Everyone has a story that is unique and rich in personal experiences. Sometimes these experiences make a dent in your life that is difficult to shake. As a young person escaping Vietnam after the war, I remember the moment my parents ran out of jewellery to trade for food and clothing in the refugee camp. I was only 5 then, and now much older, but the memory is still so clear. Trauma and significant life moments can impact successive generations, showing up in poor decisions, unhealthy behaviours, and mental ill-health. Our story started before I was born with my grandmother dying by suicide, and then struggles with loss of family, and broken connections with culture and country. Despite life’s challenges, there is still much to be thankful for. What’s made the real difference has been people - individuals, who by being themselves, made a significant impact. Those who stepped in as a parent figure - the grandfather or grandmother - the role model to bring stability to life. They couldn’t always stop the poor decision making but they were there and that mattered. Twenty years in corporate work and half of that in not-for-profit, I’ve landed here, working in mental health and suicide prevention. I’m hoping that by sharing some of my journey and encouraging you to share yours, we can learn from each other and accept how normal it is to struggle. And the difference you and others can make….All posted content is my own and does not reflect my employer.
Listed skills include Risk Management, Change Management, Project Planning, Risk Assessment, and 41 others.