Charles Darwin University Social Work student Maria Kambouris is a semi-finalist in the Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards 2008.
She is one of 10 semi-finalists in the Community Services and the Career Achievement categories of the awards.
Maria (pictured), who will soon graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work, has been involved in aged care, youth work, mental health, disabilities and assault/violence projects that have used the counselling, advocacy, support and education skills she has gained through her course at CDU.
“The social work degree has enabled me to develop and utilise skills in working with people across a range of settings. Witnessing how my contribution can actually make a difference, no matter how small is amazing,” she said.
Maria was nominated for the award because of her energy, enthusiasm and fresh ideas that she brought to her student placements with community service agencies.
Of her future career, Maria said: “I chose a career in social work as I believe providing a service to humanity is vital if we, as a society, are going to achieve human rights, social justice and reconciliation.”
The purpose of the Young Achiever Awards is to acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of young Territorians.
More than 200 nominations were received for this year’s awards.