Sharon De Valentin says you should never stop learning. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A Griffith artist has completed a counselling diploma, after being inspired to change careers by a tragic year in her town when there were three teen suicides.
Sharon De Valentin, 54, graduated in December after studying remotely at the Country Universities Centre Western Riverina.
She has already secured a new job at Karralika, a not-for-profit specialist alcohol and drug service that will be based on Yambil Street. Ms De Valentin will be working with young people aged 12 to 24, providing both group and one-on-one therapy sessions.
It’s a big change for a woman who makes art from beeswax and resin and who previously worked as a swim instructor and librarian. Region caught up with her to ask what it’s like to start a new career in later life and to find out her goals.
Why did you decide to become a counsellor?
We had a bad year in Griffith a while back when there were three suicides in one year [in 2020/21]. It affected everyone. I just thought, ‘I need to study to step into this space to help people’.
I did my diploma remotely through the North Sydney-based Institute of Applied Psychology; they were fabulous; I recommend them.
Did you have any qualms about studying a new field in your 50s?
I’ve never not studied something my whole life. I’m a life-long learner who loves learning anything; I think people should never stop learning. Psychology is my thing; how people think and how people are different.
My son said I’ve got a good 10 years left in me. But I told him that I’m never going to retire. I want to counsel and do my art for the rest of my life; I’ll never stop.
I also think counselling is something you get better at with age. You become more tolerant of everyone and you’ve seen a lot more in your life. I don’t think I’ll burn out; I have the maturity not to take my work home with me.
Some 14 students attended a graduation ceremony at the CUC in December. Photo: Nathaniel Vearing.
Had you previously tried to study psychology?
Yes. When I was younger, I did my double degree in psychology and philosophy. It was done by snail mail; I had to wait for textbooks to arrive, wait for assignments to be marked. I didn’t end up graduating; I wasn’t in the right space as I was looking after four children.
How much easier is it to study remotely nowadays?
Everything is online and at our fingertips; it’s so much easier.
The Country Universities Centre we have in Griffith is fabulous. They should exist in every country town. Some people may not have the opportunity to go away, they might be looking after their farm or their mum and dad. In my day, a lot of Italian girls didn’t go away to university because they weren’t allowed to leave. It’s so good to have a facility in town to help people get degrees.
What are your career goals?
The opposite of addiction is connection. My goal in life is to get people connected so they’re not addicted.
I love old people; I want to do mental health aged care at some point in the future. There’s always a chance for someone to change the way they think.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.
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