useful in creating relationships regardless of the personality differences, and I was lucky enough to make lifelong friends through these situations.”

Applications are now open via QTAC to study at USC next year, when the University will also open its new Moreton Bay campus with a state-of-the-art foundation building and almost 50 degrees. For information on how to apply to USC, go to www.usc.edu.au/learn

- Megan Woodward