Alanah McLeod UOW Graduate

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Graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work has been a deeply meaningful milestone for Alanah McLeod marking not just academic achievement, but the realisation of a calling grounded in lived experience and a lifelong desire to make a difference.

Her path began during her senior years of high school, when she enrolled in a Student Learning Support Officer TAFE course and started working in a local primary school. While the traditional classroom setting didn’t appeal to her, she found joy and purpose in sitting alongside children who were often labelled as “naughty” or too difficult to teach. These were the students who struggled to read or write their own names, while their classmates were already reading fluently. Helping those students learn in ways that suited them and watching their faces light up when they achieved something as simple and powerful as writing their full name sparked something profound in her.

It was clear she was meant to work closely with individuals, supporting them to grow and overcome challenges. Although she didn’t yet know what that job was, she knew it wasn’t teaching. That clarity came later during a university taster day at the University of Wollongong, where she had the chance to explore different career pathways. One of the classes she chose was social work, a field she knew nothing about at the time. But within that 45-minute session, everything clicked. She could see her future laid out before her. Within weeks, she applied for early entry into the Bachelor of Social Work and hasn’t looked back since.

Now a graduate, she reflects proudly on how far she has come especially the personal growth she experienced along the way. Pushing herself out of her comfort zone, trying new things, and forming deep, meaningful connections with both her fellow students and the community at Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC) were among the highlights of her journey.

But her study journey was not without hardship. One of the most challenging periods came during her placement, when she lost her beloved uncle. Grappling with grief while trying to meet academic and placement demands was overwhelming. There were days when the weight of loss made it hard to get out of bed, let alone attend placement or write assessments. And yet, with the unwavering support of her parents, friends, and the deep desire to make her uncle proud, she pushed through. That strength and the strength of those who supported her became the foundation of her success.

Throughout her degree, motivation ebbed and flowed, but her vision of becoming a social worker always pulled her forward. She held onto the image of herself out in the workforce, equipped with the knowledge and tools to create real change. Her parents were also a constant source of encouragement, reminding her how close she was to achieving her dream and urging her not to give up when things got tough.

Today, that dream is a reality. She is now working as a social worker at the South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation, where she is part of the health and wellbeing team. Her role involves providing crisis intervention, intake assessments, brief case management, and developing referral pathways for Aboriginal clients and families. It's work that is both meaningful and deeply aligned with her passion. She hopes to continue building her knowledge and experience in this role while exploring opportunities to travel and expand her career in the future.